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Ramadhani Dyah Kinanti

A179298

14/9/2024

~ Were the objectives of the project fulfilled? ~

In the progress of this elective posting, i have achieved the objectives of this project that had been decided on the start. The first objective was to learn japanese and acquire the skill to read, write, and communicate, and i would proudly say that i'm able to achieve that even though it's still in elementary level. My second objective was to experience learning in different environment with various people, and i definitely achieved that as well. Last, i was able to gain the ability to learn a new language as a part of my self improvement. The journey has been amazing and incredible.

~ What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project? ~

I myself, is a person who always love to learn a new language, so the fact that I was able to learn Japanese and communicate with that language itself is very rewarding to me. When facing challenges, i was forced to adapt fast and was pushed to think creative ways in facing them. In this aspect, i'm enjoying seeing myself keep thriving in facing those challenges and keep on pursuing to learn things that i love.

~ What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do) ~

Well of course, learning a language itself is very challenging in many many ways. Especially memorizing a set of new alphabets that is completely different from what you have always see. Gaining courage in speaking a language that you're not used to is a definite challenge as well. It was very awkward and unnatural at first. But when you get used to it of course, it will double the fun and excitement you originally had!

~ What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well) ~

Practice. This might sounds simple, but in order to improve and gain linguistic skill, practice is very important. For example, trying to do monologues, following movie script, speak in front of mirror, memorizing song has helped me to familiarise myself in recognizing pronounciation and intonation in Japanese language.

Second thing would be making flash cards. I made flash cards to memorize katakana at first, but last week i made a 20 pages kanji flashcards to help me in memorizing kanji. I'd say it worked! This method of course also supported with imagining the sounds of an alphabet and the shape of kanji, so it's easier to remember.

~What can be improved in this project?~

Previously, i really wanted to do this course offline. In this case, if someone (or me) want to learn languages in the future, it would be more exciting, engaging, and interactive if it was done through offline classes. It would be very very different, especially when practicing speaking skill. I can agree that practicing speaking on the spot, face to face, with other people will further enhance the ability to see gesture and deepen the understanding and pronunciation in that certain language.

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Nǐ hǎo

Muhammad Ikmal Haneef bin Mohd Azlee, A183590, 27/8/2024

Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were fulfilled. By the end of module 7, I successfully covered all the essential topics, including leisure activities, hobbies, and daily life interactions. I can now understand and engage in basic conversations in Chinese, which was the main goal of the course. The course structure, quizzes, and exercises provided a solid foundation in the language.

What have I enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most was the practical application of the language. Learning how to talk about everyday topics such as food, transportation, weather, and shopping made the language feel more useful and relevant. The interactive quizzes and role-playing exercises allowed me to actively engage with the content, making the learning experience more immersive and fun.

What have i found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of the project was mastering the tones and pronunciation in Chinese. Given that Chinese is a tonal language, the slightest variation in tone can change the meaning of a word, which required extra practice. Additionally, memorizing vocabulary was also difficult at times especially when it came to words that were similar in pronunciation but had different meanings.

What has really worked?

The combination of video lessons, quizzes, and interactive exercises worked exceptionally well. This approach provided a well-rounded learning experience by allowing me to first learn concepts, test my understanding through quizzes, and then reinforce my knowledge through interactive practice. The quizzes were very helpful in strengthening what I had learned, especially when I reviewed my mistakes and tried again.

What can be improved in this project?

While the course was generally very effective, one area of improvement could be the inclusion of more real-life conversational practice opportunities, perhaps by integrating voice recognition tools or allowing students to engage in live conversations with native speakers. Additionally, having more cultural insights integrated into the language lessons would be valuable, as it would help learners understand not just how to speak the language, but also when and why certain phrases are used in different cultural contexts. Overall, this project provided a well-structured and rewarding towards introduction to the Chinese language.

