[TinyToes]

I am planning to start learning Cantonese upon arrival to HK.
How long does it usually take to learn it to the level of being able to buy food, tickets and order drinks?
Had anyone had really big trouble learning it?

Any other advise (on where, what should I start with and so on - will be greatly appreciated!)


Thank you!

[cafc619]

Try EDC in Admiralty. http://www.hkedc.com. They do Canto and Mandy course for expats...

Canto is not an easy language for beginners, but I have seen a lot of expats here picked up the lingo pretty good (HKChigger for one ). If you want to get to the "getting by" level I would probably say 3-4 months. Check out the website and see what you think...

Or alternatively you can just join one of our social outings. There are enough Canto speakers in each one of them (including meself) for you to learn the lingo. For Free!!!

Good luck.

[TinyToes]

Great, Thanks!

I will try both, I think...
you sound quite enthusiastic about the language, so I feel much better...

[cafc619]

Originally Posted by TinyToes

Great, Thanks!

I will try both, I think...
you sound quite enthusiastic about the language, so I feel much better...

Cos it's my native lol

[climber07]

Originally Posted by TinyToes

Great, Thanks!

I will try both, I think...
you sound quite enthusiastic about the language, so I feel much better...

As a westerner trying to learn Cantonese at the moment, I can tell you its probably one of the toughest languages to learn. I'm an American (which I guess means I speak "English" ) but I'm also fluent in Russian, familiar with Spanish, Italian, German, French and studied Japanese for a number of years.

What makes Cantonese a rather "dangerous" language for westerners is that is has 9 distinctly different sound tones (Mandarin in comparison only has 4). Thus a rather simple word pronounced with a wrong tone can take on a COMPLETELY different meaning.

For example take a word, gow (pronounced like "how" with a g). It can mean number 9, a dog, old, or even penis depending on the tone.

Thus, if you have an ear for music and can differentiate between pitches & octives, Cantonese will be a bit easier. If you're tone deaf however, I would strongly encourage you to take Mandarin.

Best of Luck! I'm trying to stay highly motivated!

[TinyToes]

Originally Posted by climber07

For example take a word, gow (pronounced like "how" with a g). It can mean number 9, a dog, old, or even penis depending on the tone.

Oh, "GOW" is now my favourite word )))

but seriously, which language will be more useful? Mandarin or Cantonese?

[climber07]

Originally Posted by TinyToes

Oh, "GOW" is now my favourite word )))

but seriously, which language will be more useful? Mandarin or Cantonese?

Depends.....If you're thinking long term or short term. Ultimately, I hate to say it, but Cantonese will lose popularity as more and more influence will come from Mainland China. Already you can see a significant evidence of Mandarin being used in Hong Kong and parents are sending their kids to Mandarin schools. Even in China Towns in US & Canada, Mandarin is taking a significantly larger role as many Mainland Chinese (with a lot of $$$) are immigrating and purchasing businesses overseas.

Thus, I would say in the longer therm, Mandarin is ultimately the choice. I took Cantonese because everyone under my current management speaks Cantonese and I'd like to be able to understand them when they are not speaking English to me. Additionally I think it will help with local stores and getting around. However, I have absolutely no problems getting around Hong Kong with only English. Cabbies understand me, and so do stores. If you have enough patience, you can live happily in Hong Kong for 20 years without speaking one word of Cantonese (especially on Hong Kong Island or Discovery Bay).

[siumai]

I'd say that long-term and short-term may not have so much importance on adults as these things move slowly. I'd say that more important is whether you expect to focus on Hong Kong or China as a whole. If you live in Hong Kong and spend most of your time here, I'd say Cantonese is your choice. But if you are here just temporarily and may even move on to live in Mainland China later, or at least visit there very often, Mandarin may be your choice.

You can also opt to learn both, perhaps not exactly at the same time but this is the choice for many that (try to) learn the written language as well, as the written language in Hong Kong resembles spoken Mandarin much more than Cantonese.

[501]

Hi Tiny Toes,

I am learning Cantonese at Berlitz and loving it - so I highly recommend studying there.

I chose to study Cantonese so I could practise it in daily life and I'm not finding it any harder or easier than learning Russian or Spanish as a native English speaker. The way Berlitz teaches tones makes it very easy to follow and if you enjoy languages you'll pick it up easily.

Good luck.

[TinyToes]

Oh, thank you so much for the replies - I have a lot to concider now...