Learning Cantonese (from Mandarin)

One of my kids (native english) speaks Mandarin but wants to learn Cantonese. Any advice on best way to do this. Looking for xmas present ideas.


Is it feasible to do it 'offline' i.e. with books/DVDs etc or is it really a completely different language and needs normal one-on-one tuition (i.e. as if you didn't know Mandarin).

Mandarin spoken and written = Cantonese written (give or take).

But Cantonese spoken is a new beast, though with about 30% of the words similar to Mandarin (hence locals can speak Mandarin fairly quickly, even if badly accented and toned, still can be understood).


Find out what your child prefers. Language is only learned if used, particularly Canto which is alive and changes constantly (words are made up daily and incorporated in cultural by week's end - it really is quite extraordinary).


Books/DVDs/tutors are pretty dry. Your child probably needs local friends, apart from joining a local sporting club, I'd suggest language exchange with another child their own age would be best who lives nearby (ask around your friends/neighbours if suitable). Maybe offer to subsidise about 2 hour's entertainment for your child and the language partner per week for the year (to pay for movie, DVDs, music, transport, food, outings etc).