Mandarin is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, and it’s also one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. The grammar is simple, the pronunciation is straightforward, and plenty of resources are available online and in print.

One of the questions commonly asked among people who want to speak Mandarin is; can I self-study Mandarin? If that’s a question that is bugging you too, the answer is, yes, you can self-study Mandarin. However, if you’re serious about learning Mandarin, it would be best for you to enrol in a formal Mandarin course in Singapore.

But if your goal is just to become conversational, then you can definitely achieve that by studying on your own. Here are five reasons why taking a Mandarin course in Singapore would be the best choice for you.

• You’d learn the right tones and pronunciation from a native speaker

Mandarin comes with four tones, which can be hard to master. There are other Chinese dialects that come with only two tones, but Mandarin has four. Being able to say words in the appropriate tone will make it sound more natural, and having a native speaker around will guarantee this effect. If you take a class or join a group that studies Mandarin as a hobby, there might be a chance that none of them have been formally trained on Mandarin pronunciation, which could lead to some unpleasant results such as monotonous-sounding sentences or just sounds plain wrong.

• You’d know how to write characters correctly

Characters form an integral part of the Chinese writing system. They represent words and syllables and even parts of speech. Chinese characters can be difficult to learn if you’re self-studying, as there is no one definitive resource that will teach you everything you need to know. In a class setting, however, your teacher will be able to guide you on the best way to write characters and help you avoid common mistakes.

• You’d have more opportunities for speaking practice

Speaking practice is essential for learning any language. The more Mandarin courses Singaporean students take, the more chances they’ll get to speak with other people learning the language. This will give them a better grasp of the nuances and correct usage of Mandarin phrases and expressions.

• You’d learn more about the culture and customs of China

Learning the language is one thing, but learning about the culture and customs of the people who speak it is another. When you take a Mandarin course in Singapore, you’ll get to learn more about Chinese culture, which will give you a better understanding of why the Chinese people do the things they do. For example, knowing that Confucianism is one of China’s dominant schools of thought will help explain why there is such a strong emphasis on family values and hierarchical relationships in Chinese society.

• You’d be able to use learning materials that are specific to your level

When self-studying, you can choose whatever learning material you want to use, regardless of your level. This can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re a beginner. However, if you’re taking a Mandarin course in Singapore, you’ll be using materials that are designed specifically for your level, which will make learning the language much easier.

Is Studying Mandarin on my Own a Good idea for me as an Individual?

It’s definitely a good idea for you to study Mandarin independently and not in a classroom setting. This way, you won’t be distracted by other students in the class, and you’ll be able to focus all your energy on improving your language skills. 

However, if you want to make sure that you get balanced exposure from both speaking and listening activities, why don’t you find Mandarin courses in Singapore from reputable language schools like Lingo? You’ll get to learn from experienced and certified teachers, and you’ll also get to make new friends who are interested in learning the language too.

The main challenge you’ll face when self-studying Mandarin is that it will be difficult to know whether you’re progressing at a rate that’s satisfactory or not. This is because there isn’t a set standard that everyone follows when it comes to learning the language. In a class setting, your teacher will be able to assess your progress and give you feedback accordingly. Without this support system, you might find it hard to stay motivated and continue studying. That being said, if you’re determined to learn Mandarin on your own, here are some tips that might help:

• Make sure you have the time and dedication to self-study: It is important that you set realistic goals for yourself and that you’re willing to put in the effort required to achieve them. Learning a new language can be challenging, so you need to be prepared for the hard work involved.
• Use resources that are tailored to your level: When you’re self-studying, it’s important to use materials that are suited to your level of proficiency. If you’re a beginner, don’t try to tackle material meant for intermediate or advanced learners. You’ll just end up getting frustrated and give up altogether. 
• Get regular speaking and listening practice: As mentioned earlier, speaking and listening practice is essential for learning Mandarin. You can get this by talking to your friends or family who is also learning the language or by finding a language partner online.
• Enrol in a Mandarin course in Singapore for more structured learning: If you feel that self-study is not for you or want more structured learning, consider joining a Mandarin class in Singapore. Not only will you have access to qualified teachers who can assess your progress, but you’ll also be able to learn with people who are at the same level as you.

In conclusion, although it is possible to self-study Mandarin, doing so has its drawbacks. Taking a formal course or hiring a tutor would be better if you want to learn the language properly and become fluent in it. If, however, your goal is just to become conversational, then studying on your own is still a viable option. Just make sure that you have access to plenty of resources and that you are willing to put in the extra effort required to learn Mandarin successfully.

Learn Mandarin faster and more effectively!

Lingo language school offers Mandarin courses specifically designed for learners of all levels. They have a team of certified and experienced teachers who will help you learn the language in a fun and effective way. Contact Lingo today to learn more about their courses and how they can help you achieve your language learning goals! Call: +6562533320.

Lingo School of Knowledge – Thai | Korean | Spanish | French Language School
87 Beach Rd, 03-01 Chye Sing Building, Singapore 189695
+65 6253 3320
https://www.lingo.edu.sg/