The Chinese language is the oldest written language in the world.

It has at least 6,000 years of history.

Also, Chinese character inscriptions have been found in turtle shells dating back to the Shang dynasty1 (1766-1123 BC), proving the written language has existed for more than 3,000 years.

There are between 40,000 to 50,000 unique Chinese characters in a comprehensive dictionary.

In order to be able to read a newspaper, we need to be able to recognize 2,000 to 3,000 Chinese characters.

Unless you’re planning to read all the ancient Chinese classics, you won’t need much more than 2,000 characters to be considered literate.

And, knowing just 3,500 characters will allow you to recognize 99.5% of all characters that are used in books and media publications.

If you plan to take the highest Level 6 of the HSK Test (standardized Chinese Language Proficiency test) in the future, you need to have a mastery of 5,000 to 8,000 words.

Modern Chinese dialects evolved between the 8th and 3rd centuries BC.

The official dialect of China is Mandarin, also called “Putonghua”.

Traditional or classical Chinese characters are taught and used by Chinese in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and elsewhere.

China and Singapore use simplified Chinese characters.

These characters have less pen-strokes, than traditional Chinese characters.

Simplified Chinese characters have existed for hundreds of years.

It was only after the People’s Republic of China was founded in the 1950’s, and it wanted to improve literacy among the Chinese people that simplified Chinese characters in formal writing became officially acceptable.

THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHES YOU THESE PRACTICAL SKILLS

Learning Mandarin can unlock opportunities and experiences for you in Singapore.

If you are a Chinese Singaporean, Mandarin can serve as a link to your cultural roots.

Through learning Chinese, you can read international newspapers and magazines so that you can keep up with overseas developments in music, fashion, the latest media trends, business, and lifestyles.

WHY STUDY THE CHINESE LANGAUGE?

As the borders of business continue to break down, the advantages of speaking a second (or even third!) language are increasingly obvious.

Now is a good time to join the 1 billion-plus people all over the world who speak Chinese.

China is not only a major economic player, but it’s also a significant trading partner for many Asian countries.

Mandarin is the official language China, the world’s most populous country.

Its dominance in the business world continues to grow across a breadth and depth of industries spanning cars, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

Mandarin is also spoken in extensively in Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

All of these nations have fast-growing economies both in terms of corporate expansion, as well as purchasing power.

While English has maintained its status as the primary lingua franca globally, the Chinese language is increasingly becoming more influential in everyday communication outside China.

Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Currently, around 20% of the entire world population speaks Chinese as their native language.

Chinese-speaking people live globally, and if you’re a professional, it’s more than likely that one of your clients, suppliers, or colleagues will speak Mandarin.

This means that proficiency in Chinese will open up doors for your future career growth.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE  

Did you know that learning Chinese uses areas of the brain that other languages do not?

English speakers use the left temporal lobe of the brain, but Mandarin speakers use both!

This mental workout not only improves the efficiency of the brain but also the human being’s ability to multitask.

It’s an intense training of the mind that enhances memory and overall cognitive abilities.

In addition to using both sides of your temporal lobe, bilingual people are said to be better at prioritizing and multitasking than monolingual people.

Learning a second language also develops critical and creative thinking skills.

In a rapidly globalising world, learning a foreign language is an essential part of one’s education and career.

Mandarin Chinese has become increasingly important in Singapore as China’s economy and influence continue to grow in the region and internationally.

We gain a better understanding and appreciation of China’s culture, vibrant social media trends, and business practices.

Mandarin Chinese is also an essential tool for communicating with the Chinese-speaking community in Singapore.

Learning Mandarin can help us connect to our roots (if we are Chinese). All of us can dive into a rich history and become better acquainted with Chinese customs.

It’s like being a magical key that can unlock the mysteries of China’s past and present.

By ensuring proficiency in Mandarin, a world of opportunities opens up both within Singapore and beyond.

WHAT REWARDING CAREERS/SPECIALTY AREAS REQUIRE CHINESE KNOWLEDGE?

Think Chinese is a rigid and boring subject? Think again.

Being bilingual or trilingual is highly regarded by employers in today’s interconnected world.

In the ever-evolving landscape of international business and diplomacy, learning Mandarin Chinese is an investment that yields tangible and priceless benefits.  

From personal growth to achieving academic goals, broadening career horizons and strengthening global business relations, proficiency in the Chinese language demonstrates an individual’s determination, adaptability and commitment to position themselves in multi-cultural environments.

A Bachelor’s degree in Chinese, or a strong command of the Chinese language paves the way for a broad range of careers.

