Online Tools for Learning Mandarin

Check List: Do You Use All the Online Tools for Learning Mandarin?

The development of internet technologies has been continuously changing the process of learning any foreign language, but are you sure that you are using a maximum of the available online resources and tools? Please find below a useful checklist for learning the Chinese language, which is familiar with hi-tech. Take benefit of the WWW by using its ‘treasures’ in your studies.

1. Online dictionaries

The creation of online dictionaries and electronic translator’s application was a kind of ‘revolution’ for all people in the world. However, online dictionaries and electronic translators are mainly useful for those studying the Chinese language. Many foreigners have a preference not to learn Chinese characters, and this causes a certain difficulty in the usage of printed dictionaries. Using online dictionaries is the only thing you should do to get the meaning, and ‘Pinyin’ is to copy and paste a Chinese character. Some dictionaries even offer animation of the stroke order that able you to learn writing easily. Pleco is one of a Chinese-English digital dictionary; without a doubt, it should be the weapon of choice for any Chinese language learning student. Many people use it daily, and they are not even students anymore, which shows learning Chinese is a life-long activity. There something called ‘clip reader’ in the Pleco dictionary, which allows you to paste full articles into the dictionary and highlight Chinese phrases as you go, brilliant.

2. Online libraries and textbook

There are many online websites and libraries where you can browse textbooks for free. Some authors and publishing houses run their own websites where you can read some chapters and find out to buy a book or not. It does not matter where you live – you can always access to an enormous amount of stuff. Later, you can buy them on online bookstores or Amazon.

3. Social media

If you need to boost your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, there is no better resource than Chines language-related pages on Facebook and similar regional networks. They are often run by professional teachers and native speakers, so you can really get many advantages for free. Facebook pages for learning Chinese will not only help you how to speak the Chinese language but also increase your knowledge about Chinese culture as well. Subscribe to as many of these pages as you can find.

After that, on a regular basis, their posts will appear in your news feed. Astonishingly, spending just five minutes per day may increase your proficiency in the Chinese language. More advanced learners may find Weibo (a free social community with all kinds of information concerning Chinese news and society) and other Chinese social media websites convenient. There you can find native speakers' friends to practice your speaking and comprehension skills. Language learners around the world use Hellotalk app around the world. People can teach their native language and, in return, learn a second language from another user. The only downside of the Hellotalk app is that you will receive many messages because there are thousands of native Mandarin speakers that want to practice English.

Ideally, you could use this app to make a couple of friends and then use WeChat from there on out.  If you still hesitate to contact native-speakers, then search theme groups on Facebook. There you can get advice from experienced teachers or other students.

4. Language exchange resources

Making a pen pal is a good but old way to improve your language skills. There are websites where you can find a friend for traditional mail exchanges such as Penpals, InterPals. However, they are in strong competition with different networks for language exchange. On Livemocha, iTalki, and other similar resources, you can find a Chinese friend who will help you to practice Mandarin.

5. Tools for improving writing skills

Writing is a complicated part of learning Chinese. To make progress, there are some websites where native speakers to correct your posts. It is hard to misjudge the value of native speakers’ feedback on your piece of writing.

6. One-to-one lessons through Skype

Language exchange is beneficial, but its big disadvantage is inconsistency. Those targeting to achieve high proficiency in the Chinese language need the help of a professional teacher. Thanks to Skype, and other similar applications, you can connect with your language partner and tutor from any place on the planet. There are two options – either take lessons in an online school or hire a private tutor. There are websites for hiring a teacher on the internet, which is a very flexible path to learn since you deal with one individual and do not pay extra money. Online language course charges more, but they can provide a replacement if your tutor is absent. Also, buying a package of classes is a perfect motivation: you have already paid a big sum, so you require to carry on learning. 

7. Use interactive languages courses

There are websites such as (Chinesepod) which provides a great collection of interesting dialogues and discussions, as well as the possibility to learn grammar and new words. Many interactive exercises let you check yourself. Busuu is also good for adding elements of games and interactivity into the learning of Chinese. This assists you to stay involved in studying Mandarin for a longer period. Some websites are integrated with Facebook so that you can share your results with your friends on social networks.

