After getting back from visiting China, decided would learn some basic Chinese Mandarin.
Once get past the whole tonal thing, it’s not too bad… Although do need to practice getting the tones right, otherwise when I get back to China the locals will have no idea what I’m trying to say.
To help with the tones, thought better get some CDs.
Found
Beginners Chinese on Amazon with some pretty good reviews. The CDs are very clear, although a bit fast. Also covers a basic grammar background of the Chinese.
Picked up
Survival Chinese as well. Haven’t had a good look at it yet, doesn’t look like the standard phrase book. Seems far more practical and doesn’t have the contrived feel most phrase books have…