how NOT to study
It is this author’s belief that the immediate goal of language study (the success or failure of which will then determine the success or failure of all other, subsequent goals of language study) is the accurate and complete acquisition of native-like ability in the target language.
Some methods of study will tend to be beneficial to the student’s acquisition of this ability – that is, some methods will render the student more like a native speaker; other methods of study, however, will tend to be detrimental to the student’s acquisition of this ability – that is, some methods will render the student less like a native speaker.
For this reason, do not think that simply because you are studying you are also acquiring authenticity and fluency in the target language. The method by which you study is of prime importance.
In my survey of the countless online resources dedicated to the study of Mandarin Chinese, I have come across both varieties of study resources and study methods: the beneficial, and the detrimental.
It must be pointed out, of course, that the following appraisals are the work of one individual, and have not been edited or approved by any organization or institution. Nevertheless, equally important is my hard work, experience, talent, and success in the area of second language acquisition. Please see the about the author section to learn more about my experience with language study. My intent and my hope in creating and maintaining this website is the furthering of your accurate and complete acquisition of native-like ability in Mandarin Chinese.
To that end, I have compiled a list of resources, methods, and approaches which I find to be of the detrimental variety. Because I aim to protect the student and his successful education, and have no such attachments to institutions or to the status quo of language learning and language teaching, I will be most unforgiving. I think we would all agree that the student is paramount; as such, institutions, like public and private egos, will have to bow to the student on this one.
