If learning the Chinese language is on your list of things to do, then consider using the first tool at your fingertips…your computer. Today, the internet is chocked full of a multitude of a variety of instructions for learning Chinese. Each site offers something unique and beneficial to that site, however, there are of course, some maintained with a more serious hand in learning and others, well, just plain frumpy. Before you begin, be prepared to do a lot of surfing from your favorite search engines and bookmarking the ones appropriate for your own level of learning. You will have to separate the good sites from the not so good sites. Know what it is exactly you wish to learn. Do you wish to learn to write the beautiful characters? Do you just need to know simple communication phrases? Develop some kind of plan of purpose, to save time and struggle meandering through sites.
For starts consider answering these questions:
Do you wish for only an introduction to Chinese ? Then you would type the search as only that, considering using wikipedia for background information. Also, check out traditional Chinese sites and blogs for native input and understanding.
Do you want to find a class? You can search locally in community or universities for a class offline and in real life classrooms. Or you can search for classes offered online, some allowing you to work on your own time and at your own pace. If you wish to add a tutor or only use a tutor, a lot of these sites have tutors available. Many instruction programs come with one on one guidance as a enhancement to teaching.
Do you already know Chinese and just wish to improve your skills? What is superior about learning Chinese on the internet is the abundance of free online courses dedicated to familiarizing you with the language, as well as providing plenty tools to brush up on what you already know. Some sites use games, animation, virtual flash cards, interactive exercises, and links to other Chinese language sites. Blogs are also available where you can communicate in Chinese. These blogs are a valuable asset in learning, as sometimes the blogger has inside information to other places teaching Chinese.
Do you want to learn the art of Chinese characters? There is no better place in which to learn this transcending ancient art form than the internet. With the demand for this art form increasing, more sites exist to meet that demand. With little effort, you can access from your search engine, dozens of legitimate sites for learning the characters properly. There are also free and inexpensive downloads available to learn and practice.
No matter your curiosity, or ability, there are ways to successfully master skill in the Chinese language online. In fact, it probably is your best bridge to learning. Because there are so many, remember to bookmark your favorite sites, so you can return to them later. It is thru the internet, we find knowledge.