the chinese alphabet is the same as english in written ...A-----Z,but noramlly ,we never use letter "V" in chinese pinyin.as to the pronounciation. you'd better to buy a CD or ask something to teach face to face. I will show you some exsample. Aa in chinese pinyin pronunciation,we read as "(a:)" slimiar as the "ar" in "bar"........ i hople it be of help to you.

see italki knowledge here is the url http://www.italki.com/knowledge/contribution-How+to+Learn+Chinese(Mandarin).htm

I think U can buy an Chinese-English dictionary. I hope u will got Chinese. If u want, u can chat with me.

I think that you can practice pronence firstly,after leanting that you can search some good material to help you.

maybe you can add me to practice chinese pin in