Michel Thomas Method: Mandarin Chinese Introductory Course

I barely survived French in high school, so I thought there was no way I would really be able to learn a language, but eventually my curiosity and interest got the best of me and I decided to try Chinese since it is structurally easier to learn. Using the Michel Thomas method was a good choice, since I now have a basic understanding of Chinese and would be able to form some basic sentences.

The only downside to the course is that it's so short. Hopefully the full Foundation course can be made available to download. Also, you will not get much vocabulary from this method, but that's okay because once you know how to put things together, you can easily learn new words as you need them and include them in your speech.

This is the best Mandarin instruction I've come across; the method is very effective. I've tried Earworms, and a few others (not from Audible). The patience and thoroughness of the course really do make it effortless.

I downloaded a copy for my husband. Within a few minutes he was pronouncing much better than he has ever done before. I have been trying to teach him for years and he was not able to say the third sound properly. Great way to learn.
Thank you.

This is a fabulous way to learn Mandarin. The instructor makes it so easy! I REALLY hope audiobooks will get the rest of the series.

I have previously used both Pimsleur and one other (I can't remember which one) Mandarin language program. I got this one to use as a review and was hopeful to get another aspect of the language and some increased vocabulary. I found this program dull, cumbersome, and completely non-intuitive. At the end of an hour of listening and repeating, I had not learned a single useful phrase. The method of instruction and repetition is so slow that even using the 2x speed on my Ipod it did not approach conversational pace. This does not lend itself to learning to think in a foreign language or even being able to interact conversationally.

In contrast, after a short time with the Pimsleur program I already had learned several phrases with correct pronunciation and tones. I highly recommend spending your money on a different program! After finishing lever I of Pimsleur, I was passable in my traveler's Mandarin, and was even told in China that I had a "Beijing accent!" That will not happen with this program.