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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.
51 courses available
Japanese Beginners with Art HistoryDiscover Japanese in a fresh and engaging way. This beginner-friendly course teaches essential language skills through fascinating artworks, culminating in a visit to the British Museum to practice what you have learned in a real-world setting. (on Sat 3/10/26)
.Keeley Street
Fri 11 Sep 2026Noriko InagakiFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00- Japanese beginners tasterCome and discover Japanese in this lively taster.
Keeley Street
Mon 14 Sep 2026Junko FuseFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Chinese beginners tasterCome and discover Chinese Mandarin in this lively taster.
Keeley Street
Thu 17 Sep 2026Ting PoonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Chinese 5: advanced practice
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 - Japanese beginners: module 1
Learn 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.
We offer Japanese tasters in September if you would like to try out learning Japanese. Please make sure that you click on Show more dates at the end of the list to see all the courses.
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 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 - 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 - Chinese beginners: module 1
Learn Chinese Mandarin either an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions. Experience learning Chinese by enrolling on a taster.
This course is designed for beginners who have little or no prior knowledge of Chinese.
Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about the language and culture, this course will equip you with the essential skills to communicate confidently in Mandarin.
Our emphasis on speaking ensures that you'll be able to engage in meaningful conversations from the very first lesson. You'll learn