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Don’t try to learn grammar rules before you learn the usage. Learn the usage first then later look at grammar rules to find out why it’s used the way it is. This is how native speakers learn and goes back to the ‘what sounds right’ principle mentioned previously. Grammar should be picked up automatically through listening to several dialogues and forms of usage as we do in these podcasts. Later, you can consult grammar rules to reinforce what you have already learned.

Don’t underestimate the power of listening. If you happen to have access to Chinese speakers around you, don’t shy away from listening to them even if you don’t understand what they are saying. Learn the patterns and body language they use. Use this to complement your learning from podcasts and other areas. If this is done right, you may find that you’re actually only one or two words shy of understanding a great deal more than you think you do! When this does happen and you learn those words, all of a sudden your level of understanding will increase dramatically in a short period. Embrace the moment when it arrives!