Name: Anonymous 2009-07-16 22:43
I've been studying Mandarin for quite some time, using various methods. I've taken the time to memorize many of the characters, but I've decided it is time for me learn the actual spoken words from which the characters derive.
The task of memorizing the tones seems to be impossible. To my untrained ears, there is hardly a difference between them.
My question is, is memorizing the tone each character uses a worthwhile task? There is no memorable way to memorize them, it must all be done through brute force. I'd like to avoid this if possible. What are the disadvantages if I decided to skip memorizing all the tones and then went to China and spoke to people? Would I accidentally end up calling someone's mother a sexy horse or something?
The task of memorizing the tones seems to be impossible. To my untrained ears, there is hardly a difference between them.
My question is, is memorizing the tone each character uses a worthwhile task? There is no memorable way to memorize them, it must all be done through brute force. I'd like to avoid this if possible. What are the disadvantages if I decided to skip memorizing all the tones and then went to China and spoke to people? Would I accidentally end up calling someone's mother a sexy horse or something?