Cantonese Learning Experiences

Paul Bodenham

Paul is English and has spent over 20 years learning Cantonese.
Paul actually inspired this section with a post he made to the forums.

Why did you want to learn Cantonese?

"I have always been interested in things Chinese. I wanted to learn Cantonese because as a language it is far more vibrant and expressive than Mandarin(sorry for those who disagree, personal opinion only) Also as I was based in England there was far more opportunity to practice Cantonese."

How would you class your level of spoken Cantonese?

"85-90% fluent( ask my wifes family)"

What about reading or writing Chinese?

"Yes I am able to read and write Chinese. I began studying them once I got a foothold in spoken Cantonese. At the course I attended the teacher gave out character sheets to accompany the lessons. In addition I did a lot of self study. I have taken both GCSE and A level Chinese."

What other foreign languages do you speak?

"School French (which I am now rediscovering as my eldest daughter is studying it at school) / School German. I also took a basic Mandarin conversation class while my children are in Chinese school on Saturdays."

Have you found any techniques particularly helpful (or unhelpful) when learning? (eg: classes, books, tapes etc).

"I think that unless you are very very disciplined you have to attend some type of structured class. The various books I have studied in combination with tapes are useful as you can have instant access to the language, as well as being able to go over things again and again. Of course the most helpful technique is to practice and not worry if you get it wrong. You'll get it right eventually."

What aspects of Cantonese did you find the most difficult when you started?

"The sounds and tones are I think the obvious answer to this question, and of course the initial plucking up the courage to actually open your mouth and speak."

What aspects of Cantonese do you find most difficult now?

"Set idioms. I still find it difficult using them in the right context. And to a lesser degree keeping up with all the current HK slang."

What do you find easy about the Cantonese language?

"Straight forward/ easy to grasp grammar."

What tips would you offer beginners?

"Learn the basics as thoroughly as you can, don't be afraid to put into practice what you've learnt and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible."

What helps you know which tones to use when speaking?

"Difficult one to answer. I used to be very conscious of what tone was what but that tended to make speaking very slow and stilted; but now, I think experience maybe has something to do with it. If that makes sense??? Somehow if you get the right rhythm and your language flows"

Do you still make tone mistakes?

"Yes! ! I still get the odd blank/ shocked look!"

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