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Cantonese and Mandarin for Complete Beginners (简体/繁體)
Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems
(Please read carefully)
Welcome to this beginners Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese language course and thank you for choosing to learn with us.
Read more
(Please read carefully)
Welcome to this beginners Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese language course and thank you for choosing to learn with us.
Read more
(Please read carefully)
Welcome to this beginners Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese language course and thank you for choosing to learn with us.
This course is designed for total beginners of Mandarin or Cantonese who have little or no knowledge of the Chinese language. Unlike other courses, this one teaches you both the simplified and traditional characters, both in Mandarin and Cantonese - essentially a 2 in 1 course (or 4 in 1 if you prefer).
As well as the basics, this course focuses on introductions, asking questions, basic vocabulary building, sentence structure, dialogue, grammatical points and so much more…
In addition, there are some extra, older lessons from a previous instructor which are in Mandarin only. These lessons are separate to the rest of the course but contain many grammatical points, extra vocabulary and more. They have been kept on this course as an extra 'bonus', if you like.
There are many different ways to learn a new language, however they all require time and effort. If you keep practicing regularly and dedicate a certain amount of time each day, you should be fine. Also take the time to speak with native speakers if you have the opportunity to do so.
Completing this course will give you a knowledge base of at least 1500 words as well as being able to read both simplified and traditional characters. If you are in China, you will find that simplified characters are predominantly used. If however you are planning on going to Hong Kong or Macau (or even Taiwan), you will see traditional characters everywhere. You will learn how to correctly pronounce each character and how to recognize them if you are abroad in either of these places.
We hope you enjoy this course and find it to be useful.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/slom64/cantonese
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to speak chinese and hold a simple conversation with native speakers
- How to read pinyin and chinese characters
- Over 1500 commonly used words and sentences in everyday language
- How to create your own sentences and continue learning vocabulary independently
- Basic grammar rules in chinese
- How to correctly pronounce chinese characters
- Tips on how to improve your language skills in chinese
- Interesting facts about the chinese language, culture, food and so much more…
- How to speak chinese and hold a simple conversation with native speakers
- How to read pinyin and chinese characters
- Over 1500 commonly used words and sentences in everyday language
- How to create your own sentences and continue learning vocabulary independently
- Basic grammar rules in chinese
- How to correctly pronounce chinese characters
- Tips on how to improve your language skills in chinese
- Interesting facts about the chinese language, culture, food and so much more…
Syllabus
Mandarin (Lessons 1-20)
Lesson 1: Introductions and Greetings
Lesson 2: Pinyin and Tones
Lesson 3: Food and Drink
Read more
Syllabus
Mandarin (Lessons 1-20)
Lesson 1: Introductions and Greetings
Lesson 2: Pinyin and Tones
Lesson 3: Food and Drink
Read more
Lesson 4: Countries and Nationalities
Lesson 5: Numbers
Lesson 6: Weather
Lesson 7: Members of the Family
Lesson 8: Hobbies and Interests
Lesson 9: Telling the Time
Lesson 10: Revision I
Lesson 11: Adjectives
Lesson 12: Verbs
Lesson 13: Numbers II
Older Lessons (Mandarin Only)
Lesson 14: Places in the City
Lesson 15: Asking for Directions
Lesson 1: Meetings and Introductions
Lesson 16: Daily Routines
Lesson 17: Fruits and Vegetables
Lesson 2: Fruits
Lesson 18: Education and School
Lesson 19: Going Shopping
Lesson 3: Cothes and Body Parts
Lesson 20: Revision II
Cantonese (Lessons 1-20)
Lesson 1: Greetings and Common Phrases
Lesson 2: Tones in Cantonese
Lesson 4: Animals
Lesson 5: Colours and Shapes
Lesson 6: Revision of Lessons 1-5
Lesson 7: Furniture and Appliances
Lesson 8: Jobs and Numbers
Lesson 9: Family and Food
Lesson 10: Days of the Week
Lesson 11: Means of Transportation and Tableware
Lesson 12: Stationery and Subjects
Lesson 13: Revision of Lessons 7-12
Lesson 14: Countries and Rooms
Lesson 15: Revision of Lessons 1-14
Lesson 16: Which Country Are You From?
