I’m curious if there are certain language fads for Americans… Is learning China today, for Americans, what learning Chinese was about, 10 years ago? Or have Chinese and Spanish always been foundational languages that Tom has seen get adopted more over time?We can all learn Chinese languages at all ages. I am 63 and just learned Russian in my spare time. The key is to enjoy the process. The most powerful tools for language learning mandarin lessons are the iPod and the vast language resources on the internet, not more traditional, and limited, instructional approaches like RS, in my opinion.