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竺靜華
This is a six-week introductory course in Mandarin Chinese conversation. The course will be taught completely in Mandarin, however students are not expected to have any experience learning Chinese.
Read more
This is a six-week introductory course in Mandarin Chinese conversation. The course will be taught completely in Mandarin, however students are not expected to have any experience learning Chinese.
Read more
This is a six-week introductory course in Mandarin Chinese conversation. The course will be taught completely in Mandarin, however students are not expected to have any experience learning Chinese.
This course’s main objective is to study practical conversation. By watching videos showing various kinds of situations, learners will recognize and understand vocabulary, pair everyday words together with grammar to form short phrases, and learn the correct way to express words used in day-to-day life.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ad306a/learning
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What's inside
Syllabus
Greetings
Starting from the first step of cultural communication, the course introduces how Chinese people greet others and respond to greetings. Students will learn 25 simple words and form short phrases, beginning to communicate with others.
Read more
Syllabus
Greetings
Starting from the first step of cultural communication, the course introduces how Chinese people greet others and respond to greetings. Students will learn 25 simple words and form short phrases, beginning to communicate with others.
Read more
Introduce yourself
This week’s lesson uses ‘Studying Chinese’ as its main theme. Students will learn how to make a self-introduction, meet classmates from different countries, learn vocabulary commonly used in the classroom, use 31 new words, talk about themselves and their classmates, and understand how Chinese words are formed from individual characters as well as their meaning and the ways they can change.
Shopping
Learn everyday simple statements, such as being able to talk about: time, temperature, making choices when shopping, and personal likes and dislikes. Using 33 new words, make statements about one’s everyday life, talk about the things one wants to buy.
Ｍaking an order
Learn numbers and measure words while eating food, understand how eating food is an expression of Chinese culture, and use 41 new words to make statements about eating food as well as express desires, preferences, and opinions.
Taking bus to school
Recognize different modes of transportation and describe walking on the street, learn to use 41 simple words and form short phrases, make statements based on observations of urban streetscapes and the perceived distance of objects.
Daily Dialogue
Learn to talk about attending school, going to work, forms of communication, and leisure activities. Use 40 words to form short phrases, talk about one’s work and relations with other people at school.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores practical communication with realistic videos, bridging Chinese characters to daily life
Builds a foundation in Mandarin conversation, making it suitable for beginners
Covers introductions, shopping, dining, transportation, and daily activities, providing a range of scenarios
Immerses learners in Mandarin, enhancing their comprehension and pronunciation
Teaches vocabulary and grammar through practical examples, facilitating retention
Exclusively conducted in Mandarin, requiring no prior language knowledge
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Save Learning Chinese : Start From Scratch (零到一學中文) to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Master basic chinese: from absolute beginners
This Chinese language course for beginners teaches practical conversation through videos, vocabulary, and grammar. Students will learn to form short phrases, understand vocabulary, and express themselves in daily life situations. The course is taught entirely in Mandarin, but does not require any prior knowledge of Chinese.
Course uses video dialogues with real-life situations to help with comprehension.
"Highly recommend this course for the beginners as there are video dialogues with the situations discussed which is easy to understand and define what are they talking about."
Course uses traditional Chinese characters.
"This course was a bit hard for me because I stared learing simplified chinese and this was a bit different from that but it was interesting learning and it was good"
Course uses only Mandarin to assist with immersion and practice.
"The course is taught completely in Mandarin"
Course focuses on practical conversations and vocabulary for everyday use.
"The course’s main objective is to study practical conversation."
"By watching videos showing various kinds of situations, learners will recognize and understand vocabulary, pair everyday words together with grammar to form short phrases, and learn the correct way to express words used in day-to-day life."
"Learn everyday simple statements, such as being able to talk about: time, temperature, making choices when shopping, and personal likes and dislikes."
Course lacks English subtitles or translation, making it difficult for beginners.
"The lectures are given in chinese and some parts lack english translation making it impossible to understand without knowing chinese."
"There is no english translation to make the process of understanding the meaning of the characters easier."
"It's very difficult. And I can't pass the quiz. I would like to have more explanations for each sample."
"but not for beginners, since it doesn't provide any written material - what makes really hard for the students to take notes - nor the videos are clear enough to understand all word without a translator."
Course pace may be too fast for beginners.
