If one is not already able to read Chinese characters, it is best to concentrate on learning to understand spoken Mandarin and learning to speak the language to some degree. It is a daunting task but can be accomplished. In fact, it is easier for a native English speaker to learn Mandarin than for a native Chinese speaker to learn English. There are no new sounds to learn to make if one already speaks English. However, Chinese speakers need to learn to make some sounds of the English language which are not found in Chinese.

One unique tool to use when learning Chinese is called Hanyu Pinyin. It refers to the attempt to try to write sounds in the Chinese language using the Roman alphabet. It avoids the need to learn to read Chinese characters, at least for a while.

There are other languages used in China besides Mandarin. The language used in and around Beijing is the official language of the country. That is Mandarin Chinese. It is also the one which foreigners most want to learn. Although it is the national language, there are dialects within the language, just as there are many dialects of English. Those regional differences do not actually interfere much with learning the language.

Of course, immersion learning of a new language is usually the most effective. However, it is not always possible. In that case, language classes in Mandarin are available in many large cities. They offer the next best option. If one knows a few Chinese speakers, practice is possible with a native speaker for any corrections which need to be made while learning the language.

Do not discard the idea of a lot of self-instruction. Study from books and recordings can be beneficial in learning a second language. The major negative factor is the need to have some feedback on pronunciation and vocabulary. That is why having a native speaker around to provide feedback.

The two most important elements in learning Mandarin are perseverance and patience. The perseverance involves the self-discipline to make yourself stay on task. You need to work four days a week regularly in order to make progress. If you take time off for a couple weeks or longer, you will backslide in your language-learning goal.

Patience involves realizing that you will not be able to learn a new language in a few weeks. Take time to acquire quality rather than quantity. Learning to use the language and learning to begin to think in the language takes time. Do not try to learn great lists of new vocabulary or learn many grammar rules in the new language. Frankly, one will become more fluent after a year or two of study than within a month or two.

One of the major complications a native speaker of English has when learning Mandarin is the tones. There are four tones in Chinese. They are a high, flat tone, a rising tone, a lowering tone and a dipping tone. You can learn more about production of the tones by using a recording if you do not have a Mandarin native speaker available to assist you.

One last note concerns Mandarin-English dictionaries. They are useful for speaking Mandarin as they help you look up words to use to make your point. They are not helpful for listening to Mandarin since the spelling of words you hear will not be clear enough to look them up in a dictionary.

Learning Mandarin is one of the best tools you can get in trying to become internationally effective in many careers. Have patience and persevere; you can learn this great language.