8. Online flashcards

You can make your flashcards, or you can use other people’s materials. There are websites on the internet that has a big collection of flashcards from various textbooks. They are sorted carefully and maybe browsed very fast. Quizlet is a funny way to make your own cards and share them with your friends and other people who learn Chinese. Chinese flashcard apps are the bomb. You can download then to your phone, computer, or tablet, and you are good to go. In case if you find that it is not enough to download some Chinese language apps, then you need to figure out how to use your apps effectively. Your Mandarin learning will only become more effective once you have created a set strategy to augment your study routine with your Chinese flashcard apps. 

9. Download mobile app for learning Chinese

Do not waste time when commuting back and forth. If you have a smartphone or tablet, use applications for learning Chinese. There is a vast amount of apps that allow you to review grammar and vocabulary when you have spare time. Download them to your smartphone and tablet and enjoy learning instead of procrastination. 

10. Google search to check collocations

To write Mandarin well, it is not sufficient to know many words. It is also essential to make the right collocations and sentences. For insistence, say you are not sure about the usage of an adjective and noun together. In this situation, you can use Google search. Add quotation marks around a collocation to convey Google to match that word accurately. See how many times it is used. For commonly used phrases and collocations, the number is usually impressive.

11. Browse your favorite goods in Chinese 

You can learn new Mandarin words in a bit more exciting and fun way. Create your list of vocabulary based on new words found on websites. The images and a very well-structured intuitive interface of online shops are convenient. 

12. Google Images

Have you already realized the significance of visualization in learning vocabulary? Use Google Images to learn new words. For advanced learners, this source has a specific value for a more precise translation of uncommonly used lexis.

13. Check pronunciation with websites

If you are not sure about your Chinese pronunciation of a particular word, you can use Google Translate or any other websites where you can listen to how a specific word should be pronounced.

14. Use tools for writing in Mandarin

One of the best tools for learning writing Chinese characters in Skritter. If you are learning writing with your online tutor, you can use twiddla.com, which is an online board where you can write, and your partner will see what you are writing. 

15. Listen to the radio and podcasts

Comprehension skills must be practiced every day. The more you listen to Chinese conversation, the more you understand. Choose your favorite Chinese language podcast, or listen to the radio in Chinese. Thanks to the internet, which provides you with a wide choice of programs and channels. There are numerous Mandarin Chinese language podcasts on the internet, which might be a great way to polish your skills of Chinese listening. With the range of podcasts out there, it is pretty awesome that you can learn some topic-specific vocabulary while learning something interesting about Chinese culture. It does not matter if you cannot follow everything that is being said. Just be an active listener, pick out the phrases, and the keywords. Slowly but surely, it will help you to improve your listening skills and your overall comprehension of the language.

16. Watch videos with or without subtitles

On the internet, you can find many Chinese movies and videos. Watching them benefits you to improve comprehension skills. Subtitles are convenient not only for understanding the meaning of the video but also for learning Chinese characters. This makes YouTube and other video collections useful for learners of the Chinese language. You can also find several valuable teachers who created videos on YouTube to benefit you learn Mandarin online free. You can search the top YouTube channels for learning Mandarin Chinese and go through the different ones to figure out which one is best for you.

17. Learn songs by heart

Learning songs and rhymes in Chinese is a good way of learning, and not only for children. Like videos on YouTube, KTV versions of beautiful Mandarin songs have subtitles that teach you characters. Learning sentence and words patterns with poetry, and especially when accompanied by music, is much at ease. After all, Chinese songs play an essential role in the everyday life of Chinese people. It will not be a waste of time to learn famous Chinese songs. Your Native-Chinese friends will appreciate it. 

18. Run your blog

There is no better way to practice Chinese writing skills and stay motivated in learning Chinese than maintaining your blog or your own website. You can either track your Chinese studies or write about your travel, daily life, hobbies, etc. At the start, you may find it a bit tough to write in Chinese. However, after a couple of weeks of studies, you will find that your skills in Chinese have improved significantly. If you are lucky enough to engage with native speakers and Chinese tutors, they will surely point out your mistakes.

19. Use calendars for time management

It is very significant to learn Chinese on a regular basis. Time-managing and Online calendars and various reminders are supportive of planning activities, setting goals, and tracking your success.