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Mandarin

Mandarin, also known as Standard Mandarin or Northern Mandarin, is the most widely spoken of the Sinitic (Chinese) languages and the second most spoken language in the world, after English. It is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch of one's voice can change the meaning of a word. Mandarin is the official language of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Singapore. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

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Mandarin, also known as Standard Mandarin or Northern Mandarin, is the most widely spoken of the Sinitic (Chinese) languages and the second most spoken language in the world, after English. It is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch of one's voice can change the meaning of a word. Mandarin is the official language of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Singapore. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Why Learn Mandarin?

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn Mandarin. Some people learn Mandarin to satisfy their curiosity about Chinese culture and history. Others learn Mandarin to meet academic requirements for their studies. Still others learn Mandarin to use it to develop their career and professional ambitions.

Learning Mandarin with Online Courses

There are many ways to learn Mandarin, including taking online courses. Online courses can be a great way to learn Mandarin because they are flexible and convenient. You can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, and you can access the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.

The online courses listed above can help you learn Mandarin in a variety of ways. Some courses focus on teaching you the basics of Mandarin, such as grammar and vocabulary. Other courses focus on teaching you how to use Mandarin in specific situations, such as business or travel. Still other courses focus on teaching you about Chinese culture and history.

Careers in Mandarin

There are many different careers that can benefit from a knowledge of Mandarin. Some of these careers include:

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Diplomat
  • Businessperson
  • Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Librarian
  • Museum curator

Benefits of Learning Mandarin

There are many tangible benefits to learning Mandarin. Some of these benefits include:

  • Increased job opportunities
  • Higher salaries
  • Improved communication skills
  • Greater cultural understanding
  • Enhanced travel experiences

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are interested in learning Mandarin often have certain personality traits and interests. These include:

  • Curiosity about Chinese culture and history
  • A desire to learn a new language
  • Patience and perseverance
  • Strong communication skills
  • A willingness to travel

How Online Courses Can Help You Learn Mandarin

Online courses can be a great way to learn Mandarin. Here are some of the ways that online courses can help you:

  • Flexibility and convenience: You can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, and you can access the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • affordability: Online courses are often more affordable than traditional language classes.
  • Variety of learning styles: Online courses offer a variety of learning styles, so you can find a course that fits your needs.
  • Access to experts: Online courses often give you access to experts in the field, who can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Are Online Courses Enough?

Online courses can be a great way to learn Mandarin, but they are not enough on their own. To fully understand Mandarin, you need to practice speaking and listening to the language. You can do this by finding a language partner, taking a language class, or watching Chinese movies and TV shows.

Path to Mandarin

Take the first step.
We've curated 11 courses to help you on your path to Mandarin. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

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Reading list

We've selected ten 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.
Popular textbook of Mandarin Chinese for non-native speakers. It is used by many universities and language schools in China.
Comprehensive reference grammar of Modern Chinese, covering all aspects of the language, from phonology and morphology to syntax and semantics. It is an essential resource for students and scholars of Mandarin Chinese.
Dictionary of Mandarin Chinese. It contains a wide range of words and phrases, as well as grammar notes and usage examples.
Functional reference grammar of Mandarin Chinese, covering all the essential grammatical structures of the language. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Mandarin Chinese.
Comprehensive grammar of Mandarin Chinese. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Mandarin Chinese.
Complete guide to learning Mandarin Chinese for beginners. It covers all the essential grammatical structures of the language and provides plenty of exercises to help you practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Mandarin Chinese grammar, covering all the major grammatical structures of the language. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Mandarin Chinese.
Practical guide to Mandarin Chinese grammar, covering all the essential grammatical structures of the language. It valuable resource for students and learners of Mandarin Chinese.
Comprehensive course of Mandarin Chinese for beginners. It covers all the essential grammatical structures of the language and provides plenty of exercises to help you practice.
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