English speakers: Learning Mandarin can make your tongue hurt.
Welcome aspiring Mandarin maestros and language lovers to “The Mandarin Show!” Have you ever thought about learning Mandarin as an English speaker, but immediately felt discouraged, imagining all the tongue-twisting Chinese words? Well, hold onto your English tongue because we’re about to reveal a new learning method that won’t make your tongue hurt.
“The Mandarin Show” is a revolutionary language-learning app that uses simple mnemonic devices. And unlike other methods of learning Mandarin, it won’t make your tongue hurt. Here’s an example: the word for “HURT” in Mandarin sounds like another English word, “TONGUE.” That’s right: “tongue” means “hurt” in Mandarin Chinese. (Note: it’s written as “teng” in the Mandarin system, but it sounds like “tongue.”)
Do you see what your mind just did there? You went from one English word that you already know (“tongue”) …to another English word (“hurt”) in order to speak Mandarin. It’s that easy! So get ready, English speakers, to expand your Mandarin knowledge without making your “tongue hurt.”
1. Begin with the Basics
When learning any new language, it’s essential to start with the basics. Typically, for Mandarin, this means studying vocabulary and practicing the pronunciation of vowels, consonants, and tones. “The Mandarin Show” changes things up a bit. Instead of forcing you to spend countless hours memorizing, we break these elements down into easy-to-understand, enjoyable segments of entertainment.
You just listen, laugh, and learn from comedy skits. To start out, our host, Andy Peeke, and his sidekick, “Confucius D,” present a talk-show segment that uses English words to teach you Mandarin. What’s wonderful about this method is that you don’t need to be shy when practicing your Mandarin because you are using words that you already know in English! (Like “tongue” and “hurt.”)
2. Familiar Words
Our research has proven that the most effective way to build a strong foundation in Mandarin is by associating new words with other English words that you already know.
Here’s another example. When you think about learning Mandarin Chinese, you may start to get worried. Just like Shakespeare did when he famously said: “Woe is me, woe is me!” So, guess what “woe” means in Mandarin? You guessed it: “woe” means “me” in Mandarin! Woe is me! (Again, in the Mandarin system, it looks a little different: spelled as “wo,” but it still sounds like “woe.”) So, “wo” is “me”… literally!
“The Mandarin Show” uses this type of mnemonic association to help you retain new vocabulary effortlessly. We explain the meaning through silly, visual skits that stick to your mind like glue. It’s learning without memorization, and it’s learning without fear of failure.
Even though learning new Mandarin words with other apps can make your tongue hurt, this is no longer an issue on “The Mandarin Show” because you are using words that are already stuck in your head. Build upon your Mandarin knowledge by using English words that you already know (like “woe” and “me”) simply by watching “The Mandarin Show.” You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can understand basic Mandarin vocabulary simply by watching an entertaining English-speaking TV show.
3. Laugh Along
Learning a new language can be a mind-numbing process with most language learning systems. But it doesn’t need to be. It can be fun, engaging, and even a bit silly at times. That’s the philosophy behind our teaching method. “The Mandarin Show” incorporates activities like hanging upside down, beating up pies, and lighting lamps made of dung (yuck!) to help your brain draw simple mental connections between English and Mandarin. You will remember new words and improve your pronunciation simply by watching each segment. The further you go, the funnier the skits get.
In Level 1 of “The Mandarin Show,” each time you learn a batch of new words, the special segment: “Fists of Fluency” kicks in, using the words you have just acquired and incorporating them into a series of kung-fu parody movies. Engaging in such an entertaining learning process isn’t a chore, so your brain is more likely to retain the information you’re learning.
4. When You Get Tired, Just Lay Down
As an English speaker, remember to go easy on yourself when you start learning Mandarin. While “The Mandarin Show” system of learning through mnemonic entertainment is the most foolproof method we have found, mistakes will still be made.
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get everything right on the first try. You may even get tired. In fact, if you do get tired, our advice is: just lay down. Even if you forget that “lay” means “tired” in Mandarin (spelled as “lei”), just hit replay because you will catch on soon. Remember, you already know these words (“tired” = “lay”), so just embrace your mistakes, hit replay, and laugh while you learn again.
5. A Completely Different Approach
Today, there are more opportunities than ever to learn Mandarin Chinese with an immense array of language-learning applications, books, and online software. While Duolingo and Rosetta Stone are some of the most popular systems to help you learn another language, it doesn’t mean they are the right fit for every learner.
Everybody learns differently. There are visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learners. Which one are you? Those applications may work for some, and for others, they might be a lost cause that can lead to frustration and failure. “The Mandarin Show” presents a completely new, visual and auditory method that connects English with Mandarin as a form of entertainment. No other language learning app currently available offers anything like this!
If you have struck out with previous attempts on different applications, watch a few episodes of “The Mandarin Show.” You might find out that you actually enjoy being entertained vs. continuous memorization.
The Mandarin Show Is More Than Learning
Beyond turning you into a Mandarin marvel, “The Mandarin Show” offers additional benefits:
Converse with Billions
Mandarin opens the door to connect you with over a billion people. Imagine the joy of striking up conversations with locals during your next trip to China or simply impressing your Chinese-speaking friends.
Pride and Accomplishment
Learning Mandarin as an English speaker is like leveling up in the game of life. It’s an achievement that deserves recognition. Stand tall, fellow Mandarin learners; you’re mastering a language that’s often considered a Herculean task!
The sense of achievement you’ll experience while excelling at learning Mandarin as an English speaker will make you feel like a linguistic superhero, impressing friends and family with your newfound coveted skills. You can keep how enjoyable the journey can be on “The Mandarin Show” as your little secret. Or you can share how easily “The Mandarin Show” works by teaching Mandarin entirely in English words they already know.
Cultural Connection
Learning Mandarin opens the doors to a treasure trove of Chinese culture, from delicious cuisine to captivating traditions. You might just find yourself planning a pilgrimage to China, armed with your newfound language skills and an insatiable appetite for dumplings.
The Mandarin Show Has Benefits Beyond Learning
As we have already stated, for English speakers, learning to speak Mandarin can make your tongue hurt. But with “The Mandarin Show” as your trusty sidekick, it becomes a side-splitting adventure filled with laughter, unforgettable mnemonics, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of this Chinese language – all by using the sounds of English words that you already know and understand.
So, don your learning cap and prepare for a journey that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Remember, when it comes to learning Mandarin as an English speaker, laughter truly is the best teacher! Download the app now!