Is it possible to learn Mandarin without studying Hanzi? I've spoken to people about this before and they've told me I should learn Hanzi, however I would like to have some conversational proficiency as soon as possible. Reading the FSI language grade it says it will take 2,200 hours to get there, and I feel if it takes me 6 years until I get some results I will struggle to maintain motivation. Can I cut that 2,200 hours down if I avoid writing and reading or will it make the language harder for me as I go on?