Start with Fluenz Mandarin 1-3 if you're truly interested in fluency.
Of course we all learn differently, but spending nearly a year going through the Fluenz program twice (and sometimes three times) has really paid off. Others who have larger vocabularies from classes, tutors, etc. know many more words than I do but they don't have as good a grasp at how to incorporate these words into grammatically correct sentences. For example, going into a store and saying "shirt" doesn't let the clerk help you buy a new shirt, smaller shirt, larger shirt, different colored shirt, shirt for a formal occasion, t-shirt, or anything else. Fluenz may have fewer vocabulary words but knowing more words without knowing how to use these isn't much help on a day-to-day basis if you live in China. It's nice to go to a store and ask what kind of shirt I want without just saying "shirt." I'm moving now to yoyouchinese.com for continued grammar learning, popupchinese.com to add new works but within a dialogue to continue grammar with vocabulary, and the Pleco.com dictionary. I bought the entire set of paid add-ons from Pleco especially the time saved from having the flashcard program alone is worth the price. The learning curve is a bit steep but don't give up--just read the instruction manual for the parts you need.
Many thanks to Fluenz for getting me off to a good start. I don't have the luxury of a formal Chinese classes. This is fortunate. I think you'll learn more from Fluenz than a formal class. Fluenz provides the tools but you still have to provide the motivation. But if you're motivated, mu humble opinion is that Fluenz is a great place to begin (and going through the lessons twice are a big dividend).
Status:
Open Jul 25, 2014 - 04:23 AM
Mandarin, Mandarin > Culture