Most effective way to learn mandarin

[Lalallala]

So, it seems that a majority of the MPAs that I see or plan on seeing speak mandarin. I find that I get a much better session if I can connect with the girl, and without being able to speak with her, it's much harder. Sometimes when the personalities mesh, using a translator works. But a lot of the time, it just doesn't. So I'm hoping to learn enough to not look like a complete fool in the new 2-3 months. Any one have any suggestions? I've asked my friends and was given some youtube links but I guess my pronunciation likely still sucks. Are any of you guys learning? If so, how? Or I am i the only oddball trying to make this work?

 

[DareDevil]

You can download a few popular aps..like..Duolingo or Hello Chinese..
I am improving little by little..

 

[Lalallala]

You can download a few popular aps..like..Duolingo or Hello Chinese..
I am improving little by little..

hahah I actually downloaded them both. My dog looks at me weird when i try to say 'water'. As in he stopped walking and blocks me and is probably wondering what f'd up command i am giving him. I guess I am a long way from saying, "get naked and sit on my lap".. sigh.

 

[sinistarglobal]

So, it seems that a majority of the MPAs that I see or plan on seeing speak mandarin. I find that I get a much better session if I can connect with the girl, and without being able to speak with her, it's much harder. Sometimes when the personalities mesh, using a translator works. But a lot of the time, it just doesn't. So I'm hoping to learn enough to not look like a complete fool in the new 2-3 months. Any one have any suggestions? I've asked my friends and was given some youtube links but I guess my pronunciation likely still sucks. Are any of you guys learning? If so, how? Or I am i the only oddball trying to make this work?

I have found little efforts, even to say thank you or good bye in Mandarin are usually very well received, especially as a gweilo. A for effort often trumps actually abilities. I can imagine this plan will get you far....

 

[Lalallala]

I have found little efforts, even to say thank you or good bye in Mandarin are usually very well received, especially as a gweilo. A for effort often trumps actually abilities. I can imagine this plan will get you far....

good point. I'm not white though. But I'll have to try to learn some of the basic phrases. But I like to talk and establish a bit of rapport during the session and I find I enjoy it more. Right now I awkwardly use google translate. It's hard to use that effectively while on my front getting a massage.

 

[Lalallala]

Haha one of my canto and mandarin speaking friends is gonna help me. But I’ve known her for years and never brought up learning either. So tonight after going through basic tones etc, she asks “Why all of a sudden learn Mandarin?”.

Can’t quite tell her the real reason why.