Learn Asian Languages — Online & in London
Browse by language
Explore the languages and cultures of Asia with flexible online and in-person courses.
Browse by level
Our courses are designed to take you from a complete beginner to a fluent spearker. You can choose the best level for you using this self assessment tool. So whether you're starting, you have some experience, or you're an advanced or native speaker, there's a course made for you here at City Lit.
Browse by location
Whether you're in London or learning from anywhere in the world, we offer flexible courses for beginners through to advanced learners—with options for daytime, evening, and weekend classes.
✅ City Lit is a trusted adult education college in London
✅ Rated 'Oustanding' in all categories by Ofsted
✅ Learn from experienced tutors including native speakers, polyglots, and academics
✅ Flexible course options: daytime and evening classes on weekdays and weekends
✅ Great for both personal growth and professional development
Learn more than just the language
On a City Lit language course, you not only learn the language, you also gain valuable insight into the culture, history, and traditions of that country. That's because our courses are taught by expert native speaking tutors with real world experience of living in the country where the language is spoken widely.
Learn Asian Languages Online with Flexibility
Not in London? Prefer to learn from home? Our live online courses are a great way to study Asian languages wherever you are.
Choose from popular languages like Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, and Korean. All our online classes are taught live on Zoom by expert tutors, with plenty of real-time practice and support to help you build confidence and fluency.
Learn Asian Languages in London – Face-to-Face
If you prefer learning in person, join us at City Lit in central London. Our classroom courses give you the chance to practise speaking with native-speaking tutors and fellow learners.
You’ll also have the chance to take part in cultural activities and events linked to your chosen language. And with London’s diverse communities, you’ll be learning in one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
About City Lit
City Lit has been a leader in adult education for over 100 years, empowering learners from all walks of life to achieve their goals. Since our founding in 1919, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a wide range of subjects, including language courses that cater to learners of all levels. Our Ofsted Outstanding rating highlights our commitment to exceptional teaching, support, and a high standard of learning.
Whether you're learning for personal enrichment, career advancement, or travel, our flexible language options allow you to learn Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, and Korean on your terms. City Lit provides a supportive, inclusive environment where you can realise your ambitions.
Join us today and become part of our legacy of inspiring learners for over a century.
Useful Links
- Language FAQs - Frequently asked questions about language courses at City Lit.
- What’s my level? - Self assess your level to help you find the course for you.
- Languages Blog - Discover useful tips and knowledge-packed guides from our expert tutors.
Asian Languages Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of learning an Asian language?
Learning an Asian language can:
- Make travel more meaningful and enjoyable
- Boost your career and open up global job opportunities
- Help you connect with new people and cultures
- Give you a fresh perspective on the world
- Build your confidence and keep your brain active
Whether you're learning for work, travel, or personal growth, mastering a language like Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, or Korean is a rewarding journey.
What types of language courses does City Lit offer?
City Lit offers language courses at all levels, from beginner to advanced. You can choose from part-time, evening, daytime, weekend, early morning, or intensive classes to suit your schedule.
How many languages can I study at City Lit?
You can choose from courses in 19 different languages, making it one of the widest selections in London.
What levels are available for language courses?
Most languages are taught at seven different levels, so whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve existing skills, there’s a course for you.
Who teaches the courses?
Our tutors are experienced, friendly, and skilled in teaching adults. They help create a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Can I get a qualification from these courses?
Yes, in many languages you can take accredited courses. These lead to national and international qualifications that are particularly relevant to adult learners.
Do you offer language courses for professional development?
Yes. City Lit offers tailored language training in the workplace. This is ideal for individuals or businesses looking to improve language skills for professional use.
What is the benefit of workplace language training?
It’s a fast and convenient way to gain practical language skills relevant to your job or business needs.
When do the courses take place?
We offer flexible scheduling with classes available in the mornings, during the day, in the evenings, and at weekends.
- Chinese beginners: short introductionCourse start date: Wed 19 Nov 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Joyce LeeLearn 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.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Chinese: writing for beginnersCourse start date: Sat 22 Nov 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ting PoonLearn the basics of Chinese characters on this lively classroom-based course in the heart of London. This interactive workshop provides plenty of opportunity to practise yourself, and is suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £49.00 - Chinese beginners: revisionCourse start date: Mon 24 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Fei WangReady to refresh your Chinese skills? If you’ve studied for about a year, this short interactive revision course will help you brush up and feel confident again.
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £38.00 - Korean: jump into year 2 lowerCourse start date: Wed 26 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jaeran WonLearn Korean either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
This course is designed for learners who have completed a beginner-level Korean course and would like to consolidate their knowledge before progressing further.
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £38.00 - Hindi beginners: holiday kitCourse start date: Mon 1 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Roopam AggarwalMake the most of your holidays in a Hindi-speaking country with this face to face short, intensive and lively online course over one weekend. This Holiday Kit will provide you with all the language you need to communicate in the most common holiday situations & have a friendly chat with the locals!
Continue learning to speak Hindi and develop your listening and speaking skills in this communicative class which emphasises the practical use of the language. You should have completed module 1 or equivalent. Based on Teach Yourself Beginner's Hindi.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £49.00 - Hindi through Bollywood singingCourse start date: Tue 16 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Roopam AggarwalLearn to speak Hindi and develop your listening and speaking skills in this communicative class which emphasizes the practical use of the language via singing. Suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Korean beginners tasterCourse start date: Tue 6 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jiyeon KimCome and discover Korean in this lively taster.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Chinese beginners tasterCourse start date: Thu 8 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ting PoonCome and discover Chinese Mandarin in this lively taster.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Japanese 2 upper: module 2Course start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaOn this course you will learn to communicate more fully and fluently in a wider range of everyday situations and conversations.Suitable if you have completed 2 upper: module 1 or have studied for at least 2 years.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Hindi beginners tasterCourse start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Roopam AggarwalCome and discover Hindi in this lively taster.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Japanese beginners: module 2Course start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaContinue learning to speak Japanese, with the emphasis on developing your listening and speaking skills,
Suitable if you have completed Japanese beginners: module 1 or learn Japanese in a complete beginners course for a term.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 2 lower: module 2Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome to consolidate your elementary Japanese. Suitable if you have completed Japanese 2 lower: module 1 or study Japanese for at least 1 year to 2 years
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese 3 lower: module 2Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaImprove your level of Japanese on this communicative course where you will have the opportunity to develop your oral and listening skills as well as consolidate your reading and writing skills. Suitable if you have completed Japanese 3 lower: module 1 or have studied at least Japanese for 3 years.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese beginners tasterCourse start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenEver wondered what it’s like to speak Japanese? In this fun and interactive session, you’ll get a taste of the language and culture in just 90 minutes! Learn how to greet, introduce yourself, and even order drinks—perfect for anyone curious about starting their Japanese journey.
Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Japanese beginners intensive: module 1Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenLearn to speak Japanese, with the emphasis on developing your listening and speaking skills. Suitable for complete beginners. Choose either an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
Curious about Japanese? Click here to try out a fun and interactive taster session this autumn!
Full fee £269.00 Senior fee £215.00 Concession £175.00
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