Lesson 17: Countries and Languages
Lesson 18: Places in the City
Lesson 19: How Old Are You?
Lesson 20: Translation Exercise
Lesson 21: Sports and Exercise
Lesson 22: Hobbies
Lesson 23: What's the Date Today?
Lesson 24: What's the Time Now?
Lesson 25: Revision III
Lesson 26: What Would You Like?
Lesson 27: Where's the Kitty?
Lesson 28: Can I Sit Here?
Lesson 29: I Can Speak Chinese
Lesson 30: Revision IV
Lesson 31: The Present Continuous
Lesson 32: The Present Continuous II
Lesson 33: The Past Tense
Lesson 34: Childhood Memories
Lesson 35: Planning a Holiday
Lesson 36: The Future Tense
Lesson 37: Making Plans
Lesson 38: Usage of Adverbs
Lesson 39: The Affirmative-Negative Question
Lesson 40: Revision V
Lesson 41: I Get Up At Six Everyday
Lesson 42: Adverbs of Frequency
Lesson 43: Word Order in Chinese
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation for learners new to Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese
Emphasizes both simplified and traditional Chinese characters
Builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar skills
Covers various topics, including introductions, questions, and daily life
Includes extra lessons for additional practice and immersion
Teaches correct pronunciation and character recognition for immersion abroad
Save this course
Save Cantonese and Mandarin for Complete Beginners (简体/繁體) to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Cantonese and Mandarin for Complete Beginners (简体/繁體) with these
activities:
Organize your course materials
Show steps
Getting your course materials organized will help you keep track of what you've learned and make it easier to review for exams.
Show steps
-
Gather all of your course materials
-
Sort your materials into different categories
-
Create a system for storing your materials
-
Review your materials regularly
Explore Chinese Culture through Online Resources
Show steps
Understanding Chinese culture will enhance your comprehension of the language and deepen your appreciation for its nuances.
Browse courses on
Chinese Culture
Show steps
-
Visit websites and watch videos about Chinese history, traditions, and customs.
-
Read articles and blogs written by Chinese authors to gain insights into their perspectives.
-
Interact with native Chinese speakers online through forums or social media to ask questions and learn about their experiences.
Mandarin and Cantonese Pronunciation
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of Pinyin and Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciation rules to strengthen your foundation in the language.
Browse courses on
Pinyin
Show steps
-
Review the Pinyin system, including the four Mandarin tones and Cantonese six tones.
-
Practice reading and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese words and phrases, paying close attention to the pronunciation.
-
Record yourself speaking Mandarin and Cantonese words and phrases and listen back to identify any areas for improvement.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice using Pinyin to Pronounce Chinese Characters
Show steps
Mastering Pinyin is essential for learning Mandarin and Cantonese. This activity will help you solidify your understanding of Pinyin and improve your pronunciation.
Browse courses on
Pinyin
Show steps
-
Find a Pinyin chart and practice pronouncing each sound.
-
Read Chinese texts aloud, paying attention to the Pinyin pronunciation.
-
Record yourself pronouncing Chinese words and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
Mandarin and Cantonese Character Recognition Drill
Show steps
Practice recognizing and writing simplified and traditional Chinese characters to improve your literacy in both scripts.
Show steps
-
Use a character recognition app or website to practice identifying simplified and traditional Chinese characters.
-
Write out simplified and traditional Chinese characters from memory, focusing on those that you find challenging.
-
Read Mandarin and Cantonese texts and articles to expose yourself to a variety of characters and improve your recognition skills.
Join a Chinese Language Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to practice speaking, listening, and interacting with other learners, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Browse courses on
Language Learning
Show steps
-
Find a study group at your school, community center, or online.
-
Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
-
Collaborate with other members on language exchange or projects.
Basic Mandarin and Cantonese Conversation Practice
Show steps
Practice basic Mandarin and Cantonese conversations to improve your speaking and listening skills.