Xièxiè

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Name : Rhubaneishwaran

Matrics :A185598

Date : 30/8/2024

1.Were the objective of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of learning Mandarin were successfully completed! Throughout my journey, I was able to expand my vocabulary significantly, learning essential words and phrases that not only helped me communicate effectively but also deepened my understanding of the language. This newfound vocabulary made me feel more confident in conversations, whether I was introducing myself or discussing different countries.

Additionally, I experienced a remarkable boost in my confidence. Initially, speaking Mandarin felt daunting, but with consistent practice and preparation, I became more comfortable expressing myself. I also developed practical skills, like writing addresses and engaging in everyday conversations, which reinforced my learning and made it more relevant to my daily life.

Overall, achieving these objectives has not only enriched my language skills but also enhanced my appreciation for Chinese culture. I'm excited to continue building on this foundation and exploring more of what Mandarin has to offer.

2.What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about the project was the way my teacher taught us. Their engaging and interactive teaching style made learning Mandarin not only effective but also fun. They used a variety of methods, from games to real-life scenarios, which helped the material come alive. I appreciated how they encouraged us to participate and practice speaking, creating a supportive environment where I felt comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.

Additionally, my teacher’s passion for the language and culture was infectious. They shared interesting stories and cultural insights that deepened my appreciation for what I was learning. This approach made each lesson feel relevant and exciting, keeping me motivated throughout the course. Overall, their teaching style greatly enhanced my learning experience and made the project truly enjoyable.

3.What have you found challenging about this project?

ne of the main challenges I faced during this project was mastering the tones in Mandarin. Since Mandarin is a tonal language, subtle changes in pitch can completely alter the meaning of a word. Initially, this was quite difficult for me, and I often found myself mixing up tones, which led to misunderstandings in conversation.

Another challenge was learning the characters. Chinese writing involves memorizing a large number of characters, each with its own structure and meaning. Keeping track of stroke order and ensuring I wrote them correctly required a lot of practice and patience.

Additionally, finding opportunities to practice speaking outside of class was sometimes difficult. While I felt comfortable during lessons, applying my skills in real-life situations often felt daunting, especially when speaking with my college mates and friends .

4.What can be improved in. the project ?

There are several areas for improvement that could enhance the learning experience in this project. Firstly, increasing opportunities for conversational practice, perhaps through language exchange partners or conversation clubs, would help reinforce speaking skills and build confidence. Additionally, incorporating more focused exercises on tone recognition could aid learners in differentiating and practicing tones effectively. Organizing workshops dedicated to character writing would provide extra support for mastering stroke order and memorization techniques, making the process less daunting. Furthermore, integrating cultural immersion activities, such as cooking classes or traditional festivals, could enhance engagement and relevance. Finally, establishing regular feedback sessions with the teacher would allow students to discuss challenges and track their progress more effectively. Addressing these areas could create an even more enriching and effective learning environment for future students.

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Nurul Athirah binti Mohamad Zin, A188089, 31/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Throughout these elective posting periods, all the objectives had been fulfilled. The main objective of my project is to acquire basic conversation skills in Mandarin which I was able to learn during these 4 weeks. I started the posting with zero knowledge of Mandarin. As time went by, I gained more knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, tones and pronunciation of the words. As these classes were focused on daily conversations, I can apply this knowledge when talking to friends. However, I am aware that every skill needs to be sharpened for long-term skills. Therefore, I continued practising even after finishing my EP Project. I am still keeping in touch with my teacher so I can contact her if I find any difficulties in the exercise I did. She also shared a document full of medical-related words translated into Mandarin. I am excited to keep improving my Mandarin in the near future using this EP experience as a base for more knowledge.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed the most about this project was when I was able to understand Mandarin spoken when watching my favourite Chinese dramas. Some dramas that I recently watched were Hidden Love, When I Fly Towards You, Everyone Loves Me and others. I started watching C-drama earlier this year, however I couldn’t understand anything without reading the subtitles. After joining Mandarin classes, I am able to recognise & understand certain words in the dramas. For example, duìbuqǐ, gēge & others. This kind of experience gave me some sense of satisfaction & accomplishment for this EP. These also motivated me to keep increasing my knowledge of the language.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

I found the pronunciation & tones of Mandarin language quite challenging for me especially when it was spoken in a full sentence. When I tried to read the whole sentences, sometimes it made my tongue twist thus making it sound weird & awkward. This event sometimes made me lose my confidence in speaking in Mandarin. However, I overcame this by listening to fluent speakers as they pronounced each word with the correct tone.

