Learn Basics First

• 1). Chinese is a tonal language, meaning a word in pinyin (Romanized characters) can have four different sounds, each having a different meaning. Start with a course, such as Chinese 101.com, that explains this in simple terms. It is important to get a good understanding of tones and pronunciations as this will make it easier for you to learn the language.
  
  
• 2). After you've mastered the above, move onto a new course where you can hear the words spoken. Chinese-ilab.com, starts with basic words and phrases. The word is given in English and then repeated twice in Mandarin. Be sure to say the word out loud and listen as many times as it takes to get the pronunciation correct. The site also shows the word in English, characters and pinyin. This site is user-friendly, but if the words prove too difficult, try its "Chinese for Kids" section.
  
  
• 3). With a few basic words under your belt, it's time to seek a website, such as Chinesefortravel.com, that involves more detailed language instruction. This course turns the basic words you've already learned into sentences and conversations. You'll hear a minute or two of conversation all in Mandarin; this conversation will then be broken down sentence by sentence with English translations. Saying the Chinese words out loud will help your speaking abilities. Don't worry if you don't understand what all the words mean at this time.
  
  
• 4). It's time to get out that microphone/headset so you can practice what you've learned with a native speaker. Mylanguageexchange.com is a website that is a clearinghouse for English speakers who want to learn Chinese, and Chinese speakers who want to improve their English. The exchange can take place via email, text mail or voice chat, which is preferred.
  
  
• 5). Serious, dedicated learners can download a Chinese language course for study off-line. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of many universities which allows people to download courses in a variety of subjects. The school offers several levels of Chinese in its Openware courses. The downloads are free; no credit is given for completing a course.