You will have acquired transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation, and advanced decision-making and multi-tasking skills.

By having strong Chinese language skills, you will be able to:

• Read, interpret and synthesize complex material
• See situations from multiple perspectives
• Communicate in more than one language
• Produce effective persuasive writing
• Write for wide variety of audiences
• Understand and appreciate cultural variations
• Design and implement engaging presentations
• Understand nuance and subtlety
• Handle ambiguity adeptly
• Apply mental agility to creative problem-solving
• Understand the broader context
• Gather, analyze, organize, interpret data
• Summarize concisely and accurately
• Link abstract concepts to practical applications
• Perceive patterns, structures, relationships
• Understand human nature and its variations
• Identify and explore implications
• Propose and support recommendations
• Simultaneously see big picture and details
• Engage intellectual curiosity
• Conduct research
• Cultivate motivation, imagination, enthusiasm, initiative
• Compare, contrast information / arrive at well-considered conclusions
• Work well individually and in teams
• Understand how data can be interpreted in multiple ways
• Write, revise, edit, proofread

As Chinese companies play an increasingly influential role in global innovation, bilingual professionals become essential for seamless collaboration and partnership.

The following examples of careers and job skills often involve working with complex concepts, and a deep understanding of Chinese language intricacies:

Business Services, Marketing, Banking, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Education, Administration, Archaeologist, Finance, Civil Service, Research Analyst, Interpretation/Translation, Content Creator, Bilingual Healthcare Writer, Legal Interpreter, Cultural Consulting, Foreign News Correspondent, Data Technology Analyst, Medical Translator, Business Interpreter, Technical Writer, Corporate Audit Analyst, Environmental Studies, International Trading, Digital Technology Analyst, Historian, Policy Analyst, Industrial Designer, Cultural Ambassador, Travel and Tourism/Hospitality, Financial Analyst, Archivist, Information Technology, Marketing Head, Manufacturing, Media Sales, Strategy and Operations Business Analyst, Public Health, Academia, Art History and Heritage, Copy Editor, Diplomat, Research Assistant, Business Analyst, Paralegal Specialist, Pricing Analyst, Post-Production Consultant, Sales Development Head, Global Marketing Specialist.

Having learned the Chinese language, you will be better equipped to think across various perspectives and dimensions.

There would be more available positions for you when you are equipped with Mandarin-speaking skills.

For students passionate about Chinese, the career prospects are exciting, extensive, rewarding and diverse with high levels of responsibility, access to the latest advancements in your field, and the potential for high financial income.

The Chinese language plays a pivotal role in global business, innovation, and diplomacy.

As we navigate a world that thrives on connectivity, mastering Mandarin is not just a skill: it’s a strategic advantage that give you access to a plethora of opportunities in an increasingly interdependent global economy.

HOW TO STUDY CHINESE  

Why is studying Chinese difficult?

Chinese is a progressive subject.

Anything you learn in the beginning of your Chinese syllabus will be used later in syllabus.

So, you need to really pay attention and understand.

Especially in the beginning.

You will see over and over again the interwoven topics and materials that you had learned before your first Chinese exam, in subsequent lessons and exams.

This means that you have to get it right from the beginning, or risk being left behind.

If you feel the need to slack off at all or to take a break, do it near the end of the semester/academic year.

It is best that you aim for an A right from the beginning because many top-scoring students find that their grades start to slip when the content gets more complex.

They typically face difficulties in Chinese when they struggle to grasp foundational concepts, encounter tougher requirements for vocabulary, fail to make connections between different topics, and find it challenging to engage in abstract and logical writing.

If you have sporadically spent time studying Chinese but you can barely understand native speakers, you might be doing something wrong.

You know the vocabulary and grammar they are using, but for some reason when they speak at a faster speed, you cannot keep track of what is going on.

One of the best ways to learn Chinese is to practice active listening of Chinese.

If you’re watching a movie, you can double check yourself by turning on the subtitles.

Any problems you have pronouncing new words correctly or understanding what has been spoken will be reflected back in your listening skills.

It is hard for your brain to decipher and remember a sound, whether it is a letter or a word, if you do not know how to make it yourself.

Preferably, you should get used to get used to the rhythm and logic of Chinese before you start paying further serious attention to the characters.

Once you are more comfortable with a few basic phrases, you can start working on learning the characters.

When you have a good accent, you will be able to hear and pick out the otherwise unnatural new sounds.

To develop your accent and ability to properly pronounce Chinese words and sentences, you should focus on any sounds or words that feel difficult or unnatural for you.