Other than that, I also found it hard to form complete sentences. As I learnt more vocabulary, it became harder to incorporate them into sentences. I am sometimes confused about when or where to put the verb or the adjective in complete sentences. I often corrected these mistakes by asking my teacher the correct sequences which she helped me a lot to understand better.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

The segregation of the modules during the EP was very helpful & effective in helping me learn. I am very grateful for how the modules have been arranged so that they will smoothly transition from easy to hard without me feeling too burdened. The modules that had been taught before were also being repeated in the next modules so it definitely helped me revise back previous module while learning the new one. Other than that, the variety of exercises & resources worked well for me as only reading & learning from books did not help me much in improving. Learning from videos & dramas benefited me more & made the learning more enjoyable.

5. What can be improved in this project?

In conclusion, after going through this EP for four weeks, the thing that can be improved in the near future is to be able to have a conversation with native speakers. I could not engage much in conversation during the EP as my friends are all currently busy with their EP projects in their hometown. However, since we will be going back for a new semester soon, I will be able to try practising what I have learnt with my friends. There is no reason to stop learning even after EP has finished. As I aim to be more comfortable and confident in Mandarin, I want to further my skills as the new semester comes.

Other than that, as someone who loves listening to music, I would like to be able to understand my favourite songs & sing along with the songs. I never tried this approach of learning before during EP. Therefore, I am excited to try this & expand my music taste with Chinese songs.

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Ong Xin Yi A188609 Week 4

✨Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I am now able to build sentences in Korean and recognize Korean words. I can translate simple phrases and speak with correct pronunciation. Although I cannot speak as fluently as a native speaker, I am able to guess the meaning of sentences or understand conversations by spelling out words and making educated guesses based on the context. I can easily understand Korean words translated from English. This is my biggest accomplishment in this elective posting.

✨What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I really enjoyed the process of learning a new language. It has been a long time since I started learning a language from scratch, and it felt very different compared to learning other subjects. In the beginning, I was like a toddler, babbling while trying to pronounce the words, but after 4 weeks, I was able to recognize words and speak them. It was fascinating to see how quickly someone can learn something new in such a short period. I am also very grateful to my teacher, who taught me Korean with great patience and kindness. She treated us like friends and never rushed our learning process. She understood that learning a language is challenging and always guided us patiently through pronunciation and writing. She often gave compliments, which served as affirmations of my hard work. It felt amazing to hear "good job" after she tested me on my grammar and pronunciation. I looked forward to her classes every weekend, always ensuring I was well-prepared and completed my homework in advance. I couldn't have succeeded in this project without her support.

✨What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The most challenging part was the beginning. Everything sounded strange, and it took time for me to learn the words. At times, I felt frustrated and even a bit discouraged because it seemed like it would take forever to speak fluently like a native speaker. I didn’t expect to recognize words in just a few weeks, let alone build sentences. There was also a lot of homework in the beginning to strengthen our foundation, which felt overwhelming. Using the dictionary, writing down pronunciations, and memorizing meanings took a lot of time. However, I don’t regret it because without these efforts, I wouldn’t be able to grasp the Korean language as easily as I do now.

