Languages
Chinese beginners: module 1
Beginner Mandarin course covering pronunciation, basic grammar, everyday vocabulary and simple conversations, with spoken interaction, pair work and group activities.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
What Beginner (A1) Mandarin means
At A1 Mandarin, learners are beginning to use familiar words and simple sentences in predictable everyday situations.
Introduce yourself
我叫安娜。我住在伦敦。
My name is Anna. I live in London.
Order in a café
来一杯咖啡，谢谢。
A coffee, please.
Ask for directions
请问，火车站在哪儿？
Excuse me, where is the railway station?
These are general examples of language use at this level, not a description of any individual course syllabus.
About this course
This introductory Mandarin course covers greetings, personal information, occupations, family and numbers up to 100. Learners work with basic vocabulary, sentence structures and present-tense conversation while developing pronunciation, intonation and awareness of the five tones. Teaching centres on spoken communication, supported by pair and group work, role play, games, presentations, hand-outs and audio-visual resources. The course also introduces aspects of Chinese culture, customs and traditions. Learners practise reading basic sentences in pinyin and may optionally explore around 60 radicals or characters.
What you'll learn
- Exchange greetings and common courtesies in Mandarin
- Introduce themselves and other people
- Ask for and give basic personal information, including occupations
- Discuss family members and use numbers from 1 to 100
- Apply the Chinese phonetic system and distinguish the five Mandarin tones
- Read basic sentences in pinyin and take part in simple conversations
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for complete beginners, as well as learners with basic Chinese knowledge or experience of a short intensive course who want to restart from the beginning. Participation is communication-focused, with pair work, group activities, role plays and games.
- Suitable for learners revisiting introductory Chinese after limited previous study
- Includes regular spoken interaction with other learners
Before you go
- Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.
- The course uses tutor-created materials and may incorporate Discover China Student's Book 1. Learners should check with the teacher before purchasing the book.