How LPL Pro Players Conquered the Chinese Language341

In the competitive world of League of Legends (LoL), where communication and teamwork are paramount, learning the local language can give players a significant advantage. This is especially true in China, home to the world's largest LoL player base and the dominant League of Legends Pro League (LPL).

Over the years, numerous non-Chinese players have flocked to the LPL to test their skills against the best. While some have struggled to adapt to the language barrier, others have embraced it as an opportunity to enhance their communication and connect with their Chinese teammates and fans.

Immersing in the Culture

One of the key factors in learning Chinese is immersion. LPL pro players live and train in China, which forces them to interact with the language on a daily basis. They attend team meetings, communicate with coaches and staff, and engage with Chinese-speaking fans. This constant exposure to the language accelerates their learning progress.

For example, South Korean jungler Haru has been playing in the LPL for several years. During that time, he has made a significant effort to learn Chinese. He often communicates with his teammates in Chinese during in-game calls, and he has even started streaming in Chinese on the platform Douyu.

Dedicated Study and Practice

Immersion alone is not enough to master a language. LPL players also dedicate themselves to formal study and practice. They hire private tutors, attend language classes, and spend hours reviewing vocabulary and grammar. This structured approach helps them build a strong foundation in the language.

In an interview, former LPL coach Yoon "Ryu" Sang-woo praised the dedication of his non-Chinese players to learning Chinese. He said, "They are very serious about learning the language. They spend a lot of time studying it, and they make a lot of effort to speak it well."

Connecting with Fans

Learning Chinese not only improves communication on the rift but also allows players to connect with their Chinese fans. Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, is a major platform for fans to interact with their favorite players. By writing posts, responding to comments, and interacting in Chinese, LPL players can build a stronger relationship with their fanbase.

For example, Taiwanese bot laner SwordArt is known for his active presence on Chinese social media. He frequently posts humorous tweets in Chinese, which have endeared him to fans. This engagement has also helped him gain a significant following in China.

The Value of Perseverance

Learning a new language is a challenging endeavor, especially one as complex as Chinese. However, LPL pro players have demonstrated that it is possible with perseverance and dedication. They have embraced the challenge, immersed themselves in the language, and dedicated themselves to studying. As a result, they have not only improved their communication and gameplay but also connected with their Chinese teammates and fans on a deeper level.

2024-11-24

Previous：Why You Don‘t Need to Learn Grammar to Speak Chinese

Next：How to Learn Chinese Without English