<p>What is the best way to go about learning mandarin? I know a couple of people who speak it, and my school doesn't offer it so I was wondering what method is most effective and reasonably priced? I've heard that rosseta stone isn't the best, an it's 380$ for the full set of lessons. If you have any suggestions for a person interested in picking up another language, with a lot of patience, and the ability to spend up to 300$ what would you suggest? I would like to eventually be able to read write and speak it but I am aware that will probably take years. Any help would be much appreciated!!</p>
<p>Remember the Hanzi… look for that book. How bad do you want to learn it? I have an extreme suggestion if you are willing.</p>
<p>I’m a chinese high school student if you want to learn chinese i can teach you
here is my MSN <a href="mailto:dlutdiego@hotmai.com">dlutdiego@hotmai.com</a></p>
<p>I am in a similar situation, but I want to learn Arabic… Any ideas?</p>
<p>Sent from my iPhone using CC</p>
<p>Learn Japanese instead. If you do so then you can talk with a Geisha.</p>
<p>Or you can just watch Anime in its true form!</p>
<p>To be fluent you need to learn Chinese intensively for around 4 years. And this is probably the minimum in an environment where you are frequently exposed to the language. I’m learning Mandarin in China at the moment. I’ve been going to classes for four months now for a few hours a day, and have only really gotten to the basics.</p>
<p>Chinese is interesting. I learnt it for about 12 years.</p>
<p>@woeshi I’d like to hear an extreme suggestion :)</p>
<p>And I’m sorry but I’m not really capable of taking classes right now (working full time). Should I start with listening drills? Writing/ reading drills? Any other programs that can spark ones interest and allow them to grasp the rudimentary concepts of the language? Also, is mandarin the more common language? Or is that Cantonese? Thanks :)</p>
<p>Basically you have to make your life into a little China. Learn to Chinese music and read(look at) Chinese Characters as much as you can. Make friends with those Chinese kids at school. Live Chinese, Breathe Chinese. Everything must be Chinese.</p>
<p>Go to China.</p>
<p>If I was you I would get a beginner’s Chinese text book. Flip through and at least be familiar with Pinyin. If you don’t have the time, it’s much better to focus on your listening and speaking skills than reading. Try watching some Chinese dramas. To be honest, if you’re very keen it is possible to teach yourself basics with a good text book and tapes!</p>
<p>If you go the textbook route be sure to pick a good one, not just the first you can get your hands on.</p>
<p>thanks guys, Im excited to get started!</p>
<p>Hi, PICKME! :-)</p>
<p>I am a private Chinese tutor. I have been teaching Chinese for years. I saw the information you posted. But, I am not sure if you are still interested in learning Chinese.</p>
<p>If the answer is “yes”, I would be very glad to assist you. As we are not living in the same region, I would suggest to use skype or a 3D virtual classroom to teach (similar to real-classroom learning experience; using voice chat, virtual blackboard, projector and other cutting-edge technologies). The first class will be free (around 30 minutes). You can try it and see if you like the way of online learning.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me
skype: william-guan
email: <a href="mailto:wei.william.guan@live.com">wei.william.guan@live.com</a></p>
<p>I wish you have a good day!</p>
<p>Best regards,
William</p>
<p>To answer your question, Mandarin is the more common of the two. If you want to learn Chinese for business, don’t learn Cantonese, seeing as how any businessman who speaks Cantonese most likely also has at least a working knowledge of English.</p>