"If you are actually brand new and plan to "start from scratch" you may find this course overwhelming with its a bit too immersive style of teaching."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Learning Chinese : Start From Scratch (零到一學中文) with these
activities:
Review cultural nuances
Show steps
Help learners reacquaint themselves with Chinese cultural norms and conversational etiquette prior to beginning the course
Browse courses on
Chinese Culture
Show steps
-
Research common Chinese customs and traditions
-
Read articles or watch videos about Chinese culture
-
Try practicing some basic Chinese greetings and phrases
Read 'Conversational Chinese for Beginners'
Show steps
Provide learners with a foundational understanding of conversational Chinese before the course starts
Show steps
-
Read through the first few chapters of the book
-
Complete the exercises and activities in the book
Practice listening to and understanding Chinese audio
Show steps
Help learners improve their active listening skills and enhance their ability to understand spoken Chinese
Browse courses on
Listening Comprehension
Show steps
-
Find online audio resources, such as podcasts or videos, in Chinese
-
Listen to the audio and try to understand the main ideas
-
Repeat the audio several times to improve comprehension
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a dialogue between two people meeting for the first time
Show steps
Allow learners to practice creating their own Chinese conversations, improving their understanding of grammar and vocabulary
Browse courses on
Conversational Chinese
Show steps
-
Brainstorm ideas for a conversation
-
Write out the dialogue, including appropriate grammar and vocabulary
-
Practice speaking the dialogue aloud
Join a language exchange group or find a conversation partner
Show steps
Provide learners with the opportunity to practice speaking and listening to Chinese in a real-life setting
Show steps
-
Find a language exchange partner who is a native Chinese speaker
-
Arrange regular meetings to practice speaking and listening to Chinese
Create a Chinese language learning portfolio
Show steps
Encourage learners to document their progress and reflect on their learning journey, fostering self-awareness and motivation
Show steps
-
Set up a notebook or online portfolio to document their learning
-
Regularly add notes, reflections, and examples of their work
-
Review their portfolio periodically to identify areas for improvement
Volunteer at a local Chinese community center or organization
Show steps
Provide learners with a real-world opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture while giving back to their community
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
-
Research local Chinese community centers or organizations
-
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Contribute to open-source Chinese language learning resources
Show steps
Engage learners in a collaborative and meaningful way, fostering a sense of ownership and contribution to the Chinese language learning community
Browse courses on
Open-Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source Chinese language learning projects
-
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
Review cultural nuances
Show steps
Help learners reacquaint themselves with Chinese cultural norms and conversational etiquette prior to beginning the course
Browse courses on
Chinese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research common Chinese customs and traditions
- Read articles or watch videos about Chinese culture
- Try practicing some basic Chinese greetings and phrases
Read 'Conversational Chinese for Beginners'
Show steps
Provide learners with a foundational understanding of conversational Chinese before the course starts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the first few chapters of the book
- Complete the exercises and activities in the book
Practice listening to and understanding Chinese audio
Show steps
Help learners improve their active listening skills and enhance their ability to understand spoken Chinese
Browse courses on
Listening Comprehension
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online audio resources, such as podcasts or videos, in Chinese
- Listen to the audio and try to understand the main ideas
- Repeat the audio several times to improve comprehension
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a dialogue between two people meeting for the first time
Show steps
Allow learners to practice creating their own Chinese conversations, improving their understanding of grammar and vocabulary
Browse courses on
Conversational Chinese
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm ideas for a conversation
- Write out the dialogue, including appropriate grammar and vocabulary
- Practice speaking the dialogue aloud
Join a language exchange group or find a conversation partner
Show steps
Provide learners with the opportunity to practice speaking and listening to Chinese in a real-life setting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a language exchange partner who is a native Chinese speaker
- Arrange regular meetings to practice speaking and listening to Chinese
Create a Chinese language learning portfolio
Show steps
Encourage learners to document their progress and reflect on their learning journey, fostering self-awareness and motivation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a notebook or online portfolio to document their learning
- Regularly add notes, reflections, and examples of their work
- Review their portfolio periodically to identify areas for improvement
Volunteer at a local Chinese community center or organization
Show steps
Provide learners with a real-world opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture while giving back to their community
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local Chinese community centers or organizations
- Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Contribute to open-source Chinese language learning resources
Show steps
Engage learners in a collaborative and meaningful way, fostering a sense of ownership and contribution to the Chinese language learning community
Browse courses on
Open-Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source Chinese language learning projects
- Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
Career center
Learners who complete Learning Chinese : Start From Scratch (零到一學中文) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Language Learner
Language Learner
A Language Learner is someone who knows multiple languages and can use them to communicate with people from different cultures. This course can help you become a more effective Language Learner by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to work in a field that requires you to interact with people from different cultures.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher is someone who educates students in a particular subject. This course can help you become a more effective Teacher of Mandarin Chinese by providing you with the resources and knowledge you need to teach students the basics of the language. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to teach Mandarin Chinese in a school or other educational setting.
Interpreter
Interpreter
An Interpreter is someone who translates spoken or written words from one language to another. This course can help you become a more effective Interpreter by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to work as an Interpreter in a field such as healthcare, education, or business.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist is someone who reports on news and current events. This course can help you become a more effective Journalist by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to report on China or Chinese culture.
Writer
Writer
A Writer is someone who creates written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. This course can help you become a more effective Writer by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to write about China or Chinese culture.
Translator
Translator
A Translator is someone who translates written text from one language to another. This course can help you become a more effective Translator by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to translate Chinese documents or literature.
