If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might remember that a few years ago, I was all about learning languages. Back then, I started with French—which felt like a natural choice since I took four years of it in high school. But if I’m being honest, like most high school language courses, most of it didn’t stick. I’m sure I’ll find my way back to French eventually, but right now, the Chinese language has my heart * insert heart emoji
The spark for learning Chinese actually came from a college course I didn’t even want to take at first. I needed credits, and the only available class to fulfill my requirements was on Chinese culture. I fought against it initially, but once I got into it, I absolutely loved it. That class also reignited my interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fast forward to now, and I’ve decided to take a whole new approach to language learning.
From Overplanning to Immersion
Back when I tried learning French, I spent way too much time planning—schedules, study plans, the whole works. But, nine times out of ten, I didn’t stick to the plan. This time, I’m focusing on immersion and making Chinese part of my everyday life.
Instead of stressing over study schedules and perfect routines, I’m creating exposure opportunities. For example:
- Social Media: I follow creators who speak Chinese and interact with their content. If I’m going to scroll, why not scroll in Chinese?
- Entertainment: My K-drama binge days are temporarily on hold in favor of Chinese dramas. If I’m Netflixing and chilling, why not do it with a Chinese heartthrob?
- Apps: I use Du Chinese, Super Chinese, and LingQ, aiming for 30 minutes a day of app-based practice.
I’ve also gone through the basics of Pinyin, and while I’ve nailed down the simpler sounds, I’m working on repetition for the more complicated ones.
My Routine
Here’s what my immersion-based routine looks like right now:
- Daily Language Exposure:
- 30 minutes a day on apps or flashcards.
- Watch one episode of a Chinese drama (subtitles allowed—for now!).
- Incorporating Language into My Day:
- Browsing social media or YouTube in Chinese.
- Listening to beginner podcasts or YouTube channels about learning Chinese.
Monthly Goals to Stay on Track
To keep things manageable, I’m breaking my goals into monthly chunks. For the remainder of January, my focus is:
- Consistency: Spending at least 30 minutes every day on language exposure.
- HSK 1 Completion: I’m just about through the HSK 1 book but recalibrating to focus on my “why.” If it doesn’t feel aligned, I’ll switch to a different approach.
- Strengthen Pinyin: Mastering complicated sounds with targeted practice.
My Ultimate Goal
While I’m not aiming to take the HSK tests, I do have big dreams:
- To watch Chinese dramas with little to no subtitles.
- To read books in Chinese—eventually tackling Traditional Chinese Medicine texts.
I know the second goal is a massive undertaking, but I figure once I reach a solid reading level, it’ll be about learning as I go.
How You Can Use Immersion to Learn Any Language
The beauty of immersion is that you can start wherever you are, even at home:
- Incorporate Media: Watch shows, listen to podcasts, and follow creators in your target language.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of aiming for fluency overnight, focus on monthly goals like mastering a specific sound or finishing a chapter in a textbook.
- Immerse in Everyday Activities: Swap your usual entertainment or browsing for content in the language you’re learning.
- Use Technology: Apps like Duolingo, Super Chinese, and LingQ can help you stay consistent.
- Celebrate Progress: Even small wins, like understanding a sentence without subtitles, are steps forward.
Learning a language doesn’t have to be a race—it can be a slow, enjoyable process of discovery. If you’re also on a language journey, let me know! I’d love to hear your tips and progress.
Here’s to making language learning part of life—and finding joy in every step of the way! 🌟