It get somewhere you have to start moving!  You can't go uphill without doing something.

I've been studying Chinese for a little over eight years now and I'm ready to take it to the next level.  What does "taking it to the next level" mean?  It means "going one notch higher," "improving your skills so you can take the next step," or in this case "becoming fluent enough in Chinese that I can read a newspaper or magazine or so that I can describe what I want to do or say easily."

 

For example, in February of 2004, when I started learning the language, there was no way I could hold a conversation, understand what I might see on television, and write a letter.  I had to build a foundation to build on.  So, for four years I practiced vocabulary.  It wasn't just any vocabulary.  It was spoken and heard vocabulary.  I didn't try to read or write Chinese, at least I didn't try very hard.  My goal?  To learn the sound of natural spoken Chinese so I could imitate it.

 

I had success but only limited success.  But in 2008, with more time on my hands and as I established a few friendships with several students from China I was ready to take it to the next level.  I wanted to begin to learn a few Chinese characters.  My goal?  To be able to write and read a little Chinese.  Another sedgehead, and yes, I'm not the only sedgehead on the world, Wenli, a graduate student studying sedges in Canada, sent me a short note in Chinese in 2008.  It took me four hours to read it, using my computer to study every character and learn words like 加拿大 (Canada).

 

With more Chinese friends, QQ, and much more practice, I'm now writing and reading in Chinese every day.  But I'm not writing and reading effectively.  I like to say "I'm eight years old in Chinese" so my skills might equal those of a second grade student.  I need to improve.  But I'm ready to take it to the next level.  I want to read Chinese newspapers, websites, and email.  I want to push on now and take it to the next level within the next year.  I knew that once I was reading my skills would improve more rapidly.  Reading will move me much faster toward fluency.  I'll get there. It only takes time!