open up exciting new opportunities and experiences. Whether you're in London or learning from anywhere in the world, we offer flexible courses for beginners through to advanced learners—with in-person and online class options for daytime, evening, and weekend classes.Read less
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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.
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(1)
39 courses available
- Chinese 3 lower: module 1
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 - Japanese 2 lower: module 1
Join this lively course to build on your basic Japanese skills. Suitable if you've studied Japanese for 1 year recently.Choose either an in-person class in central London or live online sessions.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - Japanese 3 upper: module 1Improve 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 - Korean 3 upper: module 1
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.
Online
Mon 21 Sep 2026Jaeran WonFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Japanese 3 lower: module 1
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 - Hindi 2 lower: module 1
Learn Hindi either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
This course will help you improve your Hindi in which you will develop more fluency in everyday situations. This is a second year course and it is suitable if you have studied Hindi for a year and a half or have an equivalent level.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Japanese 2 upper: module 1On 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 'Japanese 2 lower' or have studied Japanese for at least 2 years. Choose either an in-person class in central London or live online sessions.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
- Chinese 2 lower: module 1
Learn Chinese either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
Further improve your Chinese (Mandarin) and develop your speaking skills. Suitable if you have studied Mandarin Chinese for about 1 year.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - Chinese 3 upper: module 1
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 
Japanese beginners: module 3Continue 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.Online
Thu 24 Sep 2026Hisaka BuntingFull fee £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £175.00- Japanese 2 lower: module 3
Further develop your listening and speaking skills in Japanese. Suitable if you have completed 2 lower: module 2 or studied for nearly 2 years recently.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Korean 2 upper: module 1
Learn Korean either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.
Continue your study of Korean and improve your speaking and listening skills while further developing your understanding of Korean grammar. Ideal for those students who have done Korean 2 or equivalent courses (2 years of learning).
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Japanese 2 lower: module 2
Come 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 £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - Chinese 2: reading groupIf you want to have the chance to read Chinese characters, expand your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, and strengthen your reading comprehension level, please join us on this lively online course to practise your reading. Suitable for people who have learned Chinese for at least 1 year and have learned to read Chinese characters.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £84.00
- Chinese calligraphy: explore the Nature and World characters
Experience the calming practice of Chinese brush calligraphy while discovering the origins of Mandarin Chinese characters. Learn the basics of character writing and uncover how ancient symbols were inspired by the natural world. This creative and mindful session encourages focus, reflection, and a deeper appreciation of language and culture.
This session is part of the 2026 Mental Wealth Festival, hosted by City Lit and partners.
Keeley Street
Fri 9 Oct 2026Xiaolan BiFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £5.00
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