Mary
Cantonese or Mandarin? I will be studying in Macau for 3 years starting January 2015 and to help me adjust more quickly and easily, I would like to learn the local language. I know Cantonese is the prevalent form of Chinese there. Based on my search, though, people from mainland China speak Mandarin and even Macau locals. Also, it seems that Mandarin is easier to learn (based on testimonials). What would you suggest I learn first? I also want to visit the mainland if I have the time.
Jul 30, 2014 3:27 AM
Answers · 5
2
Yeah, I suggest you to study Mandarin first as Cantonese is more difficult and tend to be more colloquial in Macau. In most cases, people who speak Cantonese will be able to understand Mandarin. Also, from my experience, Cantonese is better if picked up through movies and music. Mandarin is best learned in the classroom or with other students.
July 30, 2014
As a native speaker of Cantonese in Hong Kong, I think Mandarin is a better choice overall. Cantonese is predominant in Macau and its neighbouring province - the Guangdong province. Besides these (as well as Hong Kong), actually the use of Cantonese is quite limited. Also, I actually think that people here can understand English (and Mandarin increasingly) well so communication is not really a big problem here if you don't understand Cantonese. Cantonese itself is quite difficult to understand if you are not native because it has its own unique features (which could be difficult, like complex ending particles and more tones) when comparing with Mandarin. Also written Cantonese, in my opinion, is not an usual thing to see - most write in standard Chinese, so Mandarin is a better alternative as it exposes you to the standard Chinese writing/characters/... as well.
July 31, 2014
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