That's the theory: what actually happens in practice is that your girlfriend's/boyfriend 's (delete as appropriate) English (or insert your mother tongue) improves, but your Chinese doesn't.
If one person's language ability isn't up to much, then it gets really *old* for the other person, especially when you wish to have deep conversations, and / or discussions about thoughts or feelings.
A girlfriend / boyfriend does help, like a language exchange partner, but don't blind yourself to the obvious pitfalls that unlike a language exchange partner, you will *need* to properly communicate with girlfriend / boyfriend. It's usually best in a language that you both can speak reasonably well.
I would say that the most efficient method of learning Chinese is through studying either through classes or a private tutor, and then putting in the required effort yourself [homework]. Unless your 4 or 5 years old (in which case you're far too young to be thinking about finding a partner), then you will *need* to put in the effort.
Practice with your girlfriend / boyfriend by all means, but resist the temptation to treat them like an unpaid 24/7 Chinese tutor.
I agree with the periodicals in question (to an extent) and John Xie, in as much that unless you wish to do translation work, it's marketable technical skills and experience (plus college degree) that are more durable in terms of a career.
Think of it this way, if you have no marketable skills and experience, what do you have to offer that a native speaker cannot do, aside from teach English? If it's a straight up choice between spending the time and money to develop marketable technical skills or learning a language, I'd choose the former every time.
That said, if you already have the requisite skills and experience, then language acquisition would give you an advantage. **
** The main advantage would be in helping you make the relocation and cultural adjustment that much easier. Language acquisition helps you integrate, and increases the probability of success in your chosen country.
I study Mandarin because I enjoy the experience and opportunity to live and study here. After 7 years in Supply Chain Management, in a number of different roles, I deserve this sabbatical!
There are plenty of options to study (and you *need* to study because a solid foundation is vital with language acquisition), not all of them bad. I've posted a thread here that contains language providers inc. reviews
Language exchange partners are good to practice Chinese (as well as making friends), but there is a world of difference between a language exchange partner and a Chinese teacher / tutor (someone who has formally studied teaching Chinese as a foreign language).
I'm nowhere near fluency (hovering between elementary / intermediate), yet as pushingeast states, the biggest determinant will be yourself. There are no real short-cuts other than study, study, study, then practice, practice, practice i.e. talk Chinese.
To add a comment on reading and writing. I went to SOAS in London and they focus on reading (and writing) hanzi from the get-go. I've found that learning to read (and write - albeit at a much slower pace, because I type as oppose to hand-write) consolidates my learning - especially grammatical structures and usage.
If you can afford it, I'd recommend 1-2-1 route either through a language provider or through a private tutor. If you do go the private tutor route remember to make sure that your tutor has formal teaching Chinese as a foreign language degree / qualification. I'd reiterate again that there is a world of difference between a well-meaning amateur and someone who is qualified to teach.
I like the colour scheme and the initial layout. However, the forum / posting features are basic - especially the layout of posts contained (constrained) in a frame, hard to read and follow, and has a mid-90s feel.
Appreciate if you could look at the possibility - based upon feedback / user-polls - of moving posts to the left-side of the screen, and have threaded posts.
The introduction of a PM [personal message] feature is much welcome, although sadly I expect the necessity of terms and conditions of usage due to "douche-bags" who cannot play nicely and may (ab)use the feature to send a series of abusive messages.
I went this weekend with some other students (via cab - approx 40 yuan from 东风东路).
I really enjoyed the setting, as it is extremely peaceful, and the surrounding hills look ideal for exploring - if one has a bike (scooter / mountain bike).
Spent approx 90 mins exploring the temple, looking at the arhats, and talking to a Chinese woman who was learning Japanese, accompanied by her Japanese teacher.
Sadly, we didn't have the opportunity to eat the vegetarian food - although I am a vegetarian - because my class-mates had eaten previously.
I much preferred this temple to Yuantong; and it is nice to be occasionally reminded of Japan (in terms of temples, shrines, etc - and women, let's not forget ;)).
Half a morning / afternoon trip, so would recommend combining with another activity in the vicinity.
Addendum: my 2 female friends just arrived back [home] to complain that they were harassed to buy more alcohol and food.