✨What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

The speaking classes with native speakers worked very well. Most of them didn’t speak English or any other language, so I was forced to communicate with them in Korean, even when I had questions I didn’t fully understand. I learned very quickly and accurately when a native speaker taught me one-on-one, as their way of speaking was quite different from what I learned through a dictionary. This method helped me speak more like a native speaker. The experience also made me realize how much more I still have to learn and motivated me to practice even more. This method would work well for anyone learning a new language.

✨What can be improved in this project?

I should have started my Korean classes earlier. I started late, and once school reopened, I couldn’t give 100% of my time and concentration to my Korean studies. This is a mistake I often make when it comes to planning and time management. If I had started earlier, I would have had extra time for revision and been more focused during the final classes, which were extremely important as they concluded all the topics I had learned over the weeks. I will reflect on this mistake and make sure I plan better for future projects and events.

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Name: Hadif Uzair Bin Zulkiflee

Date: 30/8/2024

Matrics: A188514

1.Were the objective of the project fulfilled?

After 4 weeks of elective posting, I am very proud to say that the objective of the project were fulfilled. My main objective of this elective posting is to gain knowledge about Thai language and brush up my skill in Thai language. At the beginning of the elective posting, I only knew simple and easy word in Thai that I learnt from my friend during my secondary school. After joining this class, I was able to understand and talk simple and basic Thai language. For me to be able to speak in Thai like a local, it is still a milestone target for me. But for now I think that my objective for this elective posting was fulfilled and I am very proud of it. Over that past few weeks, I can see my improvement even though it is a bit slow but I still satisfied for myself as I gained new skills.

2.What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The things that I like the most in this elective posting is when I was able to understand basic Thai language when I watch Thai movie. A few Thai movie that I watched after joining this class which ish Hunger, Bad Genius and How to make million before grandma die. Even though I was not able to understand all words, but I realized that I was able to catch some words in the movie and able to understand them. It was a the best things that I got from this elective posting.

3.What have you found challenging about this project?

After going thru 4 weeks of elective posting, of course the most challenging about this project is to remember all those word that are new to me. Some of the words might be easier for me since we hear it in the daily life for example elephant. In Thai elephant means Chang and in Kedah we have area called Changlun means elephant sitting. This words it is easier since we can relate with our daily life. Most of the word in Thai are different and they have their own alphabet which make it harder for me to learn.

The purpose of this project is for me to be able to speak and understand Thai language so I did not learn any alphabet in Thai. This actually make it hard since I was a bit confused and clueless during self study. I was unable to read it and was relayed on google translate for the pronunciation.

4.What has really worked?

In the first week of elective posting, I made myself a time table for me to follow as a guideline for this project. I used it most of the time and I can see that I improved most of the time as I followed that time table. This time table comprises of time to self study, time to join online class, time to watch movies and talk with my friend in Thai. This plans works as I can see I was improved from time to time and was able to speak in Thai. In addition, my teacher provides me with soft copy book for me to work as a guideline for week 1 until week 4. This actually helps a lot as it provides me a clearer view on what we will learn on the next week and I can prepare myself prior to the class. This helps me to be more prepared and make a lesser mistake during the class.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Learning how to read in Thai is the best improvement that I can see for this project. But this improvement might takes a lot of time and money for it to be. By doing this, I will be more prepare and will be able to speak in Thai fluently like a local people. I find that my objective was fulfilled but this improvement might be my next target if I have a chance.

Not only that, another improvement that I can do is to visit Thailand during my learning session so that I can practice my knowledge and can improve my skill faster since I can use it on daily basis.

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Amalyn Nuha binti Bazlan

A189112

29/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I am pleased to say that I have largely fulfilled my objectives, particularly my main goal of being able to hold simple conversations in Mandarin. However, I am still working on becoming more proficient in medical Mandarin terminology. I have a shared Google document with my teacher where we go through useful short sentences for medical history-taking, and we continue to practice these regularly.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
What I have enjoyed most about this project is the ability to incorporate a new language into my daily life. It's thrilling to recognize Mandarin words when I hear them spoken around me or while watching Taiwanese movies. Even if I don’t understand entire sentences, I'm able to pick out and identify frequently used words like "duìbuqǐ" (sorry) and "zěnmele" (what happened?), which has been incredibly satisfying.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
The most challenging aspect has been mastering the four tones in pronunciation. I still find it difficult to speak entire sentences fluently without mixing up the tones, so I often speak slowly to ensure clarity. Additionally, forming new sentences with correct grammar has been a bit tough; I frequently consult my teacher about the correct use of words like "shì."

