Where Can You Get the Best Chinese Lessons Online? The motivations for learning Chinese are as diverse and compelling as the language itself. Perhaps you're fascinated by the rich history and culture of China, eager to read its classical poetry or modern literature in its original form. Maybe you're looking to expand your business skills and communicate directly with the vast Chinese market. Or, you might dream of traveling through China, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes, all while engaging with locals in their native tongue.
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Memrise kicked off in 2009, aiming to make learning languages (including Chinese) engaging and effective. With founders like a Grand Master of Memory on board, it was poised to be a game-changer. Their motto? "We push you to learn another language. If you want to pretend to learn, choose another language learning app". Cheeky, right?
Memrise removed community language courses in questionable move
Previously, Memrise was popular among linguistics nerds and users seeking instruction in less common dialects thanks to its community-created courses. For example, in addition to Spanish and French, learners could find courses on conlangs like Toki Pona and Trigedasleng (from the hit show The 100). However, if you were hoping to dive into rare Chinese dialects on Memrise after February 2024, you'll be in for a disappointment. Despite its community-driven roots, Memrise has now shifted away from user-created content. Initially, they moved these courses to a separate website without app access, faced backlash, reverted the decision, and then, by 2024, removed them again. These changes have taken away a lot of what Memrise's dedicated user-base and active online community loved about the platform, although it still enjoys a few advantages over competing language-learning apps.
Start where you're at
When you sign up, you can pick a proficiency level that matches your knowledge. There are four levels. You can pick "Learn from scratch" if you don't know any Chinese. Choose "Beginner" if you've learned a bit but can't really speak it. Opt for "Elementary" if you can converse about simple things in Chinese. Go for "Intermediate" if you know some Chinese but want to improve.
Scenarios replace traditional learning model
Memrise has tossed the traditional "HSK 1, HSK 2" playbook, delivering Mandarin Chinese lessons in a single, streamlined course. Instead of trudging through endless levels, now you navigate "Scenarios." These Scenarios are your ticket to real-life conversations, covering everything from ordering coffee to talking about the future. We appreciate that the scenarios are practical and progress logically in the order you might encounter them in real life. You'll start by learning how to introduce yourself, then move on to vocabulary related to travel scenarios, such as ordering at a restaurant. You also can preview the words and phrases you'll learn in each Scenario before you jump in. For example, "xiǎohuā de xinglǐ chāozhong le" translates to "Xiao-hua's luggage is overweight." These are phrases and words you might actually hear in China, unlike some other apps that teach you random phrases like "My horse is not an architect."
Transcribe in pinyin, match Chinese characters to vocab
Each Scenario is split into "Learn" and "Review" parts. In "Learn," you pick up new phrases and vocabulary. When you're introduced to a new word, you'll first see the pinyin, followed by the English translation, the literal translation, and then the Chinese character. For example, the phrase "bú yong xie" translates to "you're welcome" in English, but literally, it means "no need thank". This approach is useful for intuitively learning grammatical rules. When asked to transcribe an audio clip, you're prompted to do so in pinyin. While it doesn't seem like you can transcribe in Chinese characters, you will sometimes be asked to select the correct character for a new word. Unfortunately, Memrise doesn't support learning the stroke order of Chinese characters.
Hear it from a native speaker
When you're learning a new word or phrase on Memrise, you often get to hear it straight from native speakers in the form of short videos filmed like street interviews. It's like taking a virtual tour; you get to hear the authentic pronunciation and catch glimpses of intriguing locations in China. Imagine seeing the bustling streets of Shanghai or the serene landscapes of Guilin as you learn. You're not just learning the language; you're peeking into the culture and geography, making it a richer experience.
Hear multiple recordings of the same phrase
Another cool feature: for many phrases or vocab words, you can listen to multiple recordings by different speakers. Just look for the speaker icons at the bottom of the page. This is super handy for a tonal language like Chinese, where the pitch can change the meaning of a word. It seems like Memrise doesn't offer graded pronunciation practice anymore, so you'll need to find another way to get feedback if you don't trust your own ear.
Race against the clock in Speed Review
Then, in "Review," you get to practice and polish what you've learned, making sure those tricky words don't slip through the cracks. Speed Review is especially engaging, offering a rapid-fire quiz on words you're familiar with. It's designed to be a quick, fun test of your memory, where you race against the clock to answer questions correctly and keep your hearts from running out. As you progress, getting answers right in a row can earn you extra lives, adding a layer of challenge and excitement to your review sessions.
Watch short-form videos that utilize your vocabulary
As you progress through Memrise, you'll be suggested supplementary short videos that contain the words and phrases you've been learning (a 15 second sketch where two people introduce themselves and talk about the weather). As you get more advanced, these video suggestions might include news segments or music videos pulled from YouTube. After each video, you'll be asked how much you understood.
Practice with artificial intelligence
To learn a new language, you have to apply your knowledge. That's where Memrise's AI chatbot, MemBot, comes in. It uses artificial intelligence to let you practice speaking a language without the fear of making mistakes. This way, you can try out what you've learned all by yourself, getting comfortable with the language before you move on to real-world conversations. MemBot is like a practice buddy that's always there, ready to chat, correct your grammar, and suggest what to say next, making it easier for you to gain confidence in your new language skills.
