Newbie

[RobAnt]

For no reason other than I want to, I have decided to learn a second language, and have chosen Mandarin Chinese.

I spend almost 4 hours a day in my car going to and from work (it's actually only 63 miles each way), so I have plenty of time to learn the language by listening and repeating.

Initially, I've chosen "Learning Chinese in Your Car" for in car use (of course) and "Teach Yourself Chinese" - although I won't have much time to learn pinyin and chinese characters, at least initially.

The problem I am having, is that I don't work with anyone who understands Chinese, and have little day-to-day interaction - apart from popping into a local Chinese restaurant.

I live in Plymouth, UK (which, I believe, has the highest number of Chinese people per capita, than anywhere else in the UK), and wondered if anyone else on the Forum lives here - and if so could he/she help me?

Although I've only been learning for a couple of days, I'm finding that little seems to stick and as soon as I stop listening to the lessons (and at the moment, I've only really listened to the first two - repeated over and over) I seem to be forgetting what I've learned.

[J.B. Frog]

Pimsleur aims at retention - their gimmick is, that just as theoretically the material should be fading from your mind (within a 1/2 hour session) they re-ask you for it. I haven't tried any others so I can't compare, but lots of people seem to like it. Read up on it. Also, there are a few websites that sell it cheaper than retail (I think cheappimsleur.com is one, but there's a list somewhere here on chinese-forums.com).

I don't work for Pimsleur or any website, I've tried it and like it decently, though it's expensive and is somewhat aimed at traveller use (but not to the point it's useless for other learning).

[RobAnt]

Thanks, I'll certainly look into Pimsleur. A quick glance shows that the basics aren't that expensive, but the full course may have to wait a while. Meanwhile, I'll carry on with what I can afford.

If I went to China, being a computer network (Novell) technician, would my skills be in demand? I don't have much in the way of formal academic qualifications. I do have extensive technical experience and qualifications, though.

A lack of academic qualifications has always put me off travelling for work in the past, not to mention my lack of a foreign language.

I'd still like to find someone local, willing to exchange skills, of course. I have no concrete plans for the future.

Mmm I wonder how the previous two paragraphs might be phrased in Chinese. I've used a metaphore and some unusual sentence construction to get an idea across. My understanding, so far, is that the Chinese language (or is that culture) is hot on metaphores. Am I right?

[diana_200019]

Hi,

I'm a newbie too

I also decided to start learning, and by chance chose Pimsleur. I'm finding it great. I feel I'm making really good progress, and it's certainly not due to any talents of my own! I'd recommend it.

And with the local thing, I have the same problem - I don't know anyone else who's learning (and I live in Northampton, a fair old distance from Plymouth!). However when I go to uni I'm going to do a group class in Mandarin. Do you know if there are classes near you? I'd be surprised if there weren't and it might be a good way to meet other learners.

Diana

[RobAnt]

Hi Diana,

Evening classes would be good, but see my comment re "4 hours a day in my car". The only time I have, really, is Saturday and Sunday afternoons, which is why I'm looking for someone with a view to mutual benefit, rather than trying to find a class. Also I need a bit of flexibility, which would be unfair on a class, really.

[plymouthlad01]

Hi, I am also from plymouth, i know very little mandarin anfd cant find any classes anywhere. Have you heard of any lately? If you do send me an email (jakewhite2002@hotmail.com). And if I find aything I will post a reply on here with all the information.

Jake

[johnmck]

I have tried learning languages whilst commuting in a car but it never worked for me. The problem is I need to concentrate to learn anything, and even when stuck in traffic jams my mind is still on the road.

Like yourself I am learning chinese by myslef and I find a mix of good books and audio material and this forum works well. Clearly having a teacher is best but this forum does help a lot with those questions that your grammar book does not answer.

There are also websites that will help you find a chinese penpal, you cvan then communicate either by email or using VoIP (MSN messenger, skype). I have tried this and have the impression that this will become very useful after reaching intermidiate level.

I have never tried Pimsleur but I have heard good things about it on this forum. I would be interested to know if anyone has had any experience of using it while driving.

John.

[roddy]

Plymouth . . . Chinese . . . rings this bell.

That guy is also interested in Chinese, and is based in Plymouth - he's been studying for a few years I think, so might have some ideas about local resources. I think he was a member on here but didn't visit much. Can't see any contact info, but you could sign up on the forum on that site and get in touch that way.

Roddy

[RobAnt]

Plymouthlad01 - I'll be in touch. For now, you can checkout http://www.chinesevista.co.uk - the owner is a friend of mine, and I built the website for her. There is a page on there with a couple of links - not much yet, I'm afraid.

Johnmck

I got the Pimsleur Quick and Simple from pimsleurapproach.com - and I drive for about 4 hours a day (Plymouth to Camborne and back daily). I would recommend a little bit more concentration, but by the time you've done each lesson 6 times a day it's beginning to sink in a little. To be absolutely honest with myself, I doubt I would give it this much effort if I wasn't driving!!!! However, have just forked out on Comprehensive I - we'll see if I actually manage to get through all that and go on to Comp2 & 3!

Pimsleur certainly seems to me to be the most effective "listen & learn" system. Others may give you more words, but seem to lack the depth of conversational integration.

So far, I'm upto lesson 6 (doing a lesson a day), but I don't have time to try it out on my Chinese friends much. I seem to get about 80% of the questions right, though, when asked. Which is what the system is designed to cope with.

Roddy - Thank you. Seems he and I have a common interest (apart from Puthongwha (sic)) - he uses SuSE Linux 9.x, I'm a Novell NetWare specialist - Novell own SuSE and are transforming much of their NOS utilities to work in the Linux environment.

[kudra]

I was going to suggest trying to find a conversation exchange on craigslist, but it looks like Plymouth doesn't have a craigslist. Perhaps something else like it? Any university nearby with a Chinese Language dept?

[RobAnt]

We may hold Sunday afternoon meets at Chinese Vista. See website listed above. It was my friends suggestion.