Chinese beginners: short introduction

Get a short introduction to the Chinese language and discover aspects of Chinese language culture in these either in-person course in Covent Garden or 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: 30 May 2026
    End Date: 20 Jun 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 12:00
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: LC100
    Tutors:  Xiaolan Bi
    Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00
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  • Start Date: 02 Jun 2026
    End Date: 23 Jun 2026
    Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: LC003
    Tutors:  Joyce Lee
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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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
242755
Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00

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.

Xiaolan Bi See more See less
Joyce Lee See more See less

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.