Mandarin Chinese, also known as Putonghua (普通话), is arguably one of the most difficult foreign languages to learn.
If you want to gain a good command over the language, you need to streamline your strategy—that too from the very beginning. Choosing good study materials will help.
A very important point worth considering is: Learn Chinese in Chinese (not in English). Further, if possible, learn Chinese in China.
For example, read Chinese stories in Chinese (read characters), not in English. In the beginning, it would take time. But that’s okay. You can’t skip the baby steps. Don’t try to find shortcuts. Don’t be too lazy to dig the unknown characters.
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That’s why, I give you enough Chinese characters and texts in each post and books of Chinese learning course. You’ll need to fall in love with those mysterious characters.
Avoid looking at pinyin unless necessary.
If you don’t know a character, use the dictionary to find it. Learn how to use a Chinese dictionary. Pleco App is recommended.
Take it slow. No need to rush.
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If you are in China, don’t go out looking for expat friends all the time. Make some Chinese friends and hang out with them. Talk in Chinese as much as possible. You can also think of having a Chinese partner (girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse).
Point being, immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. Your efficiency to learn Mandarin Chinese will improve tremendously.