Chinese beginners: short introduction

93% of 100

Learn Chinese either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.

Get a short introduction to the Chinese language and discover aspects of Chinese language culture in these live online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.

Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 17 Nov 2026
    End Date: 08 Dec 2026
    Tue (Evening): 19:35 - 21:05
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: LC002
    Tutors:  Joyce Lee
    Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00
    Add to Wish List

Any questions? languages@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 3443 9714

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
243834
Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00

What is the course about?

The course aims to help students to acquire a foundational understanding of the Chinese language, and to begin communicating in a few practical situations.
Please note this course will focus on oral communication rather than writing.

What will we cover?

Topics include greetings, personal information, ordering food and drink.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Greet people
  • Introduce yourself and others
  • Order food and drink
  • Use numbers in context
  • Confidently pronounce basic vocabulary

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for complete beginners.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course is based on the communicative approach: active students' interaction, emphasis on speaking and listening skills, pair and group work, role plays, use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note that students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do homework as and when required.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Based on the tutor's own material.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Learners can progress onto a Chinese beginners: module 1 course where they will build on their basic Chinese skills.

Joyce Lee

Joyce is a qualified teacher, with a PGCE in Mandarin and many years’ experiences of teaching in second and third level education. She is also experienced in working with exam boards. Joyce is enthusiastic about teaching Mandarin Chinese. She believes that when learning a language, it is important for students to grasp the wider culture associated with the language. As such, she enjoys helping students expand their cultural under-standing, discovering more about the society of the country the language originates from. She also engages actively in professional development by attending regular confer-ences to keep her knowledge of teaching methods updated.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.