I had my first Mandarin lesson today and I loved it! It was approximately two hours long and my teacher, Y, is amazing. We started off learning about pinyin (the tones for the Chinese language) and then she taught me the “initials” (b-p-m-f-d-t-n-l) and then the “finals” (which are the vowel sounds). She said that I caught on way faster than she expected since her other foreigner students have such a hard time with the beginning. 

It was so much fun to be able to speak, even if it’s just little words here and there. Y asked me if I was interested in learning to read and write. Most of her students only want to speak especially since the Chinese language is so difficult. So I told her I want to learn since I love learning languages! So we got through quite a few words that she’ll quiz me on next week and I am beyond thrilled with everything I learned today. I have a lot to study till our next lesson on Tuesday.

I even got to “read” my first Chinese/pinyin today and it was a serious tongue twister. I kept bobbing my head up and down with the different tones but after a few tries I got it. I really hope I remember everything the next time I see her.

After the lesson I went to the grocery store and guess what? I was able to use the Chinese I had learned earlier to ask questions and talk to the cashier. It was amazing. I finally feel more comfortable even though I only know a few things. 

Y was telling me that she found it so hilarious that I kept speaking Cantonese when she would ask me to say it in Mandarin. Then I said it in Korean, not knowing I said it in Korean. But eventually I got the hang of it. She told me that in a few weeks I should be able to speak conversationally, especially with how quickly I’m picking it up. I think a lot has to do with my excitement about learning… I think if it was something I absolutely disliked then it would be a lot more difficult.

I feel so happy.