Browse courses on
Basic Vocabulary
Show steps
-
Find a language partner or tutor to practice speaking and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese.
-
Use online resources or apps to practice conversational scenarios and improve your fluency.
-
Immerse yourself in Mandarin and Cantonese audio and video content to improve your listening comprehension.
Create a Chinese grammar quiz
Show steps
Creating a Chinese grammar quiz will help you solidify your understanding of the different grammar points covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Chinese Grammar
Show steps
-
Identify the key grammar points you want to cover
-
Create a variety of questions that test different aspects of the grammar point
-
Write clear and concise instructions for each question
-
Test your quiz on a friend or family member
Create a Glossary of Commonly Used Chinese Phrases
Show steps
Creating a glossary will help you memorize and retain commonly used Chinese phrases, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary
Show steps
-
Identify commonly used Chinese phrases from textbooks, online resources, or conversations with native speakers.
-
Write down the phrases along with their English translations and Pinyin pronunciations.
-
Review your glossary regularly to reinforce your memory.
Mandarin and Cantonese Grammar Tutorials
Show steps
Review and reinforce your understanding of Mandarin and Cantonese grammar to improve your speaking and writing skills.
Browse courses on
Chinese Grammar
Show steps
-
Review grammar rules and concepts covered in the course, including sentence structure, verb tenses, and modal particles.
-
Complete online grammar exercises and quizzes to practice applying grammar rules in context.
-
Seek out additional grammar resources, such as textbooks or online forums, to further your understanding of Mandarin and Cantonese grammar.
Mandarin and Cantonese Vocabulary Builder
Show steps
Create your own flashcards or use a spaced repetition app to expand your Mandarin and Cantonese vocabulary.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary Building
Show steps
-
Identify the Mandarin and Cantonese vocabulary you need to learn, based on your current level and goals.
-
Create flashcards or use a spaced repetition app to add the new vocabulary to your study routine.
-
Regularly review your flashcards or use the spaced repetition app to reinforce your memory and improve your vocabulary retention.
Practice speaking Chinese with a native speaker
Show steps
Practicing speaking Chinese with a native speaker will help you improve your pronunciation, fluency, and confidence.
Browse courses on
Chinese Conversation
Show steps
-
Find a native Chinese speaker who is willing to practice with you
-
Set up a regular time to meet
-
Prepare some topics to talk about
-
Be patient and don't be afraid to make mistakes
Mandarin and Cantonese Language Exchange
Show steps
Connect with other learners or native speakers of Mandarin and Cantonese to practice speaking and listening to the language in a supportive environment.
Show steps
-
Join a language exchange group or find a tandem language partner.
-
Meet up with your language exchange partner or group regularly to practice speaking and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese.
-
Provide feedback and support to your language exchange partner or group members to help everyone improve their language skills.
Organize your course materials
Show steps
Getting your course materials organized will help you keep track of what you've learned and make it easier to review for exams.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all of your course materials
- Sort your materials into different categories
- Create a system for storing your materials
- Review your materials regularly
Explore Chinese Culture through Online Resources
Show steps
Understanding Chinese culture will enhance your comprehension of the language and deepen your appreciation for its nuances.
Browse courses on
Chinese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit websites and watch videos about Chinese history, traditions, and customs.
- Read articles and blogs written by Chinese authors to gain insights into their perspectives.
- Interact with native Chinese speakers online through forums or social media to ask questions and learn about their experiences.
Mandarin and Cantonese Pronunciation
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of Pinyin and Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciation rules to strengthen your foundation in the language.
Browse courses on
Pinyin
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the Pinyin system, including the four Mandarin tones and Cantonese six tones.
- Practice reading and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese words and phrases, paying close attention to the pronunciation.
- Record yourself speaking Mandarin and Cantonese words and phrases and listen back to identify any areas for improvement.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice using Pinyin to Pronounce Chinese Characters
Show steps
Mastering Pinyin is essential for learning Mandarin and Cantonese. This activity will help you solidify your understanding of Pinyin and improve your pronunciation.
Browse courses on
Pinyin
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Pinyin chart and practice pronouncing each sound.
