I knew a little bit about Chiness because I used to learn before but It really hard but I still try :)
I am 76 years old.
I live in the United States.
I can read Chinese A LITTLE with a dictionary (and if the article is not too technical).
I can write it, but the reader would laugh at all my mistakes. Nevertheless, the reader would get the idea that I wanted to express.
I definitely canNOT speak it (those tones are too difficult for me to remember), and I cannot understand it when I hear it. When I try to speak it, Chinese speakers JOKINGLY tell me: You sound like a Chinese opera star.
I can read and write English (though not very well), but I can not speak. Now I am trying to speak.
But I think the most important thing is enjoying. So, it doesn't matter one can or can not speak a foreign language. As long as we can enjoy it, reading and wring (though a little) can be enough.
Thank you for your answers.
Especially Mr Jame, your answer is very useful for me!
i can because i am a chinese.do you know欢迎