| How To Learn Chinese Characters
By: Melanie
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English has only 26 letters in the alphabet, but to read Chinese, you need to memorize at least 4,000 different characters, each one of which tells both the sound and meaning of that particular character. One of the best ways to learn these is with the use of cards |
Just as we first teach children to read English by getting them to copy enlarged letters, so should you copy out the symbols of Chinese in an enlarged form on the front of each card. Inside or on the back of the card, you should write both the meaning and the pronunciation. Carry the cards with you and read them every chance you get.
Do not start with the whole 4,000 characters or you'll soon be overwhelmed. Start with a small amount - ten or twenty is enough. Then, when you feel that you are familiar with them, add another ten or twenty. In this way your total will soon add up.
Don't expect to be able to read Chinese in a few weeks, but as you get used to the sights and sounds of them you'll begin to notice similarities and themes. The more you get to know, the easier it becomes. |