Posted by Sam bleakly 2088

Learning a language can't be done without speaking it. But what can do if you don't have anyone to speak it with? Having a language exchange partner is fun, but what if you could speak with a local in a completely immersive context?

In theory, you could just call up strangers in your target country to practice objective based dialogues.

That is what this article is all about... calling strangers to practice your Mandarin.

There are many opportunities for you to do this without bothering people - here are some Ideas:

Make a reservation at a restaurant.

Ask what time a shop closes.

Ask if a bookstore carries a copy of a book.

It's much easier to do this if you are living in the same time zone as China. If you are in the United States, your night time may be day time in Beijing Standard Time. (GMT+8)

Keep this in mind.

If you are local, you can use baidu local search to find Chinese businesses. If you are living overseas you can use baidu / google search to find these companies and call them with a tool like Skype which allows international calling for a low cost.

Below I have included some phrases for you to use when you call businesses:

0 ► Ling

1 ► Yi

2 ► Er

3 ► San

4 ► Si

5 ► Wǔ

6 ► Liu

7 ► Qi

8 ► Ba

9 ► jiǔ

Phrases:

Hello - 喂 - Wèi

Hello, is Mr. Wang there? - 王先生在吗？ - Wèi, wáng xiānshēng zài ma?

Hi, this is Lucy. - 我是露西。- wǒ shì lù xī.

(Excuse Me), What time do you close -? 请问你们什么时候关门 - Qǐngwèn nǐmen shénme shíhou guānmén?

I would like to make a reservation - 我想预订一下 - Wǒ xiǎng yùdìng yīxià

Do I need a reservation -? - 需要预订吗？- Xūyào yùdìng ma?

A reservation for two please - 两个人 - Liǎng gèrén

Do you have 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms?' - 你有三国演义吗？ - Nǐ yǒu sānguó yǎnyì ma?

How much does it cost? - 多少钱 - Duōshǎo qián

Let's learn how to make telephone in Chinese through this video

These phrases should help you kickstart awkard conversations that will lead to increased comprehension and building your vocabulary through context.

Do you have a phrase that you would like to add to this list? Please leave a comment below. Learn more Chinese with us: Book a free trial lesson now!