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8th Avenue Chinese,
Mark Schold,
and
Chris Simpson and Julie Tianxia Zhong
Are you tired of paying for Chinese classes that provide no practical value? Or that simply throw words at you with no explanation on how to use them in real life? Are you tired of boring Chinese classes that teach but don't leave you smiling? SO ARE WE.
Whether you're laughing with us or at us, we're sure you'll be smiling as you learn to speak and understand Chinese with our course.
Read more
Are you tired of paying for Chinese classes that provide no practical value? Or that simply throw words at you with no explanation on how to use them in real life? Are you tired of boring Chinese classes that teach but don't leave you smiling? SO ARE WE.
Whether you're laughing with us or at us, we're sure you'll be smiling as you learn to speak and understand Chinese with our course.
Read more
Are you tired of paying for Chinese classes that provide no practical value? Or that simply throw words at you with no explanation on how to use them in real life? Are you tired of boring Chinese classes that teach but don't leave you smiling? SO ARE WE.
Whether you're laughing with us or at us, we're sure you'll be smiling as you learn to speak and understand Chinese with our course.
You are about to embark on a Chinese learning journey unlike any other. A world of excitement, fun, entertainment, and real Chinese learning experience. In this Beginner Chinese course, you are going to learn to master Chinese pronunciation by means of the Chinese phonetic system called Pinyin. We're then going to dive into HSK1 and HSK2 vocabulary in order to get you listening, speaking, and feeling good about rocking the Chinese language in daily conversation.
Each unit contains hilarious instructional videos, practice sessions, dialogue PDFs, vocabulary PDFs, homework PDFs, crossword puzzle PDFs, and quizzes to help you get the language firmly in mind...and even more firmly in heart.
Again, welcome to 8th Avenue Chinese. Don't be too surprised if you find yourself learning Chinese faster than you could have ever imagined.
Your Chinese learning partners,
Mark, Chris, & Tianxia (Julie)
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qfi0vg/learn
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines Chinese pronunciation through Pinyin, the Chinese phonetic system
Builds a foundation in Chinese pronunciation by using Pinyin
Teaches HSK1 and HSK2 vocabulary, which aligns with official Chinese language proficiency tests
Designed for beginners, providing a strong foundation in Chinese language skills
Emphasizes engagement and entertainment, making learning enjoyable
Includes a variety of resources, including videos, practice sessions, and PDFs, for a comprehensive learning experience
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Reviews summary
Engaging & fun beginner chinese conversation
According to students, this course offers a remarkably fun and engaging introduction to Chinese, making conversation feel easy and accessible. Learners consistently praise the hilarious instructional videos and the enthusiastic instructors who cultivate a motivating learning environment. The structured approach to Pinyin pronunciation and practical application of HSK1 and HSK2 vocabulary for daily conversation are highlighted as significant strengths. While largely well-paced for beginners, a few learners noted that occasional pacing might feel fast or wished for more interactive exercises beyond quizzes. Overall, it's considered a highly effective starting point for learning practical Chinese.
Rich array of videos, PDFs, quizzes aid learning.
"Each unit contains hilarious instructional videos, practice sessions, dialogue PDFs, vocabulary PDFs, homework PDFs, crossword puzzle PDFs, and quizzes to help you get the language firmly in mind."
"I like that I can review with the homework and crossword puzzles."
"I love the variety of materials: videos, PDFs, quizzes."
Systematic approach helps master Chinese Pinyin.
"I've struggled with Chinese pronunciation, especially Pinyin, in other courses, but this one made it click. The systematic approach to Pinyin is fantastic."
"I found the Pinyin section helpful."
"The way they explain grammar and pronunciation through context and humor is brilliant."
Focus on daily use and HSK vocabulary.
"I really appreciate the practice sessions and how they break down HSK1/HSK2 vocabulary. I'm surprised how quickly I'm picking up daily conversation phrases."
"The emphasis on practical conversation is appreciated."
"They teach useful phrases right away. I love the variety of materials: videos, PDFs, quizzes."
"I'm already using what I've learned in daily interactions."
Instructors make learning genuinely fun and motivating.
"The instructors, Mark, Chris, and Julie, make learning Chinese genuinely fun. The videos are hilarious and engaging, unlike anything I've tried before."
"The humor keeps you motivated, and the quizzes really test your understanding. I feel much more confident speaking, and it truly feels 'easy'."
"Absolutely fantastic! The instructors are engaging, and the content is spot on for beginner conversational Chinese. They teach useful phrases right away."
"I genuinely look forward to each lesson. I've learned so much practical vocabulary and phrases. The production quality of the videos is also great."
A few learners desired more speaking prompts.
"I wish there were a bit more interactive exercises beyond the quizzes, perhaps some speaking prompts."
Pacing can be fast for some; may need more drilling.
"I felt it sometimes moved a bit too fast for me to truly internalize everything without constant pausing. It's good, but I might need a supplemental resource for more drilling."
"Sometimes the pacing could be slightly uneven, but overall it's a great starting point for conversational Chinese."
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 Learn Beginner Chinese: Fluent Conversation Made FUN & EASY with these
activities:
Read 'The Story of My Life' by Helen Keller
Show steps
Read Helen Keller's autobiography to understand the challenges and triumphs of a person with disabilities, which ties thematically into the course's focus on language and communication.
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Set aside 30 minutes each day to read.
-
Take notes on key themes and ideas.
-
Write a brief summary of each chapter.
Practice Chinese pronunciation exercises
Show steps
Practice drills to improve Chinese pronunciation, which is a fundamental skill for effective communication in Chinese.
Browse courses on
Chinese Pronunciation
Show steps
-
Find online or offline resources for pronunciation exercises.
-
Spend 15-20 minutes each day practicing.
-
Record yourself pronouncing words and phrases.
-
Compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
Develop a Chinese language learning plan
Show steps
Develop a personalized language learning plan to guide your progress and ensure you are meeting your goals.
Browse courses on
Goal Setting
Show steps
-
Set specific and achievable goals.
-
Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
-
Choose appropriate learning materials.
-
Create a schedule for your studies.
-
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch Chinese language learning videos on YouTube
Show steps
Watch videos to supplement your learning, exposure to native speakers, and learn from experienced language teachers.
Browse courses on
YouTube
Show steps
-
Search for Chinese language learning videos on YouTube.
-
Choose videos that are appropriate for your level.
-
Watch the videos and take notes.
-
Practice the phrases and sentences you learn.
Join a Chinese language learning group
Show steps
Join a group to connect with other learners, practice speaking and listening, and exchange language learning tips.
Show steps
-
Find a local group or online community.
-
Introduce yourself and share your language learning goals.
-
Participate in group discussions and activities.
-
Provide support and encouragement to other members.
Create a Chinese language learning blog
Show steps
Create a blog to document your language learning journey, reflect on your progress, and share your experiences with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a blogging platform.
-
Come up with a blog name and design.
-
Write regular blog posts about your learning experiences.
-
Promote your blog on social media.
Volunteer to teach Chinese to beginners
Show steps
Volunteer to teach Chinese to beginners to reinforce your own understanding of the language and to help others embark on their language learning journey.
Browse courses on
Teaching
Show steps
-
Find a local organization or school that offers Chinese language classes.
-
Apply to become a volunteer teacher.
-
Prepare lesson plans and materials.
-
Teach Chinese language classes to beginners.
-
Reflect on your teaching experience and make adjustments as needed.
Mentor a beginner Chinese language learner
Show steps
Share your knowledge with a beginner Chinese learner to reinforce your language skills and contribute to the language learning community.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Find a beginner Chinese language learner who is looking for a mentor.
-
Offer to meet with them regularly to help them with their studies.
-
Provide guidance on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
-
Answer their questions and provide feedback on their progress.
-
Encourage them to practice speaking and listening as much as possible.
Read 'The Story of My Life' by Helen Keller
Show steps
Read Helen Keller's autobiography to understand the challenges and triumphs of a person with disabilities, which ties thematically into the course's focus on language and communication.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Set aside 30 minutes each day to read.
- Take notes on key themes and ideas.
- Write a brief summary of each chapter.
Practice Chinese pronunciation exercises
Show steps
Practice drills to improve Chinese pronunciation, which is a fundamental skill for effective communication in Chinese.
Browse courses on
Chinese Pronunciation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online or offline resources for pronunciation exercises.
- Spend 15-20 minutes each day practicing.
- Record yourself pronouncing words and phrases.
- Compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
Develop a Chinese language learning plan
Show steps
Develop a personalized language learning plan to guide your progress and ensure you are meeting your goals.
Browse courses on
Goal Setting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set specific and achievable goals.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Choose appropriate learning materials.
- Create a schedule for your studies.
- Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch Chinese language learning videos on YouTube
Show steps
Watch videos to supplement your learning, exposure to native speakers, and learn from experienced language teachers.
Browse courses on
YouTube
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for Chinese language learning videos on YouTube.
- Choose videos that are appropriate for your level.
- Watch the videos and take notes.
- Practice the phrases and sentences you learn.
Join a Chinese language learning group
Show steps
Join a group to connect with other learners, practice speaking and listening, and exchange language learning tips.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local group or online community.
- Introduce yourself and share your language learning goals.
- Participate in group discussions and activities.
- Provide support and encouragement to other members.
Create a Chinese language learning blog
Show steps
Create a blog to document your language learning journey, reflect on your progress, and share your experiences with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a blogging platform.
- Come up with a blog name and design.
- Write regular blog posts about your learning experiences.
- Promote your blog on social media.
Volunteer to teach Chinese to beginners
Show steps
Volunteer to teach Chinese to beginners to reinforce your own understanding of the language and to help others embark on their language learning journey.
Browse courses on
Teaching
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local organization or school that offers Chinese language classes.
- Apply to become a volunteer teacher.
- Prepare lesson plans and materials.
- Teach Chinese language classes to beginners.
- Reflect on your teaching experience and make adjustments as needed.
Mentor a beginner Chinese language learner
Show steps
Share your knowledge with a beginner Chinese learner to reinforce your language skills and contribute to the language learning community.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a beginner Chinese language learner who is looking for a mentor.
- Offer to meet with them regularly to help them with their studies.
- Provide guidance on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Answer their questions and provide feedback on their progress.
- Encourage them to practice speaking and listening as much as possible.
Career center
Learners who complete Learn Beginner Chinese: Fluent Conversation Made FUN & EASY will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Professor
Professor
A Professor conducts research and instructs students at a college or university level. This course could assist one in achieving fluency in Mandarin, which could be useful to a Professor of Chinese
Diplomat
Diplomat
A Diplomat represents a country's interests abroad. This course focuses on conversational Mandarin and may be a useful resource for a Diplomat seeking to engage with Mandarin-speaking communities.
Linguist
Linguist
A Linguist studies the structure and use of language. This course provides opportunities to learn Chinese pronunciation and grammar, which could be useful for a Linguist who wishes to further their knowledge of Mandarin.
Interpreter
Interpreter
An Interpreter needs to be able to both understand and speak multiple languages. This course teaches both conversational speaking and listening skills, which are critical skills for an Interpreter.
Foreign Language Teacher
Foreign Language Teacher
A Foreign Language Teacher instructs students in a foreign language. This course can help build foundational knowledge of grammar and vocabulary necessary to succeed in this role.
Translator
Translator
A Translator is tasked with conveying the meaning of words written or spoken in one language into another language. The heavy emphasis on vocabulary building in this course could be a useful resource for someone seeking to enter this field.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
A Cultural Anthropologist studies the behavior, beliefs, and languages of different cultures. This course may help develop a deeper understanding of Mandarin-speaking cultures, which could be useful for a Cultural Anthropologist.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist reports on news and current events. This course helps develop fluency in conversational Mandarin, which may be useful to a Journalist who needs to interview or report on Mandarin-speaking individuals or events.
Speech Pathologist
Speech Pathologist
A Speech Pathologist helps individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course may be helpful for developing a deeper understanding of linguistics and the complexities of language.
ESL Teacher
ESL Teacher
An ESL Teacher supports individuals in learning English as a Second Language. By taking this course, one may become familiar with the tools and methods used to teach a new language, which could be useful for an ESL Teacher.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates instructional materials, such as manuals and online help. This course focuses on conversational Mandarin and may be useful for a Technical Writer who needs to clearly convey information to a non-native Mandarin speaking audience.
Writer
Writer
A Writer creates written content, such as articles, stories, and scripts. This course may help build upon one's writing skills in Mandarin.
English Language Arts Teacher
English Language Arts Teacher
An English Language Arts Teacher has the opportunity to help others learn a new language. This course's materials for students, such as practice sessions and vocabulary PDFs, could be useful resources in an English Language Arts Teacher's lesson planning and delivery.
Language Arts Teacher
Language Arts Teacher
A Language Arts Teacher instructs students in their native language. This course could help build knowledge of a foreign language, which could be a useful asset in the classroom.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative needs to be able to communicate effectively with customers from all backgrounds. This course can help build a foundation in a new language, opening up more opportunities for employment.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qfi0vg/learn
Reading list
We've selected nine 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
Learn Beginner Chinese: Fluent Conversation Made FUN & EASY.
This comprehensive dictionary of Chinese characters, with over 80,000 entries. It is an essential reference tool for learners of Chinese, and it can be used to look up the meaning of characters, as well as to learn their pronunciation and stroke order.
The Integrated Chinese series popular textbook series for learners of Chinese. Level 1, Part 1 good introduction to basic Chinese grammar and vocabulary. It is also a good resource for learners who want to improve their listening and speaking skills.
This phrasebook and dictionary good resource for learners who are traveling to China. It provides essential phrases and vocabulary for everyday situations, such as asking for directions, ordering food, and making small talk.
Memoir of three generations of women in China. It provides a glimpse into Chinese history and culture, and it good resource for learners who want to learn more about China from a personal perspective.
This classic work of military strategy good resource for learners who want to learn more about Chinese culture and history. It is also a good resource for learners who are interested in strategy and leadership.
This classic Chinese novel good resource for learners who want to learn more about Chinese literature and culture. It complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one.
Save
This classic Chinese novel good resource for learners who want to learn more about Chinese literature and culture. It fun and exciting novel, and it is also a good introduction to Chinese mythology.
Save
This classic Chinese text good resource for learners who want to learn more about Chinese philosophy and culture. It collection of Confucius's teachings on ethics, government, and society.
Save
This classic Chinese text good resource for learners who want to learn more about Chinese philosophy and culture. It collection of Lao Tzu's teachings on the Tao, or the Way.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qfi0vg/learn
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