Because I’m going to China this summer, I’m trying to learn Chinese. I expect to fail miserably, of course; there’s just no way I can master a language like that in years, let alone weeks. Still, I like the idea of trying, and I think it would be wonderful to be fluent in many languages.
My goals are small: to learn enough basic phrases to be polite, get a little insight into basic etiquette, and become familiar enough with the writing that I can recognize characters and thus navigate streets and public transit.
I was going to buy the Major Brand Name language program, but it was incredibly expensive, so I started shopping around. I came across two websites: LiveMocha, which has decent free services and low-cost premium tools for mastering grammar and vocabulary, and free Chinese language videos on the national television station’s website, CNTV. I’ve also been watching some Chinese movies on Netflix and bought some dubbed movies from Watch Movies in Chinese. Spongebob in Mandarin? Why not?
祝我好運! Which means, wish me luck! And by all means, if you’re thinking of learning a language, look into all the resources out there before you plunk down big bucks for the Major Brand Name program.
thanks for information