If you want to build a strong language learning habit, it needs to be enjoyable, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Curiosity will take you further than pure willpower. In Chinese there is a popular saying:
不怕慢, 就怕站。
— Be not afraid of growing slowly, only of staying still.
Here are 14 ways to enjoy learning Chinese:
1. Shift your view: Don’t call it “studying Chinese”, call it “exploring Chinese”. Regardless of your reason for learning the language, consider it an exciting adventure and awaken your curiosity.
2. Start with what interests you: Learn the words and expressions on topics you like. You don’t have to memorize the HSK 1 list first.
3. Get company: Invite a friend to come on the journey with you or join a class.
4. Find the right time: Explore the language at a time that suits you.
5. Have shorter, frequent sessions: Slip away whenever you can to do short exploration sessions, rather than trying to force yourself to concentrate for long hours.
6. Find patterns: Put on your detective hat and discover patterns rather than memorizing rules.
7. Avoid route memorization: Treat learning characters like a combination of cracking a code and learning calligraphy. For example, take a close look at the components in a new character and recall what they mean.
8. Have fun with the tones: Like learning to rap, get into the rhythm of the language to master the tones. To do so, throw out your pinyin chart, and put on your headphones. If you want it to be fun and effective, don’t try memorizing the pinyin chart. Instead, spend time really listening for the tones in the vocabulary recording (audio file/CD) and make a game out of recognizing them as you hear each word.
9. Chat: Have a lot of interesting conversations in Chinese with a tutor or language exchange partner.
10. Watch TV: watch cartoons, movies, dramas, or YouTube videos in Chinese. I started by watching cartoons and anime (including Pokémon).
11. Read for fun: Read what piques your curiosity (yes, even Chinese comic books are fine).
12. Play games in Chinese: This includes class games with a teacher and computer games. It works best if you change the language of video games that you’re already familiar with.
13. Explore fascinating facts: Be curious about Chinese culture and the language. (There are some very funny origin stories for certain Chinese idioms, I had a blast reading them. )
14. Create a roadmap: This is an outline of things to learn so you don’t feel overwhelmed.