How Foreigners First Began Learning Chinese151

China is a country with a long and rich history, and its language is just as complex and fascinating. For centuries, foreigners have been trying to learn Chinese, with varying degrees of success. In the early days, there were no formal methods for learning the language, so foreigners had to rely on their own devices. Some of the most common methods included:
Hiring a tutor: This was the most common way for foreigners to learn Chinese in the early days. Tutors could be found in major cities and trading ports throughout China, and they charged a variety of fees depending on their experience and the level of instruction they provided.
Using a language learning book: There were a number of language learning books published in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, which taught the basics of Chinese grammar and vocabulary. These books were often written by missionaries or traders who had spent time in China.
Immersing oneself in the language: This was the most difficult way to learn Chinese, but it was also the most effective. Foreigners who lived in China for extended periods of time were able to pick up the language through daily interactions with native speakers.

The early days of Chinese language learning were a time of trial and error. There were no easy methods, and foreigners often had to spend years studying before they could become proficient in the language. However, the efforts of these early learners laid the foundation for the more formal methods of Chinese language learning that developed in later centuries.

Here are some specific examples of how foreigners learned Chinese in the early days:
In the 13th century, the Italian traveler Marco Polo spent 17 years in China. During this time, he learned to speak and write Chinese fluently. He was one of the first Westerners to ever master the Chinese language.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese missionary Matteo Ricci spent 28 years in China. He was one of the first Europeans to study Chinese literature and philosophy. He also wrote a number of books on Chinese language and culture.
In the 18th century, the British diplomat Sir George Macartney spent two years in China. He was one of the first Westerners to learn to speak Mandarin, the standard dialect of Chinese.

These are just a few examples of the many foreigners who have learned Chinese over the centuries. Today, there are more than 100 million people around the world who speak Chinese as a second language. The language is becoming increasingly popular as China's economy and influence continue to grow.

If you are interested in learning Chinese, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can find language learning books, online courses, and tutors in most major cities. With a little effort and dedication, you can learn to speak and write Chinese fluently.

2024-11-15

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