Many kids hesitate to speak Chinese confidently while learning Mandarin,here are some potential factors and corresponding actions:
1.Fear of being mocked for their accent
Many kids lack exposure to a Chinese-speaking environment and have limited time to study Chinese. Even if they are familiar with Chinese expressions, they may have a heavy accent and fear that it differs greatly from the standard Mandarin accent. As a result, they keep their mouths shut, afraid of being laughed at as soon as they speak. In such case, it’s important to encourage kids to speak up boldly. Accent should be considered a minor issue; as long as kids can convey their intended message, they shouldn’t dwell too much on accent issues.
2.Lack of supportive Chinese-speaking environment
Kids may find themselves in learning environments lacking support and encouragement, such as schools or households where no one speaks Chinese. This isolation and discouragement can undermine their motivation and confidence in learning. In environments where no one else speaks Chinese, using it might make them feel like outsiders. In such scenario, actively seek out Chinese-speaking companions for your kid. There are numerous online language exchange platforms where your kid can converse with native Chinese speakers. Make the most of these platforms to encourage your kid to speak Chinese.
3.Insufficient foundation in Chinese
Kids do not have enough Chinese input and have an inadequate grasp of the language. Despite their desire to express themselves boldly, their limited knowledge of Chinese hampers their ability to do so. Consequently, their minds may struggle to formulate responses, increasing the likelihood of errors, leaving them unsure of how to proceed. In light of this situation, it’s crucial to immerse your kid in Chinese input to enhance their language proficiency. eChineseLearning offer personalized one-on-one tutoring, which can comprehensively assist your kid in improving their Chinese skills.
If you are interested in having your kid learn Chinese, sign up for a free trial class via the form on this page, and we will be happy to help.