Ludicrously specific newbie question

[StephenFrug]

There are two sentences I'd like to learn right off I can't find in any handy textbook.

 

One is simply how you'd say, "I am studying Chinese."  The best I could come up with is "我学习中文".  Is this right?

 

Secondly, even more important, I'd like to learn how to say "I just began studying Chinese".  And here I am drawing a blank.  Help?

 

(If these forums are an inappropriate place to ask such questions, I apologize; I just signed on here.)

 

Thanks.

[skylee]

A. 我正在学（习）中文。

B. 我刚开始学（习）中文。

PS - Depending on the situation (where you are / who you are communicating with), Chinese could be called 中文 / 汉语 / 华语. For me 中文 is fine. And of course as you no doubt know you are using the simplified characters. I personally don't use them but can appreciate why other people do.

[imron]

Chinese could be called 中文 / 汉语 / 华语.

国语 is also common outside of mainland China.

[Hofmann]

I think you need to read this and this.

[StephenFrug]

谢谢, everyone. That was all very helpful.