1.Learn Chinese pinyin.
Learn pinyin.It is needed to look up words in dictionaries and for typing in Chinese.

2.Pay attention to the tones.
Since there are so few syllables in Chinese, there are many homonyms, making attention to tones very important. Learning to write the pinyin with correct tones at the same time as you learn the characters will improve your pronunciation and your listening comprehension.

3.Read the text aloud.
Speaking (and hearing yourself speaking) will help reinforce the text in your memory. Exaggerating the tones can help you remember them.

4.Listen to Chinese media.
A wide variety of multimedia options exist for exposing your ears to native Chinese speaking. Internet radio stations and newscasts can be found in Chinese, as well as an increasing number of Chinese movies and television shows.

5.Find a language partner.
There may be a Chinese Language club in a nearby city or university. There are also free sites on the internet that can help set you up with a language exchange,such as my website www.chinesegreat.com/CG/F.jsp?c=313.