About this Video

• Video Title: This trick will skyrocket your Chinese speaking
• Channel: Will Hart 何威
• Speakers: He Wei (何威)
• Duration: 00:05:40

Introduction

This video presents a technique to significantly improve Chinese speaking skills. The speaker, He Wei, argues that sentence practice is crucial for fluency, unlike simply memorizing vocabulary. He details a three-step method for effective sentence practice.

Key Takeaways

• Sentence practice is key: He Wei emphasizes that while vocabulary memorization is helpful, it's insufficient for fluency. The ability to construct and use sentences correctly is paramount.
• Three-step sentence practice method: This involves (1) finding appropriate example sentences at one's level containing target vocabulary, (2) creatively modifying these sentences to create new ones, and (3) consistent daily practice (about 15 minutes).
• Choosing appropriate example sentences: Sentences should be understandable and contain the vocabulary or phrases the learner wants to master. They should clearly illustrate meaning and usage.
• Gradual sentence modification: When creating new sentences, start by making small changes to avoid grammatical errors. Maintain the original sentence structure initially.
• Consistency is vital: Daily practice, even for a short period (15 minutes), yields significant long-term improvement.

Yes, He Wei outlines a three-step process for sentence practice:

Step 1: Finding a Suitable Example Sentence: The sentence should be appropriate for the learner's current language level (understandable) and contain the vocabulary or phrases they want to learn. The example sentence should clearly show the meaning and usage of the target vocabulary.

Step 2: Creating New Sentences: Using the example sentence as a base, learners should create new sentences using their creativity and imagination. This involves modifying the original sentence, but the speaker advises making only small changes initially to avoid errors. Maintaining the original sentence structure at first is recommended.

Step 3: Consistent Daily Practice: He Wei recommends practicing this method for about 15 minutes each day. He stresses the importance of persistence for achieving fluency.

Let's break down He Wei's three-step sentence practice method with more detail and examples. Remember, he uses Mandarin Chinese in the video, but the principles apply to any language. We will use English examples.

Step 1: Find a Suitable Example Sentence

• Condition 1: Appropriate Level: The sentence should be easily understood by you. Don't choose something so complex that it's frustrating.

  • Example (too difficult): "The epistemological implications of postmodern thought challenge the very foundations of objective truth." (Unless you are already very advanced, this is too hard!)
  • Example (suitable): "The cat sat on the mat." (Simple, easily understood)

• Condition 2: Contains Target Vocabulary: The sentence needs to include the words, phrases, or grammatical structures you're currently learning.

  • Target Vocabulary Example (assuming you're learning the word "persistent"): "Despite many setbacks, she remained persistent in her pursuit of her goal."
  • Target Grammar Example (assuming you're learning the present perfect tense): "I have finished my homework."

Step 2: Create New Sentences Based on the Example

Start by making small changes to the example sentence. Don’t drastically alter the sentence structure at first. He Wei stresses keeping the original sentence pattern to reduce errors while building confidence.

• Example (using "The cat sat on the mat"):

  • Small Change 1: "The dog sat on the rug." (Changed subject, object)
  • Small Change 2: "The cat slept on the bed." (Changed verb, object)
  • Slightly Bigger Change: "My cat sat on the warm mat." (Added descriptive word, kept sentence structure)

• Example (using "Despite many setbacks, she remained persistent in her pursuit of her goal"):

  • Small Change 1: "Despite the rain, he remained persistent in his run." (Changed subject, object of preposition)
  • Small Change 2: "Despite the challenges, we remained persistent in our efforts." (Changed subject, pluralized)

Avoid: Initially, avoid large-scale changes that might disrupt the sentence structure completely. For example, transforming "The cat sat on the mat" into "Upon the plush, crimson mat, a sleek feline reclined." is too much of a change in the beginning.

Step 3: Consistent Daily Practice

Dedicate approximately 15 minutes daily to this exercise. The key is consistency, not the length of the session. Over time, you'll naturally be able to create more complex and varied sentences.

He Wei's core message is to actively use the words and grammar you're learning to build sentences, rather than passively memorizing them. This active practice strengthens your understanding and ability to use the language.