Tips and Strategies for Improving Speaking Skills in Conversational Chinese
Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and with the rise in demand for Chinese language speakers, this is the best time to take the leap and start learning this wonderful language. Being able to speak Chinese fluently is the main focus of many learners and will open many doors of opportunities for you. As one of the leading Chinese tuition centres in Singapore, we at Ruixing Active Chinese Centre have taught countless students and understand how challenging it can be to become proficient. Therefore, to make life easier for you, our Chinese language experts have compiled a list of effective tips and strategies that will help you carry out a Chinese conversation with confidence!
Top 4 Strategies for Chinese Learners at Any Stage or Level
While Chinese grammar can be complex to learn, many find it more overwhelming to converse in Chinese and lack the confidence to speak out in public. Worry not. Here are some tried and tested learning strategies to take your speaking skills to the next level:
Tip 1: Read Out Loud
Many make the mistake of reading silently when learning. When reading silently, you only need to identify the Chinese characters and scan the text without the need to vocalise any words. However, reading aloud requires you to focus on the sentences while concentrating on pronunciation. The benefit? You will remember more of what you read while understanding the meaning behind the text, significantly improving your pronunciation and vocabulary.
Therefore, if you are listening to a tutorial, try to read along and out loud. This will allow you to become more familiar with new words and help you understand how to enunciate different tones. Reading out loud will also help you avoid long pauses and awkward articulations while speaking and keep you from stumbling over words. But how much should you read? There’s no limit. The more you read, the better!
Tip 2: Learn Chinese Songs
Integrating learning with music is one of the most effective methods to improve your speaking skills. Not only will you learn uncommon words and phrases, but you will also find yourself immersed in the language. Music can provide you with plenty of exposure to keep you motivated. Adding variety to your learning activities is an incredible way to practise your speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills – all while you are having a good time!
In our experience, many students note that memorising songs that they really connect with is extremely beneficial in learning new words and improving proficiency, as it makes them feel like they aren’t even studying! Enrichment of vocabulary, enhanced pronunciation, improved diction, and memory stimulation are some of the key benefits of learning Chinese through music. But don’t take our word for it. Try this technique and experience the improvement for yourself. The bonus? You get to enjoy bits and pieces of the wonderful Chinese culture through its music and carry out a Chinese conversation like a pro!
Tip 3: Play Word Games
This is an excellent tool to improve your speaking skills and is suitable for learners of any level. Vocabulary can be a challenging facet of learning, and this is especially true for a language like Chinese with many tones and complex characters. Playing word games will create an enjoyable and engaging learning environment that helps students expand their vocabulary.
According to several studies, word games have a significantly positive impact on cognition, memory, concentration, and strategic thinking skills. Furthermore, word games can stimulate creativity and boost their intellectual ability. You can hone your skills while having fun!
Tip 4: Watch Chinese Videos
One of the best ways to polish your Chinese speaking skills is by speaking with a native Chinese speaker. However, unless you have a Chinese-speaking friend or can travel abroad to a Chinese-speaking country, the next best thing you can do is watch Chinese videos. TV shows are a great way to practise speaking and pronouncing words correctly. All you have to do is watch the show and speak out loud whenever you hear a statement that makes sense. Try your best to emulate the character's speech and intonation.
If you are in need of some quality Chinese educational videos, feel free to browse through Ruixing Active Chinese Centre’s YouTube Channel. You will find numerous interesting and engaging stories for beginners as well as intermediate-level learners.
Tip 5: Join a Good Chinese Tuition Centre
Why do you need to get enrolled in a Chinese tuition centre when you can simply follow the strategies mentioned above? It is important to note that while these tips can improve your speaking skills, they are no replacement for your conversation practice. In order to carry out a Chinese conversation confidently, you will need to have a deep understanding of the language, including tones and sounds, basic grammar, Pinyin phonetic system, and other necessary components.
An excellent Chinese tuition centre like Ruixing Active Chinese Centre provides conversational Chinese courses in Singapore that start the learning process from scratch and go in-depth into the various intricacies of Chinese to help you become fluent. You will also get the opportunity to ask questions and clear your doubts, along with regular revisions to hone your communication skills. At our institute, we want each and every student to get the attention they need. With this in mind, we keep our Chinese tuition classes in small and manageable sizes, giving students the freedom to discuss any unclear areas and be more involved with their lessons.
Need more information on this course or any other programmes we offer, such as our Business Chinese course in Singapore? Do not hesitate to contact our friendly team, who will guide you through any queries or clarifications that you may have.