My female friends wanted Tsingtao beer, to be told that they would not be sold Tsingtao as it's too cheap (12 yuan). They were arm-twisted to buy a more expensive beer. Then after they bought Sol beer, not only was the beer room-temperature, but they constantly badgered to buy food, inquiries asking if they were hungry, etc.
They left to go to Aoma's after that, and had a much better experience in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Just came back from Camel Bar after experiencing one of the most bizarre and retarded 'rules' for being 'allowed' to watch a World Cup game.
There is effectively a table fee of 180 yuan (which includes 12 bottles of beer and some popcorn, and a little bit of other food) which you have to pay if you wish to sit and watch a game.
Here's the kicker: I and two others met some (4) friends who already had paid this fee and were happily watching the game. We went to sit with them only to be told that we could sit around the table i.e. in front - thus obscuring the view for them of the game - but not alongside as that would necessitate another 180 yuan table fee!
Admission / seating fees to watch a World Cup game in a bar is retarded at best, as one will buy drinks anyway, but then to be told that effectively a table can only hold 4 people (sitting the other side - and thus in front of the other 4, blocking their view of the game - defeats the purpose of wishing to watch the game ..) when the bar was empty besides one or two others, was the final straw.
I decided to take my custom elsewhere, as there are plenty of other places showing the game - and with projectors.
The other insult was that the projector was slightly fuzzy, distorting the image.
I shan't be going back either during or after the World Cup.
Welcome to the new GoKunming.com!
Posted byI like the colour scheme and the initial layout. However, the forum / posting features are basic - especially the layout of posts contained (constrained) in a frame, hard to read and follow, and has a mid-90s feel.
Appreciate if you could look at the possibility - based upon feedback / user-polls - of moving posts to the left-side of the screen, and have threaded posts.
The introduction of a PM [personal message] feature is much welcome, although sadly I expect the necessity of terms and conditions of usage due to "douche-bags" who cannot play nicely and may (ab)use the feature to send a series of abusive messages.
Cheers!
Getting away: Bamboo Temple
Posted byGood review.
I went this weekend with some other students (via cab - approx 40 yuan from 东风东路).
I really enjoyed the setting, as it is extremely peaceful, and the surrounding hills look ideal for exploring - if one has a bike (scooter / mountain bike).
Spent approx 90 mins exploring the temple, looking at the arhats, and talking to a Chinese woman who was learning Japanese, accompanied by her Japanese teacher.
Sadly, we didn't have the opportunity to eat the vegetarian food - although I am a vegetarian - because my class-mates had eaten previously.
I much preferred this temple to Yuantong; and it is nice to be occasionally reminded of Japan (in terms of temples, shrines, etc - and women, let's not forget ;)).
Half a morning / afternoon trip, so would recommend combining with another activity in the vicinity.
Where to watch the World Cup in Kunming
Posted byAddendum: my 2 female friends just arrived back [home] to complain that they were harassed to buy more alcohol and food.
My female friends wanted Tsingtao beer, to be told that they would not be sold Tsingtao as it's too cheap (12 yuan). They were arm-twisted to buy a more expensive beer. Then after they bought Sol beer, not only was the beer room-temperature, but they constantly badgered to buy food, inquiries asking if they were hungry, etc.
They left to go to Aoma's after that, and had a much better experience in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Camel Bar 滚蛋！
Where to watch the World Cup in Kunming
Posted byJust came back from Camel Bar after experiencing one of the most bizarre and retarded 'rules' for being 'allowed' to watch a World Cup game.
There is effectively a table fee of 180 yuan (which includes 12 bottles of beer and some popcorn, and a little bit of other food) which you have to pay if you wish to sit and watch a game.
Here's the kicker: I and two others met some (4) friends who already had paid this fee and were happily watching the game. We went to sit with them only to be told that we could sit around the table i.e. in front - thus obscuring the view for them of the game - but not alongside as that would necessitate another 180 yuan table fee!
Admission / seating fees to watch a World Cup game in a bar is retarded at best, as one will buy drinks anyway, but then to be told that effectively a table can only hold 4 people (sitting the other side - and thus in front of the other 4, blocking their view of the game - defeats the purpose of wishing to watch the game ..) when the bar was empty besides one or two others, was the final straw.
I decided to take my custom elsewhere, as there are plenty of other places showing the game - and with projectors.
The other insult was that the projector was slightly fuzzy, distorting the image.
I shan't be going back either during or after the World Cup.