thanks for your info about Singapore.

The dialect mainly used in Singapore, maybe 70%, is Hokkien originating from the Fujian province in southern China. Although there is a fair amount of Cantonese speakers in the older generations, Mandarin is pervasive in the younger generations as that is the only Chinese spoken form taught in schools for the last few decades. Singapore follows the simplified script used in China, whereas most Cantonese communities outside China continue to use the traditional script. The media is only allowed to broadcast in Mandarin, and Chinese movies are screened in Mandarin even if they were originally in Cantonese.

I found Cantonese not terribly difficult to become moderately familiar with… I took classes for three years once a week for 2.5 hours. I missed several classes but had lots of practice with in-laws. I was able to locate the publisher of some very good books that even provided lessons using traditional Chinese.

I am trying Mandarin on my own at this point and the only drawback is a lack of time (studying my MBA) and a decidedly Cantonese accent when I speak Mandarin. Oddly enough Cantonese speakers now tell me that I sound a bit Taiwanese when I speak Mandarin. All of which everyone finds extremely funny coming from a black man.

In any case the fun is in the pursuit of knowledge so I will keep plugging away. I am adding this site to my delicious list so that I can keep up to speed on your good training exercises.

I feel that my success at Cantonese came from immersion into the language and culture of the people. Videos, music, palm tools on my Blackberry/Palm, opera, parties, live shows, talking to people at the stores/streets/restaurants and a steady diet of yum cha are all helpful in deepening my understanding and self-actualization of Cantonese speaking and Chinese reading.

Regards.

Wrote a blog ’bout it on http://redraindrop.blogspot.com/