Learning Chinese...

[Boerseun]

So, I thought to myself, China is likely to become the major player of the 21st century if its current hand-over-fist growth keeps on for another few years.

And then it struck me that I know very little of Chinese history, culture or language. I did some research on it, and it is quite fascinating!

But now I want to dig a little deeper, and study the language and the crazy symbols they use to write it in!

To make a long story short, does anybody here know of a good, simple and easy primer site to learn Chinese? Maybe the Chinese government has such a scheme somewhere on the internets in their evil attempt at projecting their culture internationally in order to take over the world.

So, any links, hints, etc.? Is there anybody out there in Hypoland who successfully mastered Chinese? (Not being Chinese by birth, of course). Anybody wanna join me in this?

[InfiniteNow]

Originally Posted by Boerseun

To make a long story short, does anybody here know of a good, simple and easy primer site to learn Chinese?

The best way, hands down, is cultural immersion. Go to the country and start asking where the bathroom is and how to find food and water. You’ll learn much more quickly if forced. Also, staying with a kind family which knows both languages can be of significant benefit. They can insist on speaking to you only in Mandarin, but at least they know what you’re saying to them.


Otherwise, the below are very well done:

Simon & Schuster: Chinese (Mandarin) I - 2nd Ed.: Learn to Speak and Understand Mandarin with Pimsleur Language Programs (Compact Disk)
Simon & Schuster: Chinese (Mandarin) II: Learn to Speak and Understand Mandarin with Pimsleur Language Programs (Compact Disk)
Simon & Schuster: Chinese (Mandarin) III: Learn to Speak and Understand Mandarin with Pimsleur Language Programs (Compact Disk)


Be cautious of calling it all “Chinese.” There is Mandarin and there is Cantonese, however, Standard Mandarin is the “common,” "national," or “mother” speech… Putōnghuà.


Hao yùn, Péng.