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Mandarin Chinese Level 1

2.5 Filled star Filled star Empty star Empty star Empty star
Based on 11 ratings
see reviews
Estella Chen

Chinese is, without a doubt, the most spoken language on the planet.

Learning Chinese will help your company or organization break into the biggest market on the planet. Being able to properly and correctly introduce yourself in Chinese will help you open the door to a whole new world.

Mandarin Chinese Level 1will introduce you to the basic language skills you will need to eat, live, and get around in Mandarin speaking countries, building your confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and friends in Chinese.

Read more

Chinese is, without a doubt, the most spoken language on the planet.

Learning Chinese will help your company or organization break into the biggest market on the planet. Being able to properly and correctly introduce yourself in Chinese will help you open the door to a whole new world.

Mandarin Chinese Level 1will introduce you to the basic language skills you will need to eat, live, and get around in Mandarin speaking countries, building your confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and friends in Chinese.

If you enroll in the verified track, you will be able to participate in the Webinar lectured by Dr. Estella Y. Chen, who will lead the discussion with a wide variety of popular topics to accompany you to the world of chinese business culture and trend.

What's more, in the verified track, we'll give you three pronunciation lessons that will help you communicate more smoothly and effectively in a business environment.

Since this is a language course, we recommend taking this course with a friend or group of friends. Practicing with others by speaking the language will help you learn it more effectively.

Additionally, Mandarin is a tonal language, which means that in order to truly master it, you will need to say the words out loud! Join the community of over 900 million native Mandarin speakers and start learning today!

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Basic spoken mandarin phrases and vocabulary for everyday life
  • The importance of proper "tones" in mandarin
  • Essential and most practical communication skills
  • Develop your chinese language skills in a business environment
  • Build your confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and friends in chinese

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops essential and practical communication skills for Mandarin speaking environments
Builds confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and friends in Chinese
Introduces basic spoken Mandarin phrases and vocabulary for everyday life
Taught by Dr. Estella Y. Chen, who is recognized for her work in Chinese business culture and trends
Offers three pronunciation lessons to aid communication in business settings
Recommended to be taken with a friend or group of friends to enhance learning through practice

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Reviews summary

Mandarin basics and tones

According to learners, Mandarin Chinese Level 1 is a solid starting point for absolute beginners looking to learn spoken Mandarin. Many highlight the clear explanation of tones as particularly helpful and appreciate the focus on practical, everyday spoken Mandarin. While providing a good foundation, some students noted that the course offers limited instruction in Chinese characters and felt the need for supplementary practice outside the course materials to reinforce learning. The emphasis on business communication seems more prominent in the verified track, which some found a potential drawback if not enrolling in that option. Overall, it provides valuable fundamental skills for spoken Mandarin.
Emphasizes everyday speaking/listening skills.
"The focus on practical, everyday phrases is very helpful. I feel much more confident speaking basic sentences now."
"The focus on practical communication is excellent. I practiced speaking along with the videos and it really helped."
"The focus on spoken language and practical phrases is perfect for my needs. Highly recommend!"
"A solid introduction to Mandarin. It covers the basics well, especially tones and pronunciation. The lessons are engaging..."
Helps learners master essential Mandarin tones.
"The instructors explain the tones very clearly, which is crucial for Mandarin."
"Tones are explained well, and the survival phrases are immediately useful for travel."
"Gave me a good start. Tones are explained well. Useful vocabulary for travel."
"The explanation of tones is the clearest I've seen. The focus on spoken language..."
Great starting point for no prior knowledge.
"Excellent course for absolute beginners! The instructors explain the tones very clearly..."
"As someone with zero prior experience, this was a perfect starting point. Tones are explained well..."
"Wonderful course for a total beginner. Everything is explained step-by-step. The bite-sized lessons are easy..."
"The best beginner Mandarin course I've found online. The explanation of tones is the clearest I've seen."
Specific business content in verified track only.
"Disappointed. The focus on business Chinese is minimal unless you pay for the verified track, which wasn't clear initially."
"Solid level 1 course... The business content being limited to the verified track is a bit of a downside for those not enrolling..."
Requires external practice for fluency gains.
"It felt a bit fast when introducing new vocabulary... you definitely need to supplement with outside practice..."
"A decent start, but it requires a lot of self-discipline to practice the tones correctly on your own."
"The course is okay for learning Pinyin and basic tones... I had to find external resources for more speaking practice."
Does not cover Chinese characters (Hanzi) in depth.
"Disappointed... they don't teach characters, only Pinyin, which feels incomplete even for a Level 1 course."
"Very little emphasis on characters. If you want to learn to read or write, this isn't for you."
"The course is okay for learning Pinyin and basic tones. However, it doesn't teach you any characters..."
"Good foundation in basic spoken Mandarin... I will look for a follow-up course to learn characters."

