Iam going to learn Chinese Mandarin for school as a elective. I was wondering if I go to china or Japan or someplace like that I can talk to the locals speaking mandarin? I also wan't to understand japanese or chinese tv shows and music! So my question is what is the primary language that japanese, korean, chinese , etc? I think from my understanding it is mandarin but Iam not sure.Thanks all
Well no I mean I can get the program from bestbuy or w/e.

Although i never asked them, I have a few friends of non Asian decent and are over the age of 25, have managed to more or less master Chinese pronunciation. Meaning the speak Chinese with no accent.

One guy speak Chinese with a north eastern accent, the other two with a Taiwanese accent.

I studied chinese for about 4 years now, one in the states and 3 in china. I guess my pronunciation isn't bad, and Chinese people understand everything I say with no problem. Still it would be cool to be one of those guys who can speak Chinese, or any language for that matter with no accent.

Heres what i do now

1. watch lots of Chinese TV and movies, and when ever i can remember, I mimic what the cast is saying...

2. from time to time, sing Chinese songs

3. and the one i rarely do, but perhaps should do the most is practice those standardization books, (Putong hua Deng Ji kao shi) Pretty much they are books with a CD, that are filled with things that are hard to say, compare sounds, and of co
sorry bottom got cut off...
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compare sounds, and of course have tongue twisters.

I think my major problem is I just don't practice this stuff frequently enough and no longer have a Chinese person or teacher to tell me when I say something wrong, but still it would be great to hear what you guys have to say!!!

thanks!!!!