Chinese: writing for beginners

What is the course about?

The course aims to help you to gain a basic understanding of Chinese characters progressing towards forming words and short sentences.

What will we cover?

The course will help you to understand the following topics:
- Evolution of Chinese characters
- Strokes and stroke orders
- 24 Radicals
- 6 Chinese characters
- simple greetings in Chinese.

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

- Recognise 30 characters
- Identify radicals of some characters
- Write some basic characters.

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

Beginner’s course – no previous knowledge required.

For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart, using the link at the top of this page. You can also find the chart at the start of the languages section in our course guide. You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions in English and be at ease with the use of numbers for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, etc)

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

Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.

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

This course is based on the tutor’s own material. No additional costs.

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

Chinese beginners: module 1.