Posted 2017/6/5
The Mandarin Chinese dialect is spoken by 75% of China's 1 billion+ inhabitants. It is the language with the most speakers worldwide, with English and Spanish tied for second.
Mandarin can be challenging for English speakers because it is in a completely different language family. It is a tonal language where voice pitch and intonation affects meaning. And Mandarin is written not with symbols that represent sounds, but with complex characters that represent whole ideas.
Fortunately, since Mandarin is such an important language, there is a wealth of resources for learning Mandarin Chinese. Here is a step by step guide to gaining fluency.
Instructions
Step 1
First, familiarize yourself with basic pronunciation, phrases, and grammar structures by purchasing books and tapes. Set up a study schedule of self-paced Mandarin lessons. When you teach yourself Mandarin Chinese, you must incorporate speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Buy a beginner's book that uses Pinyin and gradually introduces characters.
Step 2
Next, when you have gained confidence with the language, take an adult education Chinese language class. You can find Mandarin classes at community colleges, or local continuing education schools. In some cities, there are even Chinese language institutes. If you have been learning well on your own, enroll in an intermediate course.
The benefits of a live class are that you can ask questions, and you get face time with a real native speaker (or at least someone fluent in Mandarin).
Step 3
After you have taken classes, keep your Mandarin sharp by finding a language partner. You can place an ad on craigslist to find a private tutor for hire, or you can work out an exchange. In college towns and large cities you should have no problem finding native Mandarin speakers.
Step 4
You can also become a class aide for Mandarin courses. Ask your former instructors if they need anyone to help out.
Step 5
Check out some of the many "Learn Mandarin in Beijing," and "Learn Chinese in Taiwan" immersion programs. These will give your Mandarin a final polish.
Step 6
If you can't invest the time and money into a Chinese language lessons abroad, try to plan at least one visit to China. Visit some tourist spots without guides and make a point to interact with the Chinese. You will find the Chinese are very interested in foreigners who speak their language, and they will be more than happy to help you.
Step 7
Don't forget to take advantage of many free online resources, including audio lessons, character guides, and general grammar and vocab lessons.
