2. Know your best and favourite learning medium. Then use it and be in it. My favourite way to learn a language, and as a result, the culture itself, is to be immersed in the country where the language originates. Mandarin is primarily spoken in mainland China as well as Taiwan (R.O.C.). read more
Confucius Institute: The best way to learn a new language is live, in person. Short of taking the trip overseas, signing up for a class is the next best thing. The Chinese government has set up language institutes across North America (and the globe) in affiliation with existing universities. read more
6/ Chinese Pod (The Best Way to Learn Mandarin Chinese Online) - great podcasts in Chinese (hundreds of them!). This is a great tool to listen to dialogues in Chinese. The hosts are also very entertaining. read more
The final hurdle in learning Mandarin Chinese is learning to read and write traditional Chinese characters. This can take a very long time (even years) to master, as the only way to learn them is through memorization and continuous practice. read more