Studying a new language is fascinating, challenging and can also be very frustrating.
The Chinese language, Mandarin, is even more more challenging as it is a tonal language,
the same sounding word, pronounced with different emphasis will give a different meaning.
You really have to listen very carefully, and to really use your tongue to produce the correct
sound. I think it'll take me several years before I could be well versed in this fascinating language.
I am wondering now what have I got myself into - when I decided to go for this language.
I will need to muster all my faculties to the full to enable me to acquire sufficient skill to
understand and speak it. It is an adventure worth taking and I am excited.
There is a Chinese saying: "bu pa man, zhi pa chan" :  do not be afraid of being slow,
only afraid if you stop trying.  Yes, I must keep on plodding if I am to make progress
in this language.