So you’ve downloaded “The Mandarin Show,” what’s next? Learning Mandarin Chinese is not for the faint of heart. With its enchanting characters and melodious tones, it has always been a language that piques curiosity. But for many, the prospect of learning a tonal language with thousands of characters can seem daunting, but you’re already a step ahead of the rest by having the support of “The Mandarin Show” in your pocket.
We are here to rescue you from the language-learning doldrums of all those other apps with our mnemonic entertainment segments. Laugh along with us and take your learning beyond our episodes by incorporating these 10 fun at-home ways to improve your Mandarin! Let’s go! Or should we say, let’s choo! (“Choo” spelled “Chu” means “Go!”)
How Does It Work?
For those unfamiliar with “The Mandarin Show,” a quick explanation of our revolutionary learning method is as simple as our “go” example above. “The Mandarin Show” helps you when learning Mandarin at home through entertaining skits by associating English words you already know and love with silly skits.
Once you get acclimated to Mandarin basics through “The Mandarin Show,” there will be no stop to your Chinese language skills. These 10 at-home fun activities can help you spice up your home language learning process and keep things as hot as Szechuan:
1. Dumpling Tasting
Who doesn’t love Chinese food? Whether you’re a fan of dim sum or potstickers, the next time you indulge, take a moment to learn the Mandarin word for your favorite dumpling type. The food is one great reason to begin learning Mandarin! Trust us; it might seem simple, but overall, it’s a delicious way to expand your Mandarin vocabulary.
2. Karaoke with a Twist
Karaoke is already a blast, but why not take it up a notch by belting out Mandarin songs? You’ll have a great time practicing pronunciation, and who knows, you might discover your new favorite MandoPop star. You can start with easy Mandarin songs to sing; try “If You Don’t Love Me, It’s Fine” by Jay Chou. It’s shown that immersing yourself in media of the language you’re learning can significantly help improve your skills. This is also a great way to explore Chinese culture and increase your foreign music library, which can impress your friends.
3. Mandarin Movie Nights
Swap out your usual movie night with a Mandarin film. Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything at first; just focus on recognizing words you’ve learned from “The Mandarin Show.” You’ll be surprised how much you pick up!
Check out these famous Chinese films for your next movie night: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Curse of the Golden Flower (2006), The Farewell (2019), and of course, a Mandarin movie night would be incomplete without Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon (1972).
Part of “The Mandarin Show” involves a kung-fu parody skit, so you may have a better appreciation for this segment after watching Bruce Lee.
4. Cook Your Way to Fluency
Whip up some authentic Chinese dishes at home following Mandarin recipes. As you chop, stir, and sauté, you can label ingredients in your pantry in Mandarin. So take a bite of your delicious food, or fan (“fan” means “food”), with a side of Mandarin vocabulary – you’ll be on the fast track to fluency, or basic conversation at the very least.
5. Gardening with a Twist
If you have a green thumb, label your plants with their Mandarin names. Not only will your garden look picturesque, but you’ll also have a visual reminder of new vocabulary every time you water your chrysanthemums.
6. “Word of the Day” Challenge
Make learning Mandarin at home a daily habit by challenging yourself to learn a new word each day. Whether it’s a Mandarin word that shares a similar English sound or an everyday object, it’s a small step towards fluency that can add up quickly.
7. Mandarin Meditation
Incorporate Mandarin into your mindfulness routine. Start your day with a short meditation where you focus on your breathing while repeating peaceful Mandarin phrases. It’s a peaceful way to get in some language practice while reducing stress.
8. DIY Flashcards with a Twist
Even though “The Mandarin Show” promises Mandarin without memorization, flashcards can still be a great way to reference new words and phrases you’re learning. Create flashcards with Mandarin words and their English counterparts. Use them as decoration around your home, so you can quiz yourself on the words every time you walk past.
9. Travel Prep
Even if you’re not planning a trip to China, learning Mandarin can be a fun way to prepare for future adventures. Imagine the satisfaction of ordering your favorite dishes or asking for directions in Mandarin when you finally get to explore China! Plus, the locals will appreciate any effort speaking their language.
10. “The Mandarin Show” Marathons
Last but not least, binge-watch “The Mandarin Show!” With its mnemonic entertainment style, it’s like a language lesson disguised as entertainment. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you start understanding and speaking Mandarin with your favorite cast of characters!
“The Mandarin Show” Can Open You Up to a New World!
Learning a new language opens you up to another world, literally. Just imagine all the new music, film, and food you will be introduced to on this journey. It won’t always be easy; it will take time, but with “The Mandarin Show” as your companion, we can promise a fun ride. With our new method of mnemonic entertaining videos, learning Mandarin at home is possible, and we can help establish a sturdy foundation for your Mandarin skills. The rest is up to you. Try these 10 at-home ways to integrate Mandarin into your routine and engrain the language into your mind.
“The Mandarin Show” does not want to discourage you on your learning journey – like so many learning-language apps do. Our method works because it naturally merges your English background with Mandarin humorously. So get ready to improve your Mandarin in a fun way. Download “The Mandarin Show,” if you haven’t already, improve your Mandarin skills by watching TV (basically), and have fun while learning!