When you become more familiar with the basic sounds, you should start to combine them using words and whole sentences.

Listen to native speakers as much as possible, whether in-person, or through social media posts.

Take note of the phenomenon of how words, tones and sounds can blend, morph or get dropped in rapid speech.

Focus more on how the syllables are structured together when spoken quickly, rather than only when they are slowly said next to each other.

There is a significant difference between how words are spoken formally and individually rather than when they are spoken informally and in a hurry.

This is a big part of the reason language learners can know a lot of vocabulary and grammar but still not understand native speakers and how the Chinese language is applied in real life.

Now that you’ve started practicing active listening and pronunciation, make it a part of your routine learning.

The point is that you should make a conscious and decisive effort to practice your listening skills on a regular basis.

It could be for 30 minutes a day, or it might be 10 minutes.

What is important is that you have to practice consistently.

With a little practice, perseverance and usage, you will quickly see your vocabulary and fluency improve outside of the classroom.

The unfamiliarity, volume and speed of information presented in Chinese can be overwhelming for many students.

The vast expanse of knowledge, intricate terminologies, and the interwoven complexities often pose hurdles.

Many students grapple with the sheer volume of information and the abstract nature of Chinese.

Reading and understanding extensive material by yourself at home can become intimidating, and this can discourage the pursuit of better grades.

By using the practical and easy tips below, you can master your Chinese syllabus.

Memorizing basic information is helpful, but real learning comes from conceptual understanding.

Conceptual understanding is the goal.

To achieve this, it is crucial to note:

1. Chinese is hard because you think it is hard. If you think something is difficult, you are setting up yourself to fulfil that expectation. You therefore need to truly believe that you can learn Chinese. You may need to learn new study skills and change the way you organize your time, but anyone with the determination to learn Chinese can do so. Once you succeed, you will gain a deep sense of accomplishment
2. The more times you hear and practice the materials, the easier it will get. Sections and components are constructed to highlight and guide you through particularly important concepts, words and sentence structures, so do practice using Chinese regularly. This can help you to increase your understanding and retention of the crucial aspects
3. If you did not answer any test questions correctly, go back and learn that exact material until you master it. Do this before even more content is covered by your teacher in class
4. See the “big picture”, and the hierarchical structure of words and sentences
5. Be able to understand how and why certain literary devices function the way they do
6. Grasp not only the definition of terms but why they are important
7. Do the assigned readings before your teacher covers it in school. Read and take notes on the assigned material before you come to class. This will enhance your understanding of the lecture and make note-taking easier
8. Check your understanding. After reading encountering a difficult concept, ask yourself if you could explain the material to your sibling or a friend. Reviewing questions and quizzes at the end of each lesson is also a great way to check your understanding of what you just learned
9. Convert your notes into study aids. When studying for exams, do not simply re-read your notes. Instead, convert your notes into matrices, concept maps or other visual representations of the material. Re-reading your notes is not enough
10. Form a study group. Working with a small group of 3 to 4 students will enhance your learning and comprehension. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn Chinese
11. Partner with an admired Chinese mentor

If you cannot seem to truly understand a concept – even after consulting your notes and the textbook – schedule a meeting with your school teacher or start tuition with a Chinese tutor from The Best In Singapore.

We equip our students with the how-how to study smart and score big for exams.

The individualized attention and tailored approaches offered by expert private tutors can unravel the intricacies of Chinese. This is the transformative benefit of personalized Chinese tuition in Singapore.

With customized guidance, students can navigate through challenging topics, understand complex theories, and foster an enduring curiosity for the Chinese language is learnt and applied.

Chinese principles build on top of one another, so taking the time to fully understand the more basic principles of Chinese can help you to succeed when learning about the more difficult skills.

This demystifies Chinese and helps you overcome academic hurdles. It also instils a profound passion and curiosity for Chinese beyond mere academic obligations

HOW TO TURN THIS MONTH INTO A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR NEXT EXAM

Chinese examinations are a significant milestone, and demonstrate how much of the content you have mastered.

Yet, the complexity of the Chinese syllabus can be a demoralizing challenge for many students.

To do well in any exam, we need to rely on discipline, not just motivation.

All top students know that they will not always feel like studying.

Motivation is fickle and can often disappear when your mood changes.

Discipline – on the other hand – means studying even when you don’t feel like it, and even when you do not feel motivated.

Strategic planning and systematic preparation play a formidable role in navigating these hurdles and achieving success in Chinese.

There are days when you have to force yourself to do the work you need to. No matter how you feel.

