My First Steps Becoming a Native Speaker of Chinese!

Dive: Linguist - Chinese (Mandarin)
Description: Can read, write, speak, and understand a particular type of Chinese
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Can read, write, speak, and understand Chinese (Mandarin) at a basic level
Certified On: Sep 6, 2023

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Ziang Liang Break Diving Level: Recruit Number of Certified Dives: 2 From: China In: United States

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I was born in China and my parents are all speaking Chinese Mandarin. So I guess I begin to speak Mandarin at the age of 3 or 4.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

People learn their native language way faster than learning a foreign language when they grow up! So I guess it takes me 8 to 12 years to fully comprehend Mandarin through my elementary school!

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

Well, I guess as a native speaker, you will just need to listen and imitate what other people spoke. It's hard to say 'the hardest part' because I don't remember a lot of it, since I grew up speaking the language.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The easiest part is that I was born in China!

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

Most of the Chinese words are formed basically from the real object. Go look up for the word "horse" and how it evolved to the word "horse" or "马" now! It will become much easier for you if you understand this!

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

新华字典 or XinHua Dictionary. Go search for Chinese-English version. We were using it in elementary school.

Resource 1: XinHua Dictionary - XinHua Dictionary, you can purchase online or use online dictionary.

Resource 2: Online Mandarin resource - online Mandarin resource for beginners

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

我几年5月份毕业，我邀请我爸妈来JHU参加我的毕业典礼！我们先去了加州，经过了洛杉矶、拉斯维加斯、旧金山。在哪里，我们游玩了优胜美地，看到了壮观的瀑布，领略到了拉斯维加斯的繁华，穿过了死亡谷，还开车穿过了加州1号公路！毕业典礼结束后，我们又开车去到华盛顿DC，参观了林肯纪念堂，白宫和华盛顿纪念碑。之后，我们又去了我本科的学校Penn State。我带他们参观了我以前的校园，教学楼和宿舍。最后，我们到了纽约，看到了华尔街铜牛，近距离坐摆渡船参观了自由女神像和大都会博物馆！

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

picture of me and my dad riding a horse!

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Yes! Because I am a native speaker!

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules, No Excuses, No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Ziang Liang is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Linguist - Chinese (Mandarin) - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 150

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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