4. What has really worked?
The structured learning plan I established from the first week has been extremely effective. Planning ahead gave me a clear focus on what to achieve each week. I also keep a small notebook where I jot down new words and note which pronunciations need improvement, allowing me to make fewer mistakes in subsequent classes. Listening to Chinese podcasts and using apps like Pleco has also greatly strengthened my pronunciation and speaking skills.

5. What can be improved in this project?
Reflecting on my progress, I realize that learning a new language shouldn’t just focus on acquiring new information. One area for improvement would be to have more conversations with native speakers, particularly with people other than my friends and teacher, to gain diverse feedback. Additionally, being more consistent with creating and reviewing flashcards could have made the learning process smoother and more efficient.

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Exploring Mandarin : A beginner’s journey (Week 4)

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Exploring Mandarin : A beginner’s journey (Week 4)

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Name: Ismer Izzar bin Ameerudin

Date: 28/8/2024

Matric: A182398

1. Were the Objectives of the Project Fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were fulfilled. I set out to learn basic Mandarin, focusing on expanding my vocabulary and improving my ability to hold simple conversations. Over the weeks, I’ve learned essential words, phrases, and sentence structures that have made me more confident in using Mandarin. I can now describe everyday items, ask for prices, talk about time, and even order food, which were all key goals for this project.

2. What Have You Enjoyed or Liked the Most About the Project?

What I enjoyed the most about the project was the sense of accomplishment that came with learning something new each week. It was exciting to see my progress as I gradually built up my Mandarin skills, especially when I was able to use what I had learned in practical situations. I also found it enjoyable to explore a new language and culture, which made the learning process more interesting. The variety in the topics, such as learning about food, drinks, and everyday items, kept me engaged and motivated throughout the project.

3. What Have You Found Challenging About This Project?

One of the challenges I faced during the project was mastering the correct pronunciation and tones in Mandarin. The four tones can completely change the meaning of a word, so it was difficult to remember and apply them correctly every time. Another challenge was memorizing the new vocabulary, especially when it came to words that sound similar. It took a lot of practice and repetition to get comfortable with these aspects of the language.

4. What Has Really Worked?

One thing that really worked well in the project was the structured approach to learning. Breaking down the project into weekly goals, such as focusing on specific vocabulary or sentence structures, made it easier to track my progress and stay motivated. Using tools like the Pleco app also worked well for reinforcing what I learned, especially for pronunciation and vocabulary. The practical exercises, like forming sentences and practicing conversations, helped solidify the knowledge and made the learning process more engaging.

5. What Can Be Improved in This Project?

While the project was successful, there are a few areas that could be improved. For example, incorporating more listening and speaking practice earlier in the project might have helped with pronunciation and tone accuracy. Also, spending more time on sentence structure and grammar would have been beneficial to build a stronger foundation for more complex conversations. Lastly, finding more opportunities to practice speaking Mandarin with others, either through language exchange or with a tutor, would have enhanced the learning experience even further.

