Great Intro but what next?

This is a fantastic introduction to Mandarin Chinese but it is only the first two hours of an eight hour course.



At the time of writing Audible are trying to get the other six hours in their library but as yet that is not the case which is a shame as these first two hours had me hooked.



The only current alternative is to purchase the full and more costly Mandarin course CD's direct from Michel Thomas. Hopefully this changes soon..

4 people found this helpful

easiest way to get started with Mandarin

I tried a couple of audio courses and a live class before trying this course. It was only with this one that I feel I have been able to make a real start with Mandarin. Harold Goodman's introduction takes away one's fears and doubts about the language, dispels the idea it is hard and gives the best explanation of tones I've heard. As all Mandarin words are initially quite foreign, unlike with French, German, etc, it is very helpful that he guides you word by word through your initial attempts to repeat the phrases. With other courses you often hear native speakers rattle off whole phrases and this can make it all seem very hard. Here we really do go step by step. Hearing the two learners struggle to get say the words, followed by the correct speech of the native speaker, provides a contrast that enhances one's ability to distinguish the correct phrase. It's better than just hearing correct speech on its own. It also made me feel, "Well, it's not just me that makes mistakes!".

3 people found this helpful

An excellent pronunciation guide

This audiobook is a great way to learn the pronunciation and rhythm of Mandarin Chinese. Taught in an intuitive if unconventional way you can expect to learn the fundamentals of a language quite unlike most western languages. However, don't expect this to be conversational Chinese. It's not by any means. A little more essential vocabulary would have made this an ideal book, but as it is it's still well worth the listen.

1 person found this helpful

Amazing

I could never imagine just in 2 hours I could not just understand structure of Chinese language but be able to say couple of Chinese sentences, with NO help. Amazing method. I would never start learning language again without Michel Thomas Method.

1 person found this helpful

Mandarin Chinese

This is probably the best language learning audiobook I have ever come across. Very easy to remember the words. I will be buying more of these..

Michael Thomas - Chinese

Learn another language the way you learnt your own.

You learnt your own language naturally and enjoyably: now you can learn Mandarin Chinese in the same way.



You'll stick with it because you'll love it.

• Use the unique method perfected over 50 years by the celebrated psychologist and linguist Michel Thomas.



• This method works with your brain, helping you to build up your Mandarin Chinese in manageable, enjoyable steps by thinking out the answers for yourself.



• You learn through listening and speaking: without the pressure of writing or memorising.



• You pick up the language naturally and unforgettably.