And you have to stick to your schedule, despite everything else that is going on around you.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO LEARN CHINESE

Success in Chinese exams depends on a combination of factors, from extensive understanding to efficient study methods.

It takes between 4 to 7 years (approximately 2,500 to 4,000 hours of Chinese lessons in school and at home) to become fluent in most aspects of the Chinese language.

With the right study techniques and determination, you can make massive progress in Chinese in three to six months.

You can start with these techniques:

• Try to understand patterns
  The human mind loves categorising information and looking for relationships between the different things we encounter. This is how our minds make sense of the world around us
• Top students make use this way of thinking when it comes to studying as well
• They look at the bigger picture and they look for patterns in the Chinese syllabus that will help them make sense of different – yet interrelated – topics
• Understanding the bigger picture, and how different topics relate to one another, will help you comprehend, memorise, and recall your work better.
• Try understanding the “why”
• It is not enough to just know “how” to solve a problem or approach an exam question, because you are expected to be able to apply the theory that you had learned
• Top students also know “why” you have to do things in a certain way. Understanding “why” will help you gain a deeper understanding of the work. This will then help you to internalise/absorb it more effectively This is particularly true in the study of Chinese
• Understanding the theory behind certain things will help you answer unfamiliar questions – not only in your exams, but when you enter the workforce as well.

Adopting a structured study schedule, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and dedicating focused study sessions to each topic significantly enhances comprehension and retention.

Up for a challenge that will open up your world? Learn Chinese!

Yes, in some ways, Chinese is a difficult language to learn.

However, with over a billion people around the world who speak Chinese, there are countless reasons to spend the time required to master this wonderful language.

TACKLING THE RIGOUR OF CHINESE EXAMS  

Chinese exams in Singapore are renowned for their depth and complexity, often posing an alarming challenge for students.

Overcoming these challenges demands focused attention, a deep understanding of concepts, and strategic application of knowledge.

IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMIC STUDYING AND STRATEGIC PREPARATION WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

Cultivating a habit of regular revision and addressing weak areas play a significant role in mastering Chinese.

A proven method to do well in Chinese examinations is to have access to an experienced tutor in Singapore who is an expert at systematic studying and who is good at simplifying complex Chinese concepts.

You will learn mind mapping, and how to create appropriate notes.

Importantly, you will be equipped with the exact key phrases to use for explanations and answers that fastidious exam markers require.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD CHINESE TUTOR  

One to one Chinese tuition at home gives you exclusive attention, and caters to your specific needs and pace. 

This personalized touch fosters an environment where complex topics can be explored comprehensively, ensuring a solid foundation in the subject.

A good Chinese home tutor possesses a unique blend of qualifications, an ability to break down intricate theories into digestible components, and effective teaching methodology.

Your Chinese tuition teacher has a robust understanding of the content that you want to understand, imparts problem-solving strategies, and instils a sense of curiosity and passion for Chinese.

Their dedicated guidance helps you to navigate through the labyrinth of complex Chinese concepts.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Singapore’s best tuition agent, with the most qualified and experienced Chinese tuition teachers
• Choose from over 7,100 Chinese tuition teachers who are MOE teachers/experienced tutors with PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s/university undergraduates
• Teaching pace and material used are tailored to fit your individual needs
• Full attention of Singapore’s best private tuition teachers
• Correct the misconceptions immediately
• Specialty exam preparation
• Exposing our students to all the types of questions would mean they would never be caught off guard in an exam
• Intensive and methodical learning
• Lessons infused with impactful exam techniques
• Attentive, hardworking, committed Chinese family tutors
• We are here to transform confusion and anxiety into clarity and confidence

You can be a top student too!

Don’t think for a second that there is any real difference between you and a top-achieving student when it comes to what you are capable of.

The only thing standing between you and much better marks is working harder, and working smarter.

So if you want to get to the top of your class, and pass your course with distinction, you just have to cultivate better study habits.

Every student wants to do well.

But those with clear goals are the ones who manage to push themselves a bit further each time.

For each semester and each exam, you have to create a realistic goal for yourself regarding the mark you want to achieve. And each goal should be a just little higher than the previous one.

In a world where the pursuit of knowledge and good grades is inevitable, the choice of the right Chinese tuition teacher – whether in-person or through online tuition in Singapore – can define the types of grades that you will have over the next 3 months, for your upcoming school assessments, and the national exams.

Effective Chinese tuition helps you overcome academic hurdles and is a productive gateway to a deeper understanding and profound appreciation for the advantages of being skilled in the Chinese language.