Hi there For all those who want to take the language that much further CCTV9 is an English channel here in China. The channel runs language classes each day and has some outstanding videos available free online to those interested. It gives you another dimension, as part of your studies, where you listen to skits spoken by both native speakers and "wai guo ren". The language is then examined and explained. A really great platform to further enhance your studies. http://english.cntv.cn/learnchinese/ It also makes you realise that eventually, with time and dedication foreigners can pick up the language as the actors in the skits demonstrate. Good luck. Kathie

Wow, I'm very much familiar with the TV shows as I get to get a glimpse every now and then in Cable TV in my country (from Manila by the way). I agree that their skills in conversational Mandarin is nothing short of amazing. Gives us the hope that it is indeed possible given enough exposure and practice. :D