- Read Chinese texts aloud, paying attention to the Pinyin pronunciation.
- Record yourself pronouncing Chinese words and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
Mandarin and Cantonese Character Recognition Drill
Show steps
Practice recognizing and writing simplified and traditional Chinese characters to improve your literacy in both scripts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use a character recognition app or website to practice identifying simplified and traditional Chinese characters.
- Write out simplified and traditional Chinese characters from memory, focusing on those that you find challenging.
- Read Mandarin and Cantonese texts and articles to expose yourself to a variety of characters and improve your recognition skills.
Join a Chinese Language Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to practice speaking, listening, and interacting with other learners, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Browse courses on
Language Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group at your school, community center, or online.
- Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions.
- Collaborate with other members on language exchange or projects.
Basic Mandarin and Cantonese Conversation Practice
Show steps
Practice basic Mandarin and Cantonese conversations to improve your speaking and listening skills.
Browse courses on
Basic Vocabulary
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a language partner or tutor to practice speaking and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese.
- Use online resources or apps to practice conversational scenarios and improve your fluency.
- Immerse yourself in Mandarin and Cantonese audio and video content to improve your listening comprehension.
Create a Chinese grammar quiz
Show steps
Creating a Chinese grammar quiz will help you solidify your understanding of the different grammar points covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Chinese Grammar
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key grammar points you want to cover
- Create a variety of questions that test different aspects of the grammar point
- Write clear and concise instructions for each question
- Test your quiz on a friend or family member
Create a Glossary of Commonly Used Chinese Phrases
Show steps
Creating a glossary will help you memorize and retain commonly used Chinese phrases, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify commonly used Chinese phrases from textbooks, online resources, or conversations with native speakers.
- Write down the phrases along with their English translations and Pinyin pronunciations.
- Review your glossary regularly to reinforce your memory.
Mandarin and Cantonese Grammar Tutorials
Show steps
Review and reinforce your understanding of Mandarin and Cantonese grammar to improve your speaking and writing skills.
Browse courses on
Chinese Grammar
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review grammar rules and concepts covered in the course, including sentence structure, verb tenses, and modal particles.
- Complete online grammar exercises and quizzes to practice applying grammar rules in context.
- Seek out additional grammar resources, such as textbooks or online forums, to further your understanding of Mandarin and Cantonese grammar.
Mandarin and Cantonese Vocabulary Builder
Show steps
Create your own flashcards or use a spaced repetition app to expand your Mandarin and Cantonese vocabulary.
Browse courses on
Vocabulary Building
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the Mandarin and Cantonese vocabulary you need to learn, based on your current level and goals.
- Create flashcards or use a spaced repetition app to add the new vocabulary to your study routine.
- Regularly review your flashcards or use the spaced repetition app to reinforce your memory and improve your vocabulary retention.
Practice speaking Chinese with a native speaker
Show steps
Practicing speaking Chinese with a native speaker will help you improve your pronunciation, fluency, and confidence.
Browse courses on
Chinese Conversation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a native Chinese speaker who is willing to practice with you
- Set up a regular time to meet
- Prepare some topics to talk about
- Be patient and don't be afraid to make mistakes
Mandarin and Cantonese Language Exchange
Show steps
Connect with other learners or native speakers of Mandarin and Cantonese to practice speaking and listening to the language in a supportive environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a language exchange group or find a tandem language partner.
- Meet up with your language exchange partner or group regularly to practice speaking and listening to Mandarin and Cantonese.
- Provide feedback and support to your language exchange partner or group members to help everyone improve their language skills.
Career center
Learners who complete Cantonese and Mandarin for Complete Beginners (简体/繁體) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/slom64/cantonese
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/slom64/cantonese
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Effort
15 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Hidden Gems
Language
English
Good to know
Provides a foundation for learners new to Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese
Emphasizes both simplified and traditional Chinese characters
Builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar skills
Covers various topics, including introductions, questions, and daily life
Includes extra lessons for additional practice and immersion
Teaches correct pronunciation and character recognition for immersion abroad
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