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Mongolia flagMunkhbaatar (Munkho)
To speak or not to speak?
I have started learn Mandarin this year. My Chinese is limited to few common expression and that is it. I try to study at least 20 min everyday. Also I want to practice my speaking once a week (30 min or 1 hour). But since I don't have basic vocabulary to speak and most of time I don't understand what my tutor says it feels like I am wasting my money on tutors.
Even though I am learning Chinese now, that question can be applied to learning any other language.
So here is the question:
Which is better? Study until I could learn basic expressions and just enough vocabulary and only then start speaking practice OR Learning new words should go hand in hand with speaking (no matter what level I am)?

Comments · 2

1
I agree with Carlos that you should get a foundation of basic vocabulary first, but I also think you should try to start speaking as soon as possible. I think this is especially true for a tonal language like Chinese, where the pronunciation is very important.

I think the key is to find a teacher who is willing to adjust to your level and teach things that will benefit you. Look for someone who offers to help "beginners" and doesn't simply offer "conversation practice." (In my experience, "conversation practice" often means that the teacher does a lot of talking, without too much regard for whether you understand any of it or not. Try to find someone who will teach you phrases and sentences, make audio recordings for you, etc., and work your way up to conversation practice from there.)
1
I'd recommend more self study, get a solid 300-400 words memorized, and then hire tutors to put that vocab into action. I didn't hire anyone until I knew how to read pinyin and hold a basic conversation. I used CD's (pimsleur) and phrasebooks (Assimil) to get my foundations for Chinese.

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