Beginner Conversational Chinese from Udemy

This course focuses primarily on the spoken language of Mandarin Chinese. At the end of this course, you will be able to conduct basic conversations on a variety of everyday topics in Mandarin Chinese.

The course features some of the most basic topics such as greetings, self-introduction, numbers, dates, time, as well as more advanced themes such as professions, hobbies, pets, talking about vacation plans and making plans. It also incorporates some super useful yet less commonly seen topics such as talking to a stranger, describing objects, and asking for help. Each lesson features a series of phrases, which I curated to ensure that they are applicable to you and easily adaptable to fit different situations. I use fun mnemonics to help you remember vocabulary. With pronunciation, I provide not only clear instructions but also animated videos to help you visualize how a sound is made. I explain complex grammar structures in simple terms and compare and contrast them with structures in English.

At the end of each lesson, there is a review session which goes over the key phrases of the lecture. Following most review sessions, you will also find a practice conversation segment where I ask you questions in Mandarin and then explain the answers. You may also choose to wait to test yourself on the review and practice questions after you have committed that lesson to memory.

For each lesson, I have also compiled a Quizlet flashcard set to further help you absorb the phrases and vocabulary. The link to the flashcards as well as a tutorial video on how to use Quizlet are available in Section 1 of the course.

The last section of the course is a series of dialogues designed to test you on how much you’ve learned. I recommend waiting till you’ve finished the entire course to try them out as they often incorporate materials from multiple lessons.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn practical chinese vocabulary, phrases and sentences.
Learn to adapt chinese phrases to your own situation.
Learn to navigate a variety of common situations in mandarin chinese.

Learn pronunciation tips, mnemonic devices, and study strategies.
Gain insights into chinese culture.

Learn practical chinese vocabulary, phrases and sentences.
Learn to adapt chinese phrases to your own situation.
Learn to navigate a variety of common situations in mandarin chinese.
Learn pronunciation tips, mnemonic devices, and study strategies.
Gain insights into chinese culture.

Syllabus

Master the vocabulary of each lesson

This is a tutorial going over the basics of how to use the flashcards on Quizlet to help you maximize your learning.

Check out the External Resource for the Quizlet link to join .

Learn basic phrases to navigate a variety of common situations

Please see the downloadable pdf if you would like a printable version of the lesson slides.

Lesson 2: Courtesy Words

Lesson 3: Self Introduction

Lesson 4: Countries and Places

Lesson 5: Numbers

Lesson 6: Dates, Birthday & Age

Lesson 7: Family Members

Lesson 8: Start a Conversation with a Stranger

Lesson 9: Languages

Lesson 10: Time

Lesson 11: Professions

Lesson 12: Describing Objects

Lesson 13: Pets

Lesson 14: Shopping and Bargaining

Lesson 15: Making Plans

Lesson 16: Food

Lesson 17: Dining Out

Lesson 18: Hobbies

Lesson 19: Sports

Lesson 20: Getting Sick

Lesson 21: Asking for Help

Lesson 22: Asking for Directions

Lesson 23: Weather & Seasons

Lesson 24: Vacation & Holidays

Test themselves on how much they've learned from this course

Dialogue 1

Dialogue 2

Dialogue 3

Dialogue 4

Dialogue 5

Dialogue 6

Dialogue 7

Dialogue 8

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the spoken language of Mandarin Chinese, providing foundational skills to engage in basic conversations in everyday scenarios

Incorporates useful yet uncommon topics such as interacting with strangers, describing objects, and seeking assistance

Utilizes practical examples and adaptable phrases to facilitate real-life application of the language

Emphasizes pronunciation techniques and offers animated visuals to aid in accurate speech production

Provides clear explanations of complex grammar structures and draws comparisons to English grammar for enhanced understanding

Offers regular review sessions and practice conversations to reinforce learning and encourage active participation

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 Beginner Conversational Chinese with these activities:

Review basic Mandarin grammar

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Reviewing basic Mandarin grammar will help you to improve your accuracy and fluency.

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Go back over your course notes or textbooks.
Review the basic grammar rules.
Complete some practice exercises.
Take a practice test.
Seek help from a tutor or online resources if needed.

Watch Mandarin language videos with subtitles

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Watching Mandarin language videos with subtitles will help you to improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation.

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Find Mandarin language videos that interest you.
Turn on the subtitles in your native language.
Listen to the video and try to understand what is being said.
Read the subtitles to help you understand any unfamiliar words or phrases.
Repeat the words and phrases aloud to practice your pronunciation.

Join a Mandarin language exchange group

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Participating in a language exchange group will provide opportunities to practice speaking and listening to Mandarin with native speakers.

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Find a Mandarin language exchange group in your area or online.
Attend meetings regularly.
Pair up with a native speaker and practice speaking Mandarin.
Listen to and try to understand what your partner says.
Ask questions and provide feedback.

Five other activities

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Complete Mandarin language exercises

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Completing Mandarin language exercises will help you to practice and reinforce what you have learned.

