ABSTRACT

Is the Chinese language truly as difficult to learn as it is reputed to be? To answer this question, it is important to differentiate between spoken and written language. It would be inaccurate to claim that acquiring spoken Chinese is significantly more complex than learning other languages, despite the presence of certain vowel and consonant sounds that are absent in Indo-European languages. Moreover, the teaching methodology in language instruction has historically placed a disproportionate emphasis on written language at the expense of comprehension and oral expression. Despite efforts to incorporate oral exercises in the classroom, certain practices still contribute little to the development of proper pronunciation and fluent communication skills. However, it is important to acknowledge that the Chinese writing system, apart from being fascinating, is fundamentally distinct from our own. The memorization of Chinese characters necessitates persistent repetition and a substantial time commitment.