How Do I Learn Chinese?
Hey there, language lovers and linguistic ponderers! Welcome to another episode of “The Mandarin Show,” where we serve up sizzling word associations between English words and Mandarin words every episode. Many people don’t realize that when they ask the question “How do I learn Chinese” there isn’t actually a language named Chinese! China has several major dialects including Mandarin, Cantonese, Xiang, Min, and many more. The two most common by far are Mandarin, also called “Putonghua”, and Cantonese, also called “Yue”.
Should I Learn Mandarin or Cantonese?
That is the question! Which one to choose: learn Mandarin or Cantonese? Ultimately, it comes down to the reason why you’re learning, where you’re going, and what dialect will benefit you the most.
While both languages hail from the Chinese family tree, they’re as distinct as sweet and sour. Mandarin, often called the “lingua franca” of China, boasts over a billion speakers worldwide! Mandarin is the official language of China. Conversely, Cantonese rules the roost in Hong Kong and Guangdong province with its melodious tones.
When choosing whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, consider if you plan to do business in China or travel to the country, then Mandarin would be your ideal choice. Mandarin is also widely spoken in Taiwan and Singapore, which are two crucial economic powerhouses in Asia. Additionally, Mandarin is one of the most studied languages in the world. Learning Mandarin would overall be beneficial – even if you do not have travel plans – since it is the most widely spoken language in the world, second to English.
Cantonese, on the other hand, is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Guangdong Province in southern China. While Cantonese is not the official language of China, it is still widely spoken and recognized. If you plan to live or work in these regions, then Cantonese would be your first choice.
The reason you are learning a second language should be taken into account when choosing whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese.
Differences Between Mandarin and Cantonese
Another thing to consider when deciding whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese is the differences between the two.
One significant difference between the two dialects is that the pronunciation of Mandarin and Cantonese varies. Mandarin’s pronunciation is considered relatively stable, with four tones, fewer than Cantonese in comparison. Cantonese has nine unique tones, which can be challenging for beginners to master. While Cantonese may seem more lively and expressive compared to Mandarin, it can be easy to mispronounce words due to the complex phonetics.
Mandarin’s pronunciation can occasionally resemble a tongue-twister marathon, with tricky sounds like “zh,” “q,” and “x” that require a bit of tongue acrobatics.
That’s also why “The Mandarin Show” presents a segment with the “Tongue Twister Sisters” who put phrases together to challenge you and also help you speak Mandarin. Cantonese, though, spices things up even more with its unique consonant endings and subtle nuances that can leave your tongue doing a tango.
Similarities Between Mandarin and Cantonese
When deciding whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, it is also worth noting the similarities between the two.
Both Mandarin and Cantonese are tonal languages where changing the tone of a word can change its meaning entirely. While the tones themselves may differ slightly between dialects, the concept and importance of tone remain the same.
Mandarin and Cantonese also share a significant amount of vocabulary. There are many words that are pronounced similarly in both dialects. However, depending on the context, they may be pronounced slightly differently or have an entirely different meaning. Please note, like everywhere in the world, there are regional variations. So some Mandarin language may be different in Beijing than in Shanghai, for example.
This should not hinder your Chinese language learning appetite! You don’t have to choose to learn Mandarin or Cantonese. The similarities between these two dialects may make it easy for you to learn both, especially if you’re tuned into “The Mandarin Show.”
Culture and Media
When pondering whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, consider the culture and media you’re interested in.
Mandarin speakers can access more media outlets since it is the official language. Mandopop (Mandarin pop) is a genre that dominates the entertainment industry in China and Taiwan.
Learning Mandarin opens doors to ancient Chinese literature, classical poetry, and historical texts. You’ll be reciting Tang dynasty poets before you know it.
On the flip side, Cantonese exposes you to the vibrant culture of Guangdong and Hong Kong, complete with iconic films and melodious Cantonese opera. Cantonese is still the dominant language in Hong Kong entertainment. Some popular Cantonese movies include the martial arts classic Ip Man and the well-known romance film In The Mood for Love.
Learn Mandarin or Cantonese: Choose the Right Path for You
When deciding whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, don’t stress it! Remember, it’s not just about choosing the “right” language – it’s about embracing the journey of discovery, diving into the depths of communication, and savoring the linguistic variety that learning Chinese offers. You’ll also be surprised how similar words are in English and Chinese. “The Mandarin Show” can illuminate an easier way to grasp the Chinese language through our design of mnemonic entertainment.
So Which Will You Choose: Learn Mandarin or Cantonese?
If you plan on working with or traveling to China, then Mandarin is likely the better choice due to its prevalence in government, media, education, and business. If you’re interested in Cantonese cuisine, cultural traditions, or traveling to Hong Kong or Macau, then Cantonese may be the better choice.
However, keep in mind that learning any language takes time and effort. If you choose Mandarin, “The Mandarin Show” is happy to entertain you while also teaching you. We believe that learning a language can be fun. By the end of our show, you will be saying, “I LOVE learning Mandarin!” And, “I LOVE saying new Mandarin words!” And even, “I LOVE saying complete Mandarin phrases!” (Note: “I” spelled “AI” means “Love” in Mandarin). Download the app today.