Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fine -- as far as it goes, 17 Jul 2008
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Programme (What's this?)
This CD-based language course is fine, as far it goes. It is an excellent introduction to Mandarin for those wishing to accustom their ears to the language and to learn a few key phrases for helping to cope with the essentials of a short trip to China. The pacing of the course is good, with plenty of opportunity for you to review your progress in the comprehension of snippets of Mandarin spoken by a variety of different speakers. It also uses a variety of different techniques to help a Westerner get to grips with the essentials of this difficult language. Some seem to work less well than others -- the mnemonics, for instance, for remembering key phrases struck me as being somewhat forced on occasions, and so while I could recall the mnemonic key (I had no difficulty remembering to think "gin and tonic" at the appropriate time) that key frequently did not unlock the appropriate phrase of Mandarin within my brain (the gin and tonic didn't help). But at least the variety of techniques means that there are probably sufficient for there to be something there that will work for you.
Where this product falls down, of course, is that in common with all other CD-based courses, while it is easy for you to test your comprehension of what is being said on the disc, there is no way to assess whether or not your own pronunciation is approaching anything that would be understandable to a Mandarin speaker! Given the vast difficulty that the Western brain has in picking out many key components of Mandarin, I would say that, unfortunately, this is a major drawback in this case. Nor does the material extend very far into conversational Mandarin -- it only touches the basics of exchanging greetings, asking directions, getting food, drink and accommodation, etc -- so it runs the risk of the falling into the standard phrase-book trap of teaching you how, for instance, to ask directions somewhere, without really equipping you with sufficient vocabulary or understanding of the linguistic elements to make much of most of the replies you're likely to get in reality! And finally, as an aural-based course, backed up with minimal written material in the accompanying booklet, it does not tackle any aspects of written Chinese, so it does nothing to equip you for reading signs or other written materials on a visit.
In summary, then, this is a good introduction to the basics of spoken Mandarin but it is no substitute for real tuition in a proper interactive language learning environment. It may, however, provide you with enough confidence to make a trip to China and to talk to people while you are there and so immerse yourself in the best interactive Mandarin learning environment possible!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
As painless as it gets - a very accessible introduction!, 11 Jul 2008
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Programme (What's this?)
It was interesting to see Collins get involved in the language course market, and appropriate too, given its long history of excellent foreign language dictionaries. This, like its Polish sister product (and no doubt the other languages in the series, which I haven't tried) is aimed at total beginners, but I also found it a fantastic refresher, having studied a (very) little Mandarin before.
What is really important with a 3 CD audio-only course is that the speakers are likeable, as you'll be spending quite a lot of time with them; and here, Collins have hit a good balance, with a nice, informal discourse with friendly voices, although still holding to a solid course structure. This contrasts nicely to the sometimes rather dry nature of Mandarin courses on the market - a nice, fresh approach which won't scare anyone off.
The language itself is served up in manageable, bite-sized chunks, with some good advice about optimal learning times thrown in. In fact, it's the advice offered on general language learning techniques which makes this course as valuable as the actual language content does. In fact, if you know most of the language on the CDs already and are using it just as a refresher, you might still benefit from the hints and tips offered for learning. And for a total beginner, this way of setting the new learner off on the right track is invaluable - you're less likely to stumble and fail by feeling overwhelmed - and less likely to give up. As far as language learning goes, it's as painless as it gets, and very rewarding!
The units cover a nice big slice of language across a range of topics, which should serve as a good basis for a trip, or as the foundations of your first steps into studying Mandarin. Each one follows the standard intro - drill - recap mould, with lots of interaction and speaking out loud encouraged. If you do need to see the written word (and you don't need to at all if you don't want to with this course), there is a handy booklet included - small enough to shove in your pocket as a simple phrase book when you're travelling, too.
With an emphasis on communication rather than perfectionism, this is a modern, thoroughly useable course. Again, it ticks all the boxes - well done Collins. Teach Yourself must be getting worried!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hard language to grasp on basic terms, 10 Jul 2008
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Programme (What's this?)
This is a language where giving you small bits to learn wont do you any good. I have done an extensive course in mandarin, and it was very hard to grasp certain things like the various tones for the same word. It took months of hard graft to really get it, and understand it.
Learning only basic conversational items from a cd is a different method now. I went through this and to be honest it just expects you to learn to repeat phrases. Thats all. No one there to check if you are pronouncing it right (which you really need for tonal aspects), and is not suited for this level of language complexity.
I would suggest if you want to learn this language to go out to China and live there and learn it first hand, or invest in a one on one teacher who can teach you and give you the needed feedback (which a cd cant).
Sorry for this harsh review, but its not easy to make such a complex language easy learning, especially by making someone repeat phrases off a cd.
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