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Why Mandarin is Difficult?
by Miss Lim Mandarin (MAMA)
Friday, 16 December 2022
Mandarin is widely considered to be a difficult language for many reasons. For native speakers of non-tonal languages, the most challenging aspect of Mandarin is likely its tonal nature. In a tonal language, the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone in which it is spoken. For example, the word "ma" can have different meanings depending on the tone used, such as mother, horse, or scold. This can be difficult for learners to master, as it requires a level of sensitivity to language that may not be present in non-tonal languages.
Another reason why Mandarin is difficult is its complex writing system. Unlike English, which uses an alphabet, Mandarin uses characters known as Hanzi to represent words. Each Hanzi character is a combination of strokes and radicals, and there are thousands of characters in the language. This can be overwhelming for learners, who may find it difficult to memorize the various characters and their meanings. Additionally, the characters can be difficult to write, as they require precise stroke order and placement.
Furthermore, Mandarin grammar and sentence structure can also pose challenges for learners. In English, sentences typically follow a subject-verb-object structure, but in Mandarin, the structure is subject-object-verb. This can be difficult for learners to understand and use correctly, as it is a departure from the sentence structure they are used to. Additionally, Mandarin has various grammatical particles and markers that are used to indicate the tense, aspect, and mood of a sentence, which can be difficult for learners to master.
Overall, Mandarin is a difficult language for many reasons, including its tonal nature, complex writing system, and unique grammar and sentence structure. However, with dedication and practice, it is possible for learners to overcome these challenges and master the language.
Miss Lim has coached over 5000+ students in learning Malaysian Mandarin. She is a certified HRDCorp trainer and able to speak 5 languages which are Mandarin, Hokkien, Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Cantonese.
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