Question

Where can I find books on how to learn Chinese? Can I teach myself?

Answer 1

The free open course at MIT are a good start; no need to buy books right away; you can use an online dictionary such as www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php Just go to http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/foreign-languages-and-literatures/21f-101-chinese-i-regular-spring-2006/ Wish I had started using this course sooner. If you still want to buy books, it's a good idea to ask a Chinese speaker for advice before buying--check at your local bookstore and get the ISBN. Generally books are cheaper online--try dealoz.com Yes, you can teach yourself--I've been doing it for the past 4-5 years. However, you might do better or learn faster in a class; depends on your learning style.

Answer 2

Hi I am using the book called Speak Chinese Now it's ISBN IS978-7-5062-9582-5-/11-1035 I bought the book in China and the book is very good as it starts with the basics and also has a dvd it also ha pinyin and written chinese in the book a very good book to start with cost in China is 50rmb that is about $7 also if you have an iphone you can get many apps to help as well