4. Strive for perpetual immersion

“The absolute best way – really the only way – to learn Chinese grammar is to speak Chinese with Chinese people,” states David Moser, Academic Director of CET Chinese Studies at Beijing Capital Normal University. “Seek out or create, by hook or crook, an environment where you are constantly interacting with Chinese speakers.”

Don’t live in China? That’s no longer a problem according to Carl Gene Fordham who’s persevered to proficiency in his native Melbourne Australia by socializing and creating an effective language learning environment. Finding native language partners and tutors online has never been easier, so always be on the lookout for new and better ways to do things. “Immersion is about doing,” adds Olle Linge. “It might be scary, but the only way to learn to swim is to get wet.”

Greg Whitehorn, General Manager and Senior Consultant at Directions Management Consulting, acknowledges the importance of speaking and listening well, but believes reading and writing are essential to understanding the Chinese culture. He says, “Even now as I read wechat posts and QQ blogs in Chinese, it gives me a deeper insight into thought processes, emotions and world views of the Chinese. Language and culture are intertwined.”