Is Mandarin difficult to learn?

Editor's note: With the fast economic growth of China, an increasing number of foreigners are showing a desire to learn the Chinese language. But what troubles them is that Mandarin is too difficult to learn. Is it really that hard? You're welcome to leave your comments.

Cross (UK)

One of the reasons is that it's a tonal language. This means that inflection can change a word's meaning. If you say 'ma' with a high tone, you will be saying a different word than if you pronounced it the exact same way, but with a lower voice. It is challenging, yet very rewarding. China happens to be up and coming in the business world, learning Mandarin is required among all international business graduates, and for good reason.