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MUHAMMAD ALI SAMSUDIN

A187998

Date : 26/08/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, Alhamdulillah, the objectives of this project were fulfilled. As someone learning Mandarin from a Malay background, my goals were to improve my understanding of Mandarin tones, enhance my pronunciation, and become more comfortable with simple daily conversations. Throughout Phase 4, I focused on these aspects, and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made. I’m now more aware of the different tones and how crucial they are in conveying the right meaning. My pronunciation has also seen improvement, which has boosted my confidence when speaking. While I’m still working towards fluency, I feel much more capable of handling basic conversations in Mandarin, which was one of my main objectives.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I’ve enjoyed most is the ability to recognize certain words or sentences when watching Mandarin videos or reading something online. It’s a great feeling to understand bits and pieces and realize that all the hard work is starting to pay off. This has made me appreciate the learning journey even more, as I can see how far I’ve come from when I first started. It’s rewarding to know that I’m gradually building a foundation that I can continue to develop.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part for me has been trying to speak Mandarin naturally. Even now, I find that I still have to pause and think before I can put a sentence together. It’s like I’m piecing everything together in my mind before I can speak, which makes conversations a bit slow and sometimes awkward. This is something that I’m continuously working on, and although it’s improving, it’s still a challenge. Compared to last week, I feel a little more confident, but I know there’s still a long way to go before speaking Mandarin feels natural and fluid.

4. What has really worked?

One thing that really worked for me was the learning approach that combined videos, homework, and extra reading. Watching videos helped me see and hear the language in context, which made it easier to understand how to use it. Doing the homework and studying the materials reinforced what I learned and allowed me to practice at my own pace. The extra reading helped deepen my understanding of the language and gave me more confidence in my abilities. This method of learning was very effective in helping me grasp the basics and apply them in real situations, even if I’m still working on becoming more fluent.

5. What can be improved in this project?

For improvement, I think having more opportunities to interact with native speakers or even more listening practice would be beneficial. While the videos and readings were very helpful, I believe that hearing the language spoken naturally by native speakers would accelerate my learning, especially in terms of pronunciation and fluency. It’s one thing to study the language, but another to hear and speak it as it’s used every day. More of these kinds of experiences could help bridge the gap between learning and using Mandarin more naturally.

Summation of the Whole Project

Reflecting on the entire project, I feel grateful for the progress I’ve made. Coming into this, I knew learning Mandarin would be a challenge, especially with its tones and pronunciation being so different from what I’m used to. But with patience and perseverance, I’ve been able to reach a point where I can understand and participate in simple conversations. This project has been a humbling experience, reminding me that learning a new language is a journey with ups and downs. The progress may be slow at times, but every small step forward is a victory. I’m thankful for the structured approach that helped guide me, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with renewed determination.

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From Ni Hao to Fluent Flow: A Mandarin Learning Adventure (Week 4) 

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From Ni Hao to Fluent Flow: A Mandarin Learning Adventure (Week 4) 

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Nur Qistina Aryssa A187859

23th August 2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

My 2 initial objectives of the project, which were to understand basic Mandarin cultural and improve my communication skills by speaking mandarin.

I would say, throughout these 4 weeks of my project, I am significantly improving day by day in learning and speaking Mandarin. I enjoyed all the classes and activities for my self study session. I can now speak Mandarin a little (yī diǎn), form short Mandarin sentences and have varies range of vocabularies from daily phrases, foods, activities and family members. My main goals for this project were to get a basic understanding of Mandarin culture and to become a better Mandarin speaker.

After four weeks, I can definitely say that I'm improving every day. I've really enjoyed the classes and self-study activities. Now I can speak a little Mandarin (yī diǎn), put together short sentences, and I've learned a bunch of new vocabulary about everyday things, food, activities, and family.

The project has been a great experience overall. I feel more confident in my ability to communicate in Mandarin, and I've gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture. I'm excited to continue learning and see how far I can go!

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

Learning a new language has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Although it can be challenging at times, I've found that the key is to make the process as enjoyable as possible. One of the tools that has significantly contributed to my progress is the mobile language learning app Duolingo. I'm proud to say that I've maintained a 12-day streak of daily learning without missing a single day. This consistent practice has allowed me to recall my existing vocabulary while also learning new words every day. Duolingo's interactive and game-like format keeps me engaged, and I love tracking my progress as I build my language skills.

