Chinese beginners: short introduction
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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.
5 Dates Available
- Start Date: 31 May 2025End Date: 21 Jun 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 12:00OnlineFull fee £109.00 Senior fee £109.00 Concession £71.00
- Start Date: 03 Jun 2025End Date: 24 Jun 2025Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)Course Code: LC003Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £45.00
- Start Date: 08 Jul 2025End Date: 17 Jul 2025Tue+Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 20:00In PersonFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £64.00
- Start Date: 08 Nov 2025End Date: 29 Nov 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30OnlineLocation: OnlineDuration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)Course Code: LC001Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00
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.
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.
For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide, or at http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level. You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions and explanations, as well as read course documents, in English. You will need to be at ease with the use of numbers for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, using the 24 hour clock, reading timetables). It would also be helpful if you had some knowledge of basic grammar terminology such as: a verb and a noun.
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.
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.