Free version available, Lifetime access for $249.99
Memrise offers a free version that lets you explore all its language courses, including the basics and some interactive features. However, to fully dive into everything Memrise has to offer, like removing ads, unlocking all vocabulary lessons, accessing all native speaker videos, and engaging in unlimited conversation practice, you might want to consider upgrading to Pro membership. The regular cost for Pro is about $27.99 a month or $130.99 for a year. But keep an eye out because Memrise often runs promotions that drastically reduce the price for Lifetime Pro access from its price of $249.99 (which, by the way, was recently bumped up from $199.99 - ouch). Opting for the Lifetime Pro means you won't have to worry about monthly fees again. It's worth comparing this one-time cost with other monthly subscriptions you have to see if it's a good fit, especially if you're serious about mastering Chinese. Just remember, some of the advanced scenarios and features will be locked behind this Pro paywall.
Highly rated by users
Prepare to be wowed by the sheer number of people who've given their two cents on Memrise - we're talking about more than 1.5 million reviews on the Google Play Store and close to 200,000 on the Apple App Store. It's clear that users are over the moon with Memrise, as it showcases an impressive average rating of 4.5 to 4.8 stars across these platforms. Users often highlight its effectiveness as a language learning tool, even suggesting it tops the charts in this category. However, it's worth noting that no platform is perfect. The latest updates and features introduced by Memrise seem to come with their own set of glitches, such as lessons that don't end automatically, interrupting users' streaks. This serves as a gentle reminder that even the most beloved services have room for improvement.
We miss the community courses
Memrise shines as a top-notch language learning app, blending traditional and innovative techniques like spaced repetition, native speaker videos, and an AI chatbot to make learning Chinese engaging. However, the decision to remove community courses has left us - and clearly, many others - with mixed feelings. The community courses were a gold mine for those looking to learn less mainstream languages or dialects, and their removal feels like a significant step away from what made Memrise so special. It's a classic case of "you don't know what you've got till it's gone," and in this instance, it seems Memrise may have underestimated the value these courses added for a substantial portion of their user base.
Still a solid choice despite changes
Even with this change, Memrise continues to update and add new features, making it a strong option for learning Chinese. Whether Memrise is the right tool for you really depends on if you're okay with these changes. If you're looking for a fun and interactive way to learn Chinese, Memrise is worth considering, even though it's moved away from its community-driven roots.
Continued from above...
The motivations for learning Chinese are as diverse and compelling as the language itself. Perhaps you're fascinated by the rich history and culture of China, eager to read its classical poetry or modern literature in its original form. Maybe you're looking to expand your business skills and communicate directly with the vast Chinese market. Or, you might dream of traveling through China, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes, all while engaging with locals in their native tongue.
Learning Chinese, however, presents a unique set of challenges unlike those found in learning languages like Spanish or French. For one, there's the intricate system of Chinese characters, each carrying its own meaning and pronunciation, which can seem daunting at first glance. Then, there's the tonal nature of Mandarin Chinese, where the meaning of a word can change dramatically with the pitch of your voice.
But don't let these hurdles deter you. With commitment and the right resources, you're on your way to fluency. Mastering Chinese opens up a universe of cultural, professional, and social opportunities, allowing you to connect with over a billion speakers worldwide.
Online Chinese lessons offer a variety of approaches to suit different learning preferences. For auditory learners, there are programs focused on immersive listening practices, helping you attune your ear to the nuances of the language. If you're game for a challenge, gamified learning platforms make acquiring new vocabulary and grammar points engaging, rewarding your progress with points and badges.
For those who prefer a more structured learning path, comprehensive courses provide a blend of video lessons, interactive quizzes, and writing exercises, ensuring you develop a well-rounded skill set, from character recognition and writing to speaking and listening.
And if personal interaction is what drives your learning, tutoring services connect you with native Chinese speakers for real-time conversation and cultural exchange, enriching your study with authentic experiences.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here's what to consider as you begin your journey to learn Chinese:
To guide you to the best Chinese lessons for your goals and preferred learning style, our team at Top Consumer Reviews has tested today's leading options and provided honest feedback on what each one offers. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on your Chinese learning adventure today!
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Why Should You Learn Chinese?
In this day and age there are lots of reasons to invest in learning different languages. But what are the reasons to learn Chinese specifically? You might be questioning which language you want to learn next, and if so Chinese would make an excellent choice. There are many reasons to learn the language of such an illustrious culture, and this list will only be an abbreviated version, but it's something to strongly consider if you are up to the challenge.
One reason to learn Chinese is probably the easiest to understand - do it for the culture! China is a country with a beautiful and fascinating history, and learning the language is one more way to learn about the culture. If you ever visit China, you'll be glad you took the time to learn the language, and it'll help you understand more while you're there. And even if you never visit China, it can be a fun experience for yourself that also gives you a peek into a whole different part of the world.
Another, more specific reason for learning Chinese is for the future. Right now, China has connections with almost every country across the globe, and learning the language to communicate could be very helpful. From being a translator, to hoping to work in business, a smart language to learn would be Chinese. China works with a lot of countries, and is a massive producer of various items, so learning how to negotiate and talk to people in their own language would go a long way towards making a good impression.
Chinese is a very difficult language to learn, and there are many different ways you can communicate with it. That being said, learning Chinese could open several new doors for you. You could impress people with your knowledge, and even expose yourself to Chinese pop culture. You would see a whole different side of the world through Chinese movies and literature; things so easily get lost in translation, but by cutting out the middleman and doing it yourself, you make sure you are hearing everything correctly. You must look at the challenge of learning the language as an invitation instead of an obstacle. You are bringing yourself to new heights, and perhaps you will inspire more people to join you, by learning Chinese as a second language.
For these reasons and many more, learning Chinese is a great decision. Use your time and money to learn a new skill that could be invaluable to you for a variety of reasons. As long as you remember to respect the culture it comes from, learning Chinese can be a very healthy and exciting goal to work towards achieving. Join millions today in learning a whole new world through the language of China.
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