Learning Mandarin Chinese As A Second Language

by erin on December 22, 2010

Learning a new language is a great way to broaden your horizons. When it comes to figuring out what language to learn, there are many options. Maybe you have always wanted to take Chinese language courses. Well what better time than now to learn this great language.

While there may not be as many resources for learning a language like Mandarin as there would be for someone who is interested in learning Spanish or French, there are ways of learning it. If the reason you want to learn Mandarin is because you know someone who speaks it, you already have a built in resource. If you have a friend who may be willing to teach you, do not be afraid to ask.

Even if they are not sure of their teaching abilities, they can still help you. They may know of another great resource to help you. At the very least, you can use them to practice with outside of your class or program.

Depending on where you live, a community college or center may offer courses to learn foreign languages. Being able to actually go to a class where there are others learning the same thing may be the best way to learn. You will be able to focus on what you are doing a lot better than if you were at home with other things distracting you from learning your best.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford or has time for language classes. For those people, there are still plenty of ideas of where to learn Mandarin or other language. The internet can be your best friend when it comes to research. Check out some sites to see if any free classes are being offered anywhere.

The public library may also be a great resource that you can use for free. If you have looked online and have found a book you really like but cannot or do not want to pay for a new copy, see if your library has it. Many times you can search their inventory from home to make sure they have the book you want.

No matter which resource you choose, remember that you will need to devote lots of time to learning Mandarin. Maybe you even want to go full force and use all of the resources. If you can, set aside a few hours a week and find a good study area so you will not be distracted by the kids or the dog or whoever else might want your attention.

One extreme way to learn how to speak Mandarin that some people may try is to just pack up and go to China. Though this is not an option for most, it can offer some things that the other options will not. Being immersed in a culture is a great way to learn the customs as well as the language. Thankfully for those who are unable to drop everything and take a trip around the world to foreign country, there are plenty of books, language courses and other resources that will allow you to learn Mandarin successfully.

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