Businessperson
Businessperson
A Businessperson is someone who owns or manages a business. This course can help you become a more effective Businessperson by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to do business with China or Chinese companies.
Diplomat
Diplomat
A Diplomat is someone who represents their country in foreign affairs. This course can help you become a more effective Diplomat by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to work in the foreign service or in a diplomatic role.
Consultant
Consultant
A Consultant is someone who provides expert advice to businesses or organizations. This course can help you become a more effective Consultant by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to consult with Chinese businesses or organizations.
Marketer
Marketer
A Marketer is someone who promotes products or services. This course can help you become a more effective Marketer by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to market to Chinese consumers.
Recruiter
Recruiter
A Recruiter is someone who finds and hires qualified candidates for jobs. This course can help you become a more effective Recruiter by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to recruit Chinese candidates.
Product Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is someone who manages the development and marketing of products. This course can help you become a more effective Product Manager by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to manage products in China or with Chinese companies.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager is someone who plans and executes projects. This course can help you become a more effective Project Manager by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to manage projects in China or with Chinese companies.
Salesperson
Salesperson
A Salesperson is someone who sells products or services. This course can help you become a more effective Salesperson by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to sell to Chinese customers.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative is someone who provides customer service to clients. This course can help you become a more effective Customer Service Representative by teaching you the basics of Mandarin Chinese. You will learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and have basic conversations. This knowledge will be invaluable if you want to provide customer service to Chinese customers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ad306a/learning
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Learning Chinese : Start From Scratch (零到一學中文).
Commonly used textbook for introductory Mandarin Chinese courses. It emphasizes the development of practical conversation skills and provides a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary Chinese language and culture, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the language and its context.
Provides a thorough and accessible introduction to Mandarin Chinese grammar, with clear explanations and numerous examples. It is an excellent resource for students who want to improve their understanding of the language's structure and usage.
Save
This textbook offers a comprehensive and well-structured approach to learning Mandarin Chinese. It covers all the essential grammar and vocabulary, with a focus on practical communication.
Save
这本书是北大中文系教授李华编写的一本汉语教材，对于初学者来说非常友好，讲解清晰，语法详细，练习题丰富。
Save
这本书是北大中文系教授马真编写的一本汉语语法教材，内容全面、系统，讲解清晰，练习题丰富，非常适合学习汉语语法。
Save
这本书是专门为初学者编写的汉语会话教材，内容丰富、实用，涵盖了日常生活中的各种场景和话题，非常适合初学者学习汉语会话。
这本书是一本汉英词典，收录了大量的汉字和词语，解释详尽，用法例句丰富，非常适合查阅汉语词汇。
Save
这本书是一本汉语成语词典，收录了大量的汉语成语，解释详尽，用法例句丰富，非常适合查阅汉语成语。
This advanced textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern Mandarin Chinese, covering grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural context. It is suitable for students with a strong foundation in the language who wish to improve their fluency and accuracy.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive collection of Chinese idioms, with their meanings and usage. It valuable reference tool for students who want to improve their understanding of the language's idiomatic expressions.
This collection of short stories is written in simplified Chinese characters and is designed for beginner learners. It provides authentic reading material that exposes students to the language in a natural and engaging way.
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese philosophy, from its origins to the present day. It is an excellent resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese thought and culture.
Save
This anthology of short stories by contemporary Chinese authors provides intermediate and advanced learners with authentic reading material that reflects the richness and diversity of modern Chinese literature.
This collection of Confucius' teachings foundational text in Chinese philosophy and literature. It offers insights into the core values and principles of Confucianism.
Introduces the origins, meanings, and usage of common Chinese idioms. It provides valuable insights into Chinese culture and language.
Save
This classic text of Taoism short but profound work that explores the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
This collection of stories and parables from the Zhuangzi tradition offers a unique and insightful perspective on life and the world.
This classic Chinese military treatise provides strategic and philosophical insights that can be applied to various aspects of life, including language learning.
Save
This collection of teachings from the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius provides insights into Chinese thought and values.
Introduces the basic techniques and styles of Chinese calligraphy, providing a unique way to engage with the language.
Save
This classic Chinese novel beloved tale of adventure, fantasy, and mythology. It offers insights into Chinese culture and history.
Save
This classic Chinese novel complex and epic work that explores the themes of love, family, and social change.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ad306a/learning
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Effort
6 weeks for study, 1-2 hours/week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
National Taiwan University
Instructor
竺靜華
Language
中文
Good to know
Explores practical communication with realistic videos, bridging Chinese characters to daily life
Builds a foundation in Mandarin conversation, making it suitable for beginners
Covers introductions, shopping, dining, transportation, and daily activities, providing a range of scenarios
Immerses learners in Mandarin, enhancing their comprehension and pronunciation
Teaches vocabulary and grammar through practical examples, facilitating retention
Exclusively conducted in Mandarin, requiring no prior language knowledge
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