We’ve published quite a few articles about learning Chinese: where to study, how to study, the pros and cons of a “pillow dictionary”, dialects, even Chinese sign language. Since you’ve no doubt had your nose buried in a textbook, or been out chatting it up with you Chinese friends, we’re bringing together the best of the bunch for you here.

The first word on this page is very, very important 

7 Reasons You Should Learn Chinese: 1-3and 4-7
Despite worries on the part of the Chinese government that the lack of foreigners learning Chinese, “may affect efforts to soften China's global image,” more foreigners are cracking open Chinese textbooks (if only once or twice) and struggling with the tones and mysterious Morse-code-gone-crazy characters of the Chinese language. Here’s 7 reasons it’s a good idea.

 

Where to study?
The Big Mandarin Debate: Where to Study?
Mary Hennock speculated that learning Mandarin at university in mainland China is a rip-off, with outdated materials and fusty teaching methods, and that independent language schools are equally over-priced and substandard. Would prospective students be better off learning in their own countries, or studying online? Is Taiwan actually a wiser choice?

Want to Learn Chinese? Choosing the Best Language Program
Mandarin is all the rage right now. Unfortunately, many prospective learners don’t realize what they’re in for. We’re going to save you several painful, expensive years by filling you in on the things that most people considering learning Chinese don’t discover until it’s too late.

 

How to study
Language Partners and Tutors
Chinese, like the Kama Sutra, is not something you can learn on your own. The eye blurring characters and the confusing tones which most of us can neither say nor hear correctly threaten to doom our attempts to communicate in Chinese to failure. Whether studying on our own or lacking individual attention in school, most of us turn to language partners and tutors for help.

Learning Mandarin: 7 Dos and Don'ts
The path to speaking fluent Chinese can be a rocky one, as any expat who has ever tried to learn will tell you. Everyone has their own tactics, methods and techniques, but there are some definite dos and don’ts to bear in mind, no matter what level you’re at. Here are our top tips.

The 7 Hurdles in Mastering Chinese
A list of 7 reasons, according to the Chinese website Sohu, why the Chinese language is a pain for us ‘laowai’ to get our heads round.

 

Resources
Eight Great Chinese TV Shows
Watching TV can be one of the best ways to learn a language, gain insight into a culture and can give you something to chat about around the water cooler. Chinese language shows can also offer a much needed break from CCTV 9. With channels full of war dramas and screechy soap operas, finding something decent can be a daunting task. Luckily, with this handy guide to the best Chinese TV shows you won’t need to waste hours channel surfing.

My Chinese is Abominable, but I Have No Time!
So you just realized that you’ve been in China a long time and your Chinese is abominable? But you don't have time to study? Tips on studying Chinese quickly while you are doing other things – podcast, websites and other resources for learning quickly, and cheaply, on your own.

Rocket in Your Pocket: iPhone Apps for China Travel, Mandarin and More
When you’re packing an iPhone you’ve most definitely got a rocket in your pocket, but what do you do with it – especially now that Chinese carriers are cracking down on sexting? Learning Chinese is a full time job, luckily there are iPhone apps that let you take your learning on the road. Or subway – if they work offline.

 

Conquering Chinese
How to Pick a Chinese Name and Avoid Tattoo Catastrophes
It’s not uncommon in China to meet locals who introduce themselves using names like Apple, Ghostly, Puppy and Whisper. But what about the other side of the coin – expats choosing Chinese names? It’s a cultural minefield, but one that is easily navigable if you bear these points in mind.

Mashang and Mei Banfa: The Words Foreigners Hate to Hear
For all the goodwill, good intentions, and good dictionaries in China, there are still a couple of phrases that bring everything grinding to a halt. Most foreigners have a short list of words they dread hearing and topping all the lists are mashang and mei banfa.

 

Related Links:

7 Reasons You Should Learn Chinese: 1-3
Want to Learn Chinese? Choosing the Best Language Program
The 7 Hurdles in Mastering Chinese

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