Great Places To Start Learning Chinese To Make Your Life Better

One of the most interesting ways to learn Chinese is by finding an online course or software you can use on your computer. More and more people are becoming interested in learning this language because of the growth in China within the economic markets.

Currently, over 1.2 billion (1 in 5) people speak this language. In fact, it is the most commonly spoken language throughout the world today. That number is only expected to climb.

When it comes to learning Chinese, your level of learning doesn't matter - courses are available for all stages. These courses will help you to learn to write characters, understand grammar as well as using the right tones and the proper way to pronounce the words.

So, if you don't have the resources to visit China for an extended period of time or to take classes at a local college, these options are powerful! I recommend finding some great softeware programs like Rosetta Stone and Fluenz Manderin. Then, use Skyp to practice with live available teachers over the internet Skype (a free form of voice over Internet Protocol). This is an easy way to carry out conversational Chinese on a regular basis.

Because of the growth in internet connections, as well as the advancements in voice over internet protocol (VOIP) software, it has made it extremely easy for people to find a tutor and polish up on what you have already learned.

Skype can not only connect you to freelance tutors, but also language schools who use this form of technology to help their students with their lessons. Some are even located in China. This can make learning Chinese so much easier because it is in the comfort of your home, but keep in mind the time difference (about 12 hours from the East Coast).

Some other helpful ways to start learning Chinese is to buy mp3, cd's, videos of familiar music/shows translaeted in Chinese so you can start emersing yourself in the language. You will be surprised at what you will find!

Where To Start: Learning "How To" Speak Chinese?

Okay, so after watching the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics how can you deny that China has become a power house to be sought after as a business opportunity? Chinese has become one of the most popular languages. China is extremely influential in the world’s business markets today and even more so in the future.

I know I don't have to remind you that Chinese is a very difficult language to learn. But if you have been able to master English (another very difficult language to learn) then, with some effort you should be able to learn Chinese, too.

Take Note to remember that this language is tonal. You will have to think of learning it like you would a foreign salesman or sports announcer would in English. Each word, when pronounced using the 4 different tones, will have a different meaning. Plus, you not only need to learn about the tones, you also have to learn and memorize the Chinese characters (more than 3000). [** Note to Self ** combining 2character forms another meaning]


Obliviously, the best way to learn and study a language to visit and live in the country with the language you wish to speak,called "immersing" yourself in the language and culture.

If you can, find somewhere that does exchange programs, or even a private school in China that you could attend.I can see though, how this is not an option for most...
Luckily, there are some other options and when combined can greatly influence the chance of reaching your goal to learn Chinese.

The Internet has made it extremely easy and possible to learn Chinese, without actually having to go to China to carry out their studies. Several sites on the web offer free lessons to learn Chinese. One example is
www.chinese-tools.com/learn/chinese or www.LearnChineseForFree.com

Another great way for learning the language, if you are unable to spend time in the country itself, is through finding an exchange partner, or hosting an exchange student or teacher from China.

The best way of finding an exchange partner is through your local College, School, or ESL Department. They will be able to find you a student whose native language is Chinese, and is willing to spend time with you teaching you their language.

However, you will need to reciprocate and be prepared to spend time with them teaching them how to speak your language. It is recommended to have basic familiarity with the language before looking into this. Early communication with two unfamiliar parties can be challenging!

There are also a number of groups that have been organized by such sites as Yahoo, where you can join and start to learn Chinese. One example is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alearningchineseonlineclub/

It is through these groups and forums that you will be able to post any questions you may have regarding the language, and be provided with feedback from those that either speak Chinese or those that are also learning it themselves.

The final way you may want to consider for learning to speak Chinese is through making new friends whose native tongue is this language.

Soon, you will discover just how much easier it is to learn this language when you spend time with the people whose speak it!