In addition to Duolingo, I've been listening to children's Mandarin songs and watching Mandarin kids' videos on YouTube, which has been immensely helpful in improving my tone and pronunciation. These resources also introduce me to common daily phrases, which have been instrumental in helping me form both short and long sentences. There are so many great videos available that offer valuable insights into the language, making it easier for me to learn something new every day.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most about this journey is having the time to fully immerse myself in the language and see my gradual improvement. With daily practice, I've noticed significant progress, especially in counting, pinyin pronunciation, and mastering the tones.

This process has not only been educational but also deeply fulfilling, as I watch myself grow more confident in my Mandarin abilities each day.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Learning Mandarin without any prior basics over the past four weeks has definitely been a challenging project for me. One of the most difficult aspects has been mastering the tones. Mandarin is a tonal language, where the meaning of a word can change entirely based on its tone, and getting these right has required a lot of focused practice. It's easy to get confused, especially when you're still building a foundation in the language.

Another challenge has been memorizing the characters.This means there’s no direct correlation between how a word is written and how it’s pronounced, making it more difficult to learn and remember new words.

Additionally, forming sentences has been tricky, particularly because the sentence structure in Mandarin can differ significantly from English. It’s been a learning curve to get comfortable with the word order and knowing how to correctly structure questions, statements, and more complex sentences.

Lastly, without a solid base, it’s been challenging to keep up with learning new vocabulary and applying it in daily practice. The sheer volume of new words and phrases, along with the need to continuously review and reinforce what I’ve learned, has been overwhelming at times.

Despite these challenges, I’ve made progress, and each difficulty has pushed me to find new strategies and tools to improve my learning process

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

Several strategies have worked exceptionally well in my Mandarin learning journey over the past four weeks. One of the most effective approaches has been the daily practice of tone and pronunciation. Mandarin’s tonal nature makes correct pronunciation essential for clear communication. By dedicating time each day to practice the tones and the pronunciation of each initial and vowel, I've gradually become more confident in distinguishing and using the different tones accurately. This consistent focus has significantly improved my speaking and listening skills, which are crucial for mastering the language.

Another aspect that has proven highly beneficial is my daily vocabulary recall using Duolingo. The app's quizzes and exercises have reinforced the words and phrases I’ve learned, ensuring that they stick in my memory. The combination of recalling familiar vocabulary and introducing new words each day has made this practice both challenging and rewarding. It’s been an excellent way to track my progress and stay engaged with the learning process.

Additionally, watching YouTube videos daily has greatly enhanced my understanding of sentence structure, word arrangement, and grammar. These videos, especially those designed for beginners, have been invaluable in teaching me how to form sentences correctly. They also provide context, helping me grasp how words and phrases are used in everyday situations. This exposure has made it easier to apply what I’ve learned in practical conversations.

Above all, persistence and consistency have been the keys to my progress. Even on days when the material felt overwhelming or the tones seemed confusing, sticking to my routine has paid off. This steady effort has allowed me to build a strong foundation, making the learning process smoother and more manageable over time. These strategies, when combined, have created a well-rounded and effective approach to learning Mandarin, helping me to improve steadily each day

5. What can be improved in this project?

I've made good progress in learning Mandarin over the past month, but I think I can still improve. I'd love to practice speaking more with native speakers or language partners. This would help me sound more natural and confident when using Mandarin.

I also need a better system for reviewing what I've learned. While daily vocabulary practice is helpful, I think I'd benefit from regularly going over older lessons to make sure I remember everything.To mix things up, I'm considering using different learning materials like textbooks or podcasts. This could give me new ways to learn and fill in any gaps in my knowledge.

Lastly, setting specific, small goals would probably help me stay motivated. Instead of just trying to improve overall, I could focus on things like ordering food in Mandarin or having a simple conversation.

I think making these changes will help me learn Mandarin more effectively and enjoy it even more.

Qistina Aryssa