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 Mandarin Chinese Level 1 with these activities:
Read a book about Mandarin grammar
Reading a book about Mandarin grammar will help you understand the structure of the language.
View Chinese: A Comprehensive Grammar (Routledge... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Choose a book that is appropriate for your level
  • Read the book carefully and take notes on the grammar rules
  • Do the exercises in the book
Use a Mandarin language learning app
Using a Mandarin language learning app can help you learn new vocabulary and grammar in a fun and engaging way.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Choose a Mandarin language learning app that is appropriate for your level
  • Use the app regularly to learn new vocabulary and grammar
  • Complete the exercises and quizzes in the app
Watch Mandarin language videos
Watching Mandarin language videos can help you improve your listening comprehension and learn new vocabulary.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Find Mandarin language videos that are appropriate for your level
  • Watch the videos and listen carefully to the dialogue
  • Try to imitate the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice speaking Mandarin
Listen and repeat basic Mandarin phrases out loud to improve pronunciation and fluency.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Find a native Mandarin speaker or language partner
  • Practice speaking Mandarin with them for at least 30 minutes each day
Join a Mandarin language exchange group
Joining a language exchange group can help you practice speaking and listening to Mandarin with other learners.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Find a Mandarin language exchange group in your area
  • Attend the group's meetings regularly
  • Practice speaking Mandarin with the other members of the group
Write short essays in Mandarin
Writing short essays in Mandarin will help you practice your writing skills and learn new vocabulary.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in
  • Write a short essay in Mandarin about the topic
  • Have your essay reviewed by a native Mandarin speaker or language partner
Create a Mandarin language blog or vlog
Creating a Mandarin language blog or vlog can help you practice your writing and speaking skills.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog or vlog
  • Create content that is interesting and informative
  • Publish your content regularly
  • Promote your blog or vlog to potential readers or viewers
Create a Mandarin language portfolio
Creating a Mandarin language portfolio can help you track your progress and showcase your skills.
Browse courses on Mandarin Chinese
Show steps
  • Collect samples of your work, such as essays, videos, and audio recordings
  • Create a portfolio website or blog
  • Upload your work to your portfolio
  • Share your portfolio with potential employers or language partners

Career center

Learners who complete Mandarin Chinese Level 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chinese Language Instructor
Chinese Language Instructors are solely responsible for teaching Mandarin Chinese to students in classrooms. This includes teaching the fundamentals of the language, from vocabulary to pronunciation and grammar. They also provide guidance and support to students as they learn and progress in their studies. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Chinese Language Instructor by introducing you to the basics of the language, which include word choice, the importance of correct tones, and the development of practical communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chinese Language Instructor
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken material from one language to another. For instance, a Translator may convert an official document from English to Mandarin Chinese. Alternatively, a Translator may work in-person to help facilitate conversations between two parties who do not speak the same language. This course can help prepare you for a career as a Translator by giving you the opportunity to work on your Mandarin Chinese skills. You will learn vocabulary for everyday life, as well as essential and practical communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate spoken communication between individuals who do not speak the same language. For example, an Interpreter working in a hospital setting might assist a doctor in communicating with a patient who does not speak English. This course may be helpful in preparing you for a career as an Interpreter by allowing you to develop the necessary Mandarin Chinese communication skills. You will gain confidence in your ability to communicate effectively with native speakers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter
Language Model Trainer
Language Model Trainers develop, test, and evaluate language models to enable computers to understand and generate human language. For example, a Language Model Trainer might work on developing a model that can translate text from one language to another. Other Language Model Trainers might work on models that can generate text or code. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Language Model Trainer by providing you with a foundation in Mandarin Chinese grammar and pronunciation. This can help you to better understand the structure of language, which is useful in developing models that can process and generate language.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Model Trainer
Journalist
Journalists collect, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Some Journalists specialize in covering a particular topic, such as politics or sports. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Journalist by providing you with the opportunity to develop your writing and communication skills. You will also learn about the importance of accuracy and objectivity in reporting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Editor
Editors oversee the creation and production of written content. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. Editors typically have a strong understanding of grammar, punctuation, and style. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as an Editor by providing you with the opportunity to develop your writing and editing skills. You will also learn about the different types of editing and how to work with writers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of companies, organizations, and individuals. They may develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and manage media relations. Public Relations Specialists need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Public Relations Specialist by providing you with the opportunity to develop your communication skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of public relations and how to develop and implement a successful campaign.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Speechwriter
Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They need to be able to write clearly and concisely, and to understand the needs of their audience. Speechwriters often have a strong background in journalism or public relations. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Speechwriter by providing you with the opportunity to develop your writing skills. You will also learn about the different types of speeches and how to write a speech that is effective and engaging.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They need to be able to write clearly and concisely, and to have a strong understanding of the subject matter they are writing about. Technical Writers often have a degree in a technical field, such as engineering or computer science. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Technical Writer by providing you with the opportunity to develop your writing skills. You will also learn about the different types of technical writing and how to write a document that is clear and easy to understand.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers create products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. They need to be able to understand the needs of users and to design products that meet those needs. User Experience Designers often have a background in human-computer interaction or a related field. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a User Experience Designer by providing you with the opportunity to develop your communication skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of user experience design and how to create products that are user-friendly.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They need to be able to understand the needs of users and to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. Web Developers often have a background in computer science or a related field. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Web Developer by providing you with the opportunity to develop your technical skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of web development and how to create a website that is user-friendly and effective.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They need to be able to analyze data, identify trends, and develop solutions. Business Analysts often have a background in business or a related field. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Business Analyst by providing you with the opportunity to develop your analytical skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of business analysis and how to identify and solve business problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers create and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They need to be able to understand the needs of customers and to develop marketing campaigns that are effective and engaging. Marketing Managers often have a background in business or marketing. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Marketing Manager by providing you with the opportunity to develop your communication skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of marketing and how to create and implement a successful marketing campaign.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They need to be able to build relationships with customers and to close deals. Sales Managers often have a background in sales or a related field. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Sales Manager by providing you with the opportunity to develop your communication skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of sales management and how to lead and motivate a sales team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They need to be able to manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Project Managers often have a background in business or a related field. This course may be useful in preparing you for a career as a Project Manager by providing you with the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You will also learn about the different aspects of project management and how to plan, execute, and close a project successfully.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Mandarin Chinese Level 1.
Cover image
Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Mandarin Chinese grammar, with a focus on practical usage. It valuable resource for learners who want to improve their understanding of the language's structure and usage.
Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide...
Kindle Edition
$$
Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar Workbook (Modern...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Eyes on China
Save
This is another very common beginner Mandarin textbook that features a variety of Mandarin dialogues and provides practice exercises.
Eyes on China: An Intermediate-Advanced Reader of...
Paperback
$$
Eyes on China: An Intermediate-Advanced Reader of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Tang Transformation Texts
Save
Provides a detailed overview of Mandarin grammar and usage, which can help students solidify their understanding of concepts introduced in the course.
T’ang Transformation Texts: A Study of the Buddhist...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Intermediate Chinese
Save
Provides more advanced Mandarin conversation practice, which can help students build upon the skills they learn in the course.
Intermediate Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook...
Kindle Edition
$$
Intermediate Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
The Sounds of Mandarin
Save
Provides a detailed overview of Mandarin pronunciation, which can help students improve their speaking skills.
The Sounds of Mandarin: Learning to Speak a...
Paperback
$$
The Sounds of Mandarin: Learning to Speak a...
Kindle Edition
$$
Untitled Amy Tan
Save
This novel by Amy Tan tells the stories of several Chinese immigrant families in America, which can help students gain insights into the experiences of Chinese people in the United States.
Untitled Amy Tan
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister
Save
This memoir by Jung Chang tells the story of three generations of women in China, which can help students understand the history and culture of China.
Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Deutsch) Die drei Schwestern: Das Leben der Geschwister...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Thinking Through Sun Tzu's Art of War
Save
This ancient Chinese military treatise can provide insights into Chinese strategy and philosophy, which can be helpful for students who want to understand Chinese culture.
Three Faces of Sun Tzu: Analyzing Sun Tzu's Art of...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
China Road
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of China's history, economy, and politics, which can help students understand the context of the course.
China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Chinese Economy
Save
Provides a detailed analysis of the Chinese economy, which can help students understand the economic context of the course.
The Chinese Economy, second edition: Adaptation and...
Paperback
$$
The Chinese Economy: Transitions And Growth
Paperback
$$
(中文) The Chinese Economy Adaptation and Growth(Second...
Paperback
$$$
The Chinese Economy, second edition: Adaptation and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Chinese Films in Focus II
Save
Provides insights into Chinese cinema, which can help students understand the role of film in Chinese culture.
Chinese Films in Focus II
Paperback
$$
Chinese Films in Focus II
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Forbidden City
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, culture, and society, which can help students understand the context of the course.
The Forbidden City (Wonders of the World)
Hardcover
$$$

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Course image
Rating
2.5 Filled star Filled star Empty star Empty star Empty star
Effort
4 to 10 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
MandarinX
Instructor
Estella Chen
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called Mandarin Communication. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Mandarin Chinese Essentials
  2. Mandarin Chinese Level 1 (viewing)
  3. Mandarin Chinese Level 3
  4. Mandarin Chinese Level 2
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops essential and practical communication skills for Mandarin speaking environments
Builds confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and friends in Chinese
Introduces basic spoken Mandarin phrases and vocabulary for everyday life
Taught by Dr. Estella Y. Chen, who is recognized for her work in Chinese business culture and trends
Offers three pronunciation lessons to aid communication in business settings
Recommended to be taken with a friend or group of friends to enhance learning through practice
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