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Find Mandarin language exercises online or in textbooks.
Complete the exercises regularly.
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice.
Review the material and try the exercises again.
Seek help from a tutor or online resources if needed.

Create a Mandarin vocabulary notebook

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Creating a vocabulary notebook will help you to retain and recall new Mandarin vocabulary words.

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Gather a notebook or digital note-taking app.
Create sections for different categories of vocabulary (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives).
As you learn new words, write them down in your notebook along with their definitions.
Regularly review your vocabulary notebook.
Use your vocabulary notebook to practice writing and speaking Mandarin.

Give a short presentation in Mandarin

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Giving a presentation in Mandarin will help you to develop your speaking skills and confidence.

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Choose a topic for your presentation.
Research the topic and gather information.
Write a script for your presentation.
Practice your presentation in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Give your presentation to a small audience.

Explore Chinese language learning apps

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Familiarize yourself with popular Chinese learning apps that can supplement your course learning and help reinforce vocabulary and phrases.

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Research and select Chinese learning apps
Download and explore the features of each app
Use the apps to supplement your course lessons

Record yourself speaking Chinese

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Improve your pronunciation and speaking fluency by recording yourself speaking Chinese phrases and sentences covered in the course.

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Choose a short passage or dialogue from the course
Record yourself speaking the passage clearly
Listen to your recording and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Beginner Conversational Chinese will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign affairs. This course can be highly valuable for Diplomats who are posted to Mandarin-speaking countries or work on China-related issues. The course's comprehensive coverage of spoken Mandarin Chinese, including diplomatic language and protocol, can help Diplomats effectively communicate and build relationships with their counterparts.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. This course can be particularly useful for those who wish to become Mandarin Chinese Interpreters, as it provides a comprehensive foundation in spoken Mandarin Chinese. The course's emphasis on practical vocabulary and phrases can help Interpreters effectively convey messages in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies and gather data to advance knowledge and understanding. This course can be helpful for Researchers who focus on China-related topics or work with Mandarin-speaking research participants. The course's emphasis on understanding spoken Mandarin Chinese, including academic language and research terminology, can aid Researchers in conducting effective research and accurately interpreting their findings.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations. This course can be particularly valuable for Consultants who work with Chinese businesses or organizations. The course's emphasis on cultural insights and business-related communication can aid Consultants in understanding the nuances of Chinese business practices and effectively advising their clients.

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Tour Guide

Tour Guides lead and inform tourists about historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. This course can be particularly useful for Tour Guides who work with Mandarin-speaking tourist groups. The course's emphasis on practical communication and cultural insights can aid Tour Guides in providing engaging and informative tours.

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Healthcare Professional

Healthcare Professionals provide medical care and treatment to patients. This course can be particularly useful for Healthcare Professionals who work with Mandarin-speaking patients or in Mandarin-speaking healthcare settings. The course's emphasis on medical-related vocabulary and phrases can aid Healthcare Professionals in effectively communicating with patients and providing appropriate care.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and communities facing social or economic challenges. This course can be beneficial for Social Workers who work with Mandarin-speaking clients or communities. The course's emphasis on practical communication skills and cultural insights can aid Social Workers in building rapport, understanding clients' needs, and providing effective support.

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Teacher

Teachers educate and support students in their learning journey. This course can benefit Teachers who wish to incorporate Mandarin Chinese into their curriculum or teach Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. The course's focus on pronunciation, grammar, and cultural insights can help Teachers create engaging and effective lessons.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course can be beneficial for Journalists who cover stories related to China or the Chinese-speaking world. The course's emphasis on understanding spoken Mandarin Chinese, including colloquialisms and cultural references, can help Journalists accurately report on events and provide context for their audience.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the recruitment, development, and management of employees. This course can be beneficial for Human Resources Managers who work with Mandarin-speaking employees or in Mandarin-speaking companies. The course's emphasis on communication skills, cultural insights, and HR-related vocabulary can aid Managers in effectively managing and supporting their employees.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat people of all ages who have difficulties with communication. This course can help Speech-Language Pathologists enhance their communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, which may be useful for working with Chinese-speaking clients. Additionally, the course's focus on pronunciation and grammar can aid in understanding the nuances of spoken Mandarin Chinese.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects to achieve specific goals. This course can be useful for Project Managers who work on projects involving Mandarin-speaking stakeholders or teams. The course's emphasis on communication skills, cultural insights, and project management terminology can aid Project Managers in effectively leading and coordinating projects.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course can be helpful for Marketing Managers who target Chinese-speaking consumers or markets. The course's focus on cultural insights and marketing-related vocabulary can aid Managers in creating effective campaigns that resonate with their target audience.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers identify and pursue new business opportunities. This course can be useful for Business Development Managers who work with clients or partners in Mandarin-speaking regions. The course's focus on business-related vocabulary and phrases can help Managers communicate effectively and build strong relationships.

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Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives provide support and assistance to customers. This course can be helpful for Customer Service Representatives who interact with Mandarin-speaking customers. The course's emphasis on practical communication skills can aid in building rapport with customers and resolving inquiries effectively.

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