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Are you learning Chinese?

Chances are, you've already searched the internet for information that'll help you learn Chinese. And what do you find? Lots of sites offering free information on learning Chinese.

I did an online search recently and realized that with all the information out there, it can be pretty confusing for a person who's just beginning to learn Chinese to figure out what's useful and what's not.

Where should you start? Which are the sites that offer you, the beginning Chinese learner, practical advice and Chinese phrases you can use immediately?

I decided to put together a select list of useful, free online resources to jump start your learning of Chinese and help you get better results in less time. :-)

Learn Chinese Resource #1:

**How to Learn Chinese with More Fun and in Less Time in Five Easy Steps

This step-by-step guide does two things: it gives you proven tips on how to approach the study of Chinese for better and faster results plus the 80% of listening, speaking, writing and reading basics you need to know when you're at the beginning stage of learning Chinese. Sign up for this 5-part mini-course at

http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/learning-chinese

Learn Chinese Resource #2:

**Chinese Pod

Free, daily Chinese conversational audio mp3 lessons (called podcasts) based on real situations (ordering food, renting an apartment, talking about yourself etc.) you can download, listen and review on the go to start speaking Mandarin right away. Start with their New User Guide. Visit Chinese Pod at http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/chinese-pod

Learn Chinese Resource#3

**Five Beginner Steps to Learning Chinese Faster

Real experiences of an American learning Chinese in China. This funny and useful *5 Beginner Steps to Learning Chinese Faster* free email course doesn't teach you Chinese but describes a beginner's strategy for how to get out into a real Chinese-speaking environment and learn it for yourself.

Sign up at http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/master-chinese-faster

Learn Chinese Resource #4:

**BBC Real Chinese

For those who plan to travel to China, learn useful Chinese phrases (note: no Chinese characters, only in pinyin, the Romanized script) for introducing yourself, getting around, shopping, booking a hotel in China etc. in this interesting ten-part, online beginner's Mandarin course in slideshow format with text, images and audio followed by a one-minute video shot in China and cultural notes. Learn BBC Real Chinese at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/chinese/real_chinese/index.shtml

Learn Chinese Resource #5:

**Chinese Forums

Find like-minded, motivated Chinese learners to discuss topics related to learning Chinese and Chinese culture. Chinese-forums.com is an online community of people with an interest in learning Chinese language and culture. When you're just starting to learn Chinese, keeping yourself motivated is vital for getting results. This is where you'll find other motivated Chinese learners of all skill levels to exchange tips and information whether it's about overcoming difficulties in learning Chinese Mandarin or sharing your favorite Chinese movie or travel destination in China. Visit

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

Learn Chinese Resource #6:

**CRI Radio

A great site to read and listen to radio broadcasts in English and Chinese about China and life in China * China news, culture, sports, travel, entertainment etc. CRI Radio can be found at http://en.chinabroadcast.cn.

Learn Chinese Resource #7:

**Chinese Fonts

If you're not reading Chinese characters properly on your computer, like the chinese words for *learn Chinese* 学中文 follow the link to find out how to display and type Chinese fonts on your Windows or Mac computer: http://www.living-chinese-symbols.com/chinese-fonts.html

There you have it -- seven free online resources for learning Chinese faster.

If there's any "secret" to learning Chinese faster and with better results, it's this: learn a little, use a lot!

Don't be afraid of making mistakes, or fret about getting the pronunciation right.

Start by speaking Mandarin with Chinese friends whenever you can. There'll be lots of slip-ups along the way, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short time!