How can I learn Chinese when I am already 30 years old?

Due to numerous reasons, Chinese is being considered as the most difficult language in the world. The only thing that’s difficult in the Chinese language is their writing system. Take up learning Chinese and open yourself to a world of opportunities. Chinese language skills can help you better understand its culture. The drawing & stroking of each character is not as simple as it looks. There’s meaning and story carried behind every stroke. By learning the language, you would appreciate the artistic beauty of this ancient oriental language in a way that you cannot even imagine.

Chinese is often described as a “monosyllabic” language. However, this is only partially correct. Mandarin is the only language that works across China. Once you are able to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese and are able to understand other native’s speaking, then you will enjoy hassle-free adventures in China even just by yourself. Being able to read & listen to this Chinese will also help you better understand the local history or folk customs of the country. When it comes to learning something new, age doesn’t have to be a barrier. One might think it’s awkward but practically it is not. It is something to be proud of and you never know how it may help you.

1. Listen to Mandarin as much as Possible: Start the process by focusing on listening. Just get used to the sounds. You will have to learn the characters but you can leave the characters out at first, and instead, try to get a little power in the language.
2. Speak a lot and Don’t Second Guess Yourself: When you speak, don’t second guess yourself on tones, or any other aspect of the language. Once you get a basic gist of vocabulary & pronunciation, you can move to learning basic conversational phrases which are used in everyday Chinese speech. Learning the Chinese language is a gradual process – you will have to keep at it. Chinese is one of the hardest languages to learn, so don’t worry and take your time. 
3. Listen to audiobooks & podcasts: You won’t get the most out of your learning if you merely target one of them. Listening to Chinese music and/or podcasts is another good way to surround yourself with the Chinese language. Even if you are unable to  understand everything, try to pick out keywords to help yourself and get the gist of what’s being said.
4. Start listening to Chinese During Your Commute: It’s also important to start listening to Chinese as much as possible. Improving your listening skills is also a skill that won’t happen overnight and takes considerable time. Luckily it is something one can do both actively and passively.

The last thing is to be consistent with your learning and how you learn. Once you find a method of learning, keep working on it. If you keep working this way, you are more likely to remember what you have learned and can expand your knowledge of Chinese with new content.