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How To Learn Cantonese With Podcasts
Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. For those of us striving to master Cantonese, there are countless resources available to help us along the way. One such resource that often goes underutilized is podcasts. In this blog post, I want to share my personal methodology of using Cantonese podcasts to learn Cantonese. This technique will allow you to enhance your language skills and provide you with valuable insights on how to make the most of your time by building the best language study routine.
Whether you’re a beginner wondering how to start speaking Cantonese or an intermediate learner looking for the best way to study Cantonese, this guide has a little bit of something for everyone!
Why Are Podcasts Good For Learning a Language?
Before delving into the specifics, let’s explore why Cantonese podcasts are an invaluable resource for language learners.
First off, podcasts offer a dynamic learning experience that combines listening, speaking, and writing exercises. This makes them a versatile tool for improving your Cantonese skills.
Moreover, they may come with transcripts and English translations, simplifying the learning process further. Giving you the tools to review and solidify learned knowledge.
Which Cantonese Podcast Should I Use To Study?
Previously, I had made an article on 5 Great Cantonese Podcasts I used to Learn Cantonese that you should definitely check out to get a better idea of what podcasts might best suit your goals and personal tastes.
Ideally, for the best usage of this study method, the podcast will also come with transcriptions. The podcast that I use in my video example above is Chatty Cantonese. This podcast not only offers engaging content but also provides transcripts and English translations, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
How to Use This Podcast Study Routine (Step by Step)
Let’s take a look at how I use this study routine to practice my Cantonese. I like to break down this podcast routine into three distinct phases:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Each of these phases is created to help you focus on a particular component of your target language. This way you can actively concentrate on the little details and interiorize your learnings better.
Phase 1: Listening
Listening is the foundation of language learning. Begin by giving the podcast a complete listen from start to finish. If it’s an especially lengthy episode, I would consider breaking down your listening session into smaller chunks of around eight to ten minutes per session. This approach helps prevent cognitive overload during your study sessions. No need to listen to the whole podcast in one session.
Keep in mind that if during your initial listening, there are parts you didn’t understand, please don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal. You can always go back and re-listen to those sections for better comprehension.
Utilizing Cantonese Transcripts
If a transcript is available, take advantage of it. Give the transcript a quick read to grasp the general idea of the podcast. While reading, keep an eye out for interesting vocabulary words, phrases, or sentence structures. I personally like to have the transcript in paper format and highlight and annotate interesting sections. However, do avoid the temptation to highlight or circle too many words. Focus on a small set of intriguing vocabulary words and unfamiliar phrases that you can later incorporate into your practice.
Phase 2: Speaking
Speaking is where you truly begin to internalize a language. In this phase, you’ll work on mimicking the sounds, intonations, and rhythms of the podcast speaker. This technique, known as “shadowing,” is incredibly effective for improving your pronunciation and getting comfortable with the flow of the language.
I would recommend that you listen and repeat the same 5-10 seconds over and over again until you feel satisfied that you “sound” like the speaker. The “shadowing” technique is used by lots of successful language learners and polyglots alike to improve their pronunciation and flow. By doing this, you not only train your muscle memory, physically familiarizing your body with the shapes and forms that it needs to put itself in to make the right sounds, but also to get in touch with when native speakers pause, which words they string together, etc.
As you shadow, take out your transcript and read the Chinese characters out loud along with the speaker. This practice not only helps with pronunciation but also builds a connection between the spoken language and its written form. It’s a great way to reinforce your knowledge of Chinese characters.
Phase 3: Writing
Writing is often an overlooked aspect of language learning, but it’s crucial for building a deeper connection with the language. In this phase, you’ll transcribe portions of the podcast. I personally would limit each transcription to three to five sentences to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Keep in mind, however, that Cantonese uses Chinese characters which can be daunting for those of us who are used to a Latin-based alphabet system.
We have a decision to make:
Do we write with jyutping or do we write with Chinese characters?
Jyutping vs Chinese Characters
If you are not 100% confident with your Chinese characters, then my recommendation is to start by transcribing in Jyutping. Jyutping is a Romanization system for Cantonese and if you are not familiar with it you can check out another blog post: What is Jyutping? (And How To Learn Cantonese Using It).
Once you finish writing down the Jyutping, and if you still have some energy left, I would transcribe the Cantonese characters under your written Jyutping by copying them from the transcript. While the primary goal may not necessarily be to improve your writing, this exercise helps you recognize and memorize the characters, strengthening your reading skills as well.
Conclusion
Incorporating podcasts into your Cantonese study routine can be a game-changer. By following the three phases of listening, speaking, and writing, you can unlock the full potential of utilizing podcasts to learn a foreign language.
Remember that your approach should align with your language-learning goals. If you’re primarily interested in speaking, focus on phases one and two. However, if you want to excel in reading and writing as well, then feel free to dive into all three phases.
I hope this guide has helped you understand how to use Cantonese podcasts to study effectively. Learning a new language is a journey filled with challenges, but with dedication and the right tools, you can achieve your goals.
So what are you waiting for?! Pick up your favorite Cantonese podcast and let’s get cracking!