Tips from the masters:
Kerry Burton (Business Development Director and occasional Chinese TV star)
Decide from the start why you are learning, for example for business or social purposes. This helps to focus your effort.
Know how you best learn a language - for example by engaging in free speaking activities or more strict exercises. Everyone has his or her own style.
Find a teacher that best suits this style.
Get out and practice everyday.
Paul Condrell (Successful entrepreneur and author)
Get a Chinese name. This puts you in the right mindset to learn Chinese and it is easier for locals to remember.
Stay confident. Have the will to keep going.
Learn tones in short combinations, rather than character by character. Combinations help the speaker to pronounce each syllable correctly.
Immerse yourself in the language. Speak Chinese everyday. Make friends with local Chinese and embrace the Chinese lifestyle.
Having mastered another language previously helps.
Brenda Hood (TCM specialist and expert on ancient Chinese texts)
Find your hobby or interest in China. Learn the language while pursuing this interest.
Become part of a Chinese social group that shares your interest and practice everyday.
Take some classes to get structure. Then get out and practice.
China Daily
(China Daily 10/25/2007 page20)
