Pinyin is the name of the pronunciation system for Chinese official language, e.g. Mandarin. It's the first step to learn Chinese language.
http://www.instantspeakchinese.com/pinyin.php or
http://www.chineselearner.com/pinyin/
gives you introduction of Pinyin alphabet, instant sound (when you move mouse over text), and Tones.
Short learning videos for Pinyin alphabet:
Mandarin Chinese Pinyin Pronunciation (Better Chinese)
Chinese Pinyin in 6 Mins (kid's song version)
Suggested learning videos for Pinyin tones:
Chinese pronunciation Tips 5 - The Tones
If you don't think you can follow above videos, here are detailed ones from '7 days for Mandarin pronunciation':
http://youtu.be/EQAzioCGWdo (Vowels : Simple Vowels a, o, e, i, u)
http://youtu.be/NMUoZjVweVY (Initial Consonants : c, zh, ch, sh, r)
http://youtu.be/0Yav6Gs_lFA (Vowels : Simple Vowels a, o, e, i, u)
http://youtu.be/peqJQQl6_fU (Compound Vowels)
http://youtu.be/HICMfXS-WnA (Tone)
After you command the Pinyin alphabet and tones, we can move to reading simple words in the next session.
If you have questions, just put them in comments. I'll try my best to answer them.
For complete list of lessons, please visit http://daytodaychinese.net/Default.aspx?Level=1.
P.S. you're not alone :)
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNzk1OTA1Mjg=.html
