Learn Asian Languages — Online & in London

Asia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating, unique, and rich languages. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of Japanese, the global reach of Mandarin Chinese, the vibrancy of Hindi, or the energy of Korean, learning and Asian language can open up exciting new opportunities and experiences.

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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.

Filters

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  1. Japanese Etiquette
    Last Few Places, Weekend
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    Course start date:  Sat 27 Jun 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Chikako Nakagawa

    Travel with confidence and cultural insight!
    Ever wondered how to bow correctly, what to say when entering a shrine, or the polite way to enjoy a meal in Japan? This immersive workshop introduces you to the essential customs and etiquette that shape Japanese society. Perfect for travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s traditions.

    Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00
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  2. Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00
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  3. Chinese 5: revision
    Evening
    Course start date:  Wed 8 Jul 2026

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Ting Poon

    Take your Mandarin proficiency to new heights with level 5 revision course tailored for students with at least 5-6 years of Chinese language experience. Fine-tune your skills in grammar, comprehension and vocabulary with this short course.

    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  4. Chinese 3 lower: revision
    Course start date:  Thu 9 Jul 2026

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Ting Poon

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

    This short Chinese 3 lower revision course offers a comprehensive review of key language skills. It’s designed to refresh your knowledge, build confidence, and help you consolidate grammar and vocabulary through practical, interactive activities.

    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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  5. Chinese: The meaning of characters
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 11 Jul 2026

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Joyce Lee
    Come and explore the essence of Chinese characters and their profound significance in this enlightening workshop. Unlock the hidden meanings behind strokes and symbols, tracing the cultural, historical, and philosophical depths they hold.
    Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £39.00
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  6. Japanese Film Night: Hula Girls by Lee Sang‑il
    Evening
    Course start date:  Fri 24 Jul 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Chikako Nakagawa

    Discover Japan through bold, alternative cinema.
    This course explores Hula Girls, the inspiring true story of a Fukushima mining town that reinvents itself through Hawaiian dance in the 1960s-an uplifting portrait of resilience, creativity and social change. You’ll also explore acclaimed films by director Lee Sang‑il, gaining fresh insight into Japanese culture, community and art.

    Introduction by Chikako Nakagawa, Japanese tutor at City Lit.

    Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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  7. Chinese: fan writing
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sat 25 Jul 2026

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Zhonghan Lin
    Explore the enchanting world of Chinese fan writing in our workshop! Delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture as we unravel the history and significance of this ancient art form. Discover the profound cultural significance behind each stroke, and unleash your creativity on the canvas of tradition.
    Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00
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  8. Hindi 5: module 1
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Geeta Sharma

    Develop and improve your knowledge in your fifth year of learning Hindi.
    Suitable if you have completed Hindi 4 or equivalent .

    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  9. Chinese 3 lower: module 1
    Evening
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Ting Poon

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

    Develop your fluency in this course taught in Chinese (Mandarin), with the emphasis on speaking and listening. Suitable if you have studied Mandarin for about 3-4 years and have a good command of the language.

    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  10. Japanese 3 upper: module 1
    Evening
    Rating:
    100% of 100
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Kiyomi Unten
    Improve 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 2 upper or have studied for at least 3 years recently.
    Choose either an in-person class in central London or live online sessions.
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  11. Chinese 5: advanced practice
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Ting Poon

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

    This course is designed for advanced students to have conversations in Chinese based on current news stories in a small group environment.

    Full fee £269.00 Senior fee £215.00 Concession £175.00
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  12. Korean 3 upper: module 1
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Jaeran Won

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

    Continue your study of Korean and keep improving your speaking and listening skills while further developing your understanding of Korean grammar.

    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  13. Japanese 3 lower: module 1
    Evening
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Chikako Nakagawa

    Build real confidence in everyday Japanese.Strengthen your speaking and listening, expand your kanji skills, and explore modern Japanese culture-all in a dynamic, interactive course for learners with around three years’ experience.

    You may choose either an in-person class in central London or live online sessions.

    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  14. Korean 4/5: module 1
    Course start date:  Mon 21 Sep 2026

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Jaeran Won

    Learn Korean either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
    Continue your study of Korean and keep improving your speaking and listening skills while further developing your understanding of Korean grammar.
     

    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  15. Japanese 5: module 1
    Evening
    Course start date:  Tue 22 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Kiyomi Unten
    Join this lively class for experienced learners of Japanese. You will be able to understand, speak and listen to more complex expressions in Japanese in various everyday situations.Suitable if you have studied Japanese for 6/7 years.
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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About the City Lit School of Languages

We offer Language courses in 19 different languages. Most language courses are taught at seven different levels and you can start anywhere from beginner to advanced.Whether you would like to attend part-time or weekend language classes, our highly popular language lessons offer the widest choice in London. 

Professional development language courses

We can also offer tailored language training in your workplace, which can be a fast and convenient way to learn a language to help improve your skills for work or develop your business.