tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post5996434084651325573..comments2023-08-25T22:42:44.422+08:00Comments on Mandarin Segments: When the boat arrives ...Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11197148648944758867noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-61098950267280684952012-10-04T01:22:30.203+08:002012-10-04T01:22:30.203+08:00Frankly, I don't speak enough Mandarin here in...Frankly, I don't speak enough Mandarin here in HK, and I don't hear enough of it in my day-to-day life. Of course, that's my fault - but it does take extra effort, rather than how it just 'happens' when I'm visiting Taiwan, for example. I recently found a video of myself talking with a Chinese friend in Mandarin - and I'm glad to say that I'm better than I was, but I'm embarrassed to say it's not as much better as I would have liked!<br /><br />No idea how long I will be here - at this stage, no plans to leave :-)<br /><br />And I can definitely state that to do any study in Chinese would be way ahead of my current skill level - I wouldn't understand enough in a lecture environment, and my writing skills - so I don't do much of that - would fail me every essay.<br /><br />Maybe in another life ... :-)<br />Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11197148648944758867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-3806185772044401222012-10-03T23:51:29.786+08:002012-10-03T23:51:29.786+08:00That's fantastic! How are you doing, speaking-...That's fantastic! How are you doing, speaking-wise? Also, random question -- do you intend on living in China for the rest of your life?<br /><br />Yes! Need a PhD to be a psychologist. But, I'm not down about it -- I actually really want it to start so that I can start doing some real work. I'm not sure how a bachelor's in psychology works over there, but you don't really do anything with it here except learning about theories and doing some research. Otherwise, it's so plain!<br /><br />Since we're on the topic of degrees, have you considered taking degrees in Chinese language or culture?Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10960057016011606588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-55636548822206558592012-10-02T22:50:57.984+08:002012-10-02T22:50:57.984+08:00Kara, sheesh - PhD, eh? Go for it! I agree with y...Kara, sheesh - PhD, eh? Go for it! I agree with your comment, if you're squeezing in a little bit of vocab, and relaxing with Chinese TV shows, then you can do that at the same time as your PhD *and* still make material progress. Good luck with your goal to study overseas.<br /><br />I'm still struggling a bit for time, which is partly why my blog posts happen quite seldom (and are certainly shorter), but still get in my flashcards. Always get in my flashcards!<br />Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11197148648944758867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-62637995735954656402012-10-02T18:46:08.174+08:002012-10-02T18:46:08.174+08:00Not at all, unfortunately -- but I decided that po...Not at all, unfortunately -- but I decided that post-bachelor's (since I'm graduating early, so I'll have 9 months before PhD) I'm going to diligently work on my Chinese daily (fortunately, I do remember a lot! I still understand most of what people are saying when people talk to me or pass by). That way, I won't have just about an 8-year difference once my PhD is over from the last time I studied Chinese.<br /><br />I'll be done with my PhD by 26 -- so that will be 4 years with plenty of time to become fluent before 30 ;) Doing that with a goal of 10 new vocabulary daily or watching TV shows like I did before is bound to do the trick -- of course, topped off with visiting China or Taiwan to delve myself in it. I'm still hoping to Study Abroad next year, but we'll find out! If they offer it next winter (since I'll be finishing up then) I'll definitely go. :)<br /><br />How are your studies going, Greg? Clearly, you're doing well as always! How long has it been, now?Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10960057016011606588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-52662816027114037192012-09-24T22:33:27.464+08:002012-09-24T22:33:27.464+08:00Hello again Kara
Yes, in addition to learning voc...Hello again Kara<br /><br />Yes, in addition to learning vocab and grammar, having to learn idioms does add a pile of work to your Chinese studies - and a fair number of idioms that I read or hear I don't know.<br /><br />But a few months ago I realised that what I should be doing is learning to recognise idioms when I hear/read them, to understand what they mean. Previously I was also trying to memorise them so that I could use them - but actually that isn't necessary. I can speak fine non-idiomatically, it's really only understanding that I need.<br /><br />And it takes much less effort to learn to understand than to learn to speak them :-)<br /><br />Do you have much time these days to progress your Chinese?<br />Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11197148648944758867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4674533288609171573.post-36697075571135995452012-09-24T21:06:39.761+08:002012-09-24T21:06:39.761+08:00What an interesting post! One of my biggest worrie...What an interesting post! One of my biggest worries during my studies would be not understanding when someone shares an idiom with me in the future. You clearly know exactly what to do -- look it up! :) Thank you for sharing that with us Greg. How are you? It's been so long!Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10960057016011606588noreply@blogger.com