learning cantonese-easy or hard?

Discussions on the Cantonese language.
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Alex Peace

learning cantonese-easy or hard?

Post by Alex Peace »

Hi there, i was hoping that someone can help me out with a query.
I am currently learning Japanese, speaking, reading and writing and i really enjoy it. However, i originally anted to learn chinese. once i found out that there are different chinese languages AND dialects to these, i was put off the idea, hence the learning of Japanese!!
however, i want to learn Cantonese as it was my first and i would love to speak the languages of BOTH Japan and China.
if someone out there can tell me how difficult it is to learn Cantonese through CD/tapes i would be most grateful. Also, how long it usually takes to learn it at a basic conversational level would also be helpful to know.
So if anyone can answer these questions for me, i would be most grateful.
Thankyou!!!
(or as the Japanese say, 'arrigato!')
Kiko-chan

Re: learning cantonese-easy or hard?

Post by Kiko-chan »

: I am currently learning Japanese, speaking, reading and writing and i really enjoy it. However, i originally anted to learn chinese. once i found out that there are different chinese languages AND dialects to these, i was put off the idea, hence the learning of Japanese!!
In Japan there are more than 40 Slang regions and many regions don't understand each others slang such as if you say "omaesan" (you) in South Kyushu they wont understand it! Basically Tokyo Japanese is the main one you'll learn but it's also the most distant slang to what is spoken in reality (a lot of anime are based on Tokyo Slang and most of it no Japanese will ever say in real life - without making himself a complete fool)
While Japanese Kana symbols may take you 6 months to learn on your own (plus some Kanji for everyday usage) Chinese writing is more dificult. If you want to learn it you should have a teacher in particular who knows how to teach you! If you're learning chinese however, you'll find it easy to learn the very basics from different chinese lingo (altough mandarin should be your first target, after some cantonese)
: however, i want to learn Cantonese as it was my first and i would love to speak the languages of BOTH Japan and China.
: if someone out there can tell me how difficult it is to learn Cantonese through CD/tapes i would be most grateful. Also, how long it usually takes to learn it at a basic conversational level would also be helpful to know.
I suggest 300 hours of pimseleur tapes for basic conversation. With this course you can go till you're advanced and it's easy to follow
The lenght it will take for you to achieve a conversation level depends on how hard you try, how many hours you practice a day and if you have native speaker to practice with. I also wanted to learn cantonese as quick as possible but I found out the way to it is to combine tape & book & practice conversations & movie watching together and spend as much time with it as possible. It's rather more efficient than spending 'just' 1 hour a day. In any case try to include it in your daily regular task list and keep the regularity!
: So if anyone can answer these questions for me, i would be most grateful.
: Thankyou!!!
doitashimashite, anata wa yokoso.
: (or as the Japanese say, 'arrigato!')
yeahnesses

dont learn...enjoy your life wifout strife and shit, maaan.

Post by yeahnesses »

you are seriously fucked up dude. you need to chill.
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