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 Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 8:39 am
Chinese won? Yay! I like your lessons, Dave. I hope we can see more soon.
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Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 9:20 am
I don't think I get the tones right. I learned them when I was like five, but I've forgotten since then. I'm trying to point with my finger how the tone should go, so I know how to pronounce them. Is that a bad idea? I don't know...
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Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 6:45 pm
That's a very good idea, actually!
If it helps you "visualize" the tones, by all means draw them in the air while saying them, and eventually you'll get so used to the tones that you won't have to do it anymore.
Another thing you can try that I've found helps is sort of moving your head with the tones as you say each syllable. So for first tone (flat), keep your head still, for second tone (rising), "look up" as you say the syllable, for third, kind of dip your head down and then back up, and fourth (falling), drop your head a bit as you say it. It looks ridiculous, but really helps you get used to the tones, and then you can stop doing it when you have them down.
Another thing about practicing tones: when you practice speaking, draw each syllable out, making almost a dramatic gesture in the way you pronounce everything. For example, say you're pronouncing the word 号 (hào); instead of saying it really quickly so that you can barely tell it's fourth tone, try starting with the pitch of your voice high and dropping the pitch until the pitch of your voice is low, so it's like "haaaaaaaooo" with the pitch dropping dramatically as you hold out the syllable. Again, it sounds silly to anyone listening, but it's actually really helpful in the long run, since it's easier to shorten your syllables than it is to make your tones sound clearer.
Hope that's helpful!
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Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 1:17 pm
Dave That's a very good idea, actually! If it helps you "visualize" the tones, by all means draw them in the air while saying them, and eventually you'll get so used to the tones that you won't have to do it anymore. Another thing you can try that I've found helps is sort of moving your head with the tones as you say each syllable. So for first tone (flat), keep your head still, for second tone (rising), "look up" as you say the syllable, for third, kind of dip your head down and then back up, and fourth (falling), drop your head a bit as you say it. It looks ridiculous, but really helps you get used to the tones, and then you can stop doing it when you have them down. Another thing about practicing tones: when you practice speaking, draw each syllable out, making almost a dramatic gesture in the way you pronounce everything. For example, say you're pronouncing the word 号 (hào); instead of saying it really quickly so that you can barely tell it's fourth tone, try starting with the pitch of your voice high and dropping the pitch until the pitch of your voice is low, so it's like "haaaaaaaooo" with the pitch dropping dramatically as you hold out the syllable. Again, it sounds silly to anyone listening, but it's actually really helpful in the long run, since it's easier to shorten your syllables than it is to make your tones sound clearer. Hope that's helpful! Thank you! smile I must practise a lot. I really want to learn Chinese.
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:47 am
I have this dictionary by Oxford that came with the same thing on disc so you can hear how everything is. It says it's a "Talking Chinese Dictionary and Instant Translator." Just a thought if anyone's looking for a dictionary. wink
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Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:04 pm
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Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:59 pm
Ughhh, I haven't posted a new lesson all month and now it's almost July! stressed
I just got out of summer school this week, though, so hopefully I'll do something soon!
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