Learning Cantonese - not as easy as 1, 2, 3 for this ABC
No time like the presentListen to wise old fortune cookie...
Well, I MUST be getting older; I dare myself to hit 70 miles per hour on the interstate; I brown bag my lunch to maximize my 401(K) contributions; I watch Family Feud on Tuesday nights. But one of my biggest clue-ins to getting older - and wiser - is that I finally value the Cantonese language and see it as a defining piece of my identity. Unfortunately, my Cantonese has always been broken. And moving 600 miles from my mom and grandmother completely took me out of the little practice I had. Several weeks ago I called my mom to say hey. She put my grandmother - who speaks no English - on the phone, and she did all the talking. It's been that way for a long time now, years maybe. I simply can't make conversation with her. I just nod and say, "Yeah. Yes. Uh-huh. Ok." And our "conversations" get shorter and shorter. During one recent call home, my mom said, "Do you want to talk to Grandma? She likes to hear your voice." My heart broke. "Hear your voice"? That's all she can get from me now. Only my voice. No communication.
So I researched some Cantonese sites and found a fairly good one simply callled ChineseLessons that explains grammar rules and vocabs. It also features some sound clips for pronunciations.
Finding your way Learn how to ask for directions
in Cantonese.
But then I realized that iTunes probably has some Cantonese news broadcasts that could at least re-expose me even if I couldn't understand it all. Sure enough I found a variety of podcasts and a few tutorials. My favorite is "Cantonese Pod | Enjoy the Cantonese Learning Experience!" by Benson Hoi. A Macau native Benson currently studies computing and mathematics in London. His lessons feature vocabulary, phrases and conversational situations.
Scrumptious dim sum Benson Hoi serves up a lesson in
ordering Chinese food.
So if you want to contribute to your Cantonese language bank account, search for "Benson Hoi" in the podcast directory of the iTunes store or go to his site Cantonese Pod. If you enjoy his lessons, please post comments on his site and consider making a donation (he's got a PayPal button). I will say that his lessons follow a fast pace, good for those already familiar with the language. If you're a beginner, I suggest checking your local library for CDs or tapes of Pimsleur's Cantonese.
Joi Geen! (Good bye!)
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