1.Advice for Beginner

1.Focus on the pronunciation of initials, finals and tones. Model the pronunciation from a native speaker until you sound like a native.

2.The best way for a beginner is to just follow along. English and Chinese are totally different languages. Please don't let your knowledge of English confuse the way of learning Chinese. As any other languages, the function is to communicate. Just try to follow along and keep pushing yourself to use Chinese. As with any language, the more you use it, the better.

Always communicate with your instructor. They will try to adjust their training to best meet your needs.

2.How to start a Chinese Program at a school?

In the United States, the Chinese language has become the fastest growing foreign language. According to information provided by the Modern Language Association, it shows that in more than 3,000 universities in the United States, nearly 800 have opened Chinese-language courses, with student enrollment increasing. Classes in Chinese primary and secondary schools have increased greatly as well, and have received support from the Department of Education. In addition, the Internet is increasingly being used as well.

How to start a Chinese program at a school? To help schools start a new program successfully, here is a good website: http://www.askasia.org/chinese/

3.On-line Chinese

I have been trying to find some easier ways to help my students learn Chinese, so here are some good websites providing some tools. Hopefully, they will help you.

http://www.chinese-tools.com/

http://www.chineseon.net/main.php

http://www.mandarintools.com/

http://chinese.rutgers.edu/class_content_simplified_chinese/level1/class1-to-9/class1/dialog_cs.htm

http://www.csulb.edu/~txie/ccol/content.htm

http://www.wku.edu/~yuanh/AudioChinese/

http://www.hanyu.com.cn/en/default.asp

http://chinese.travel-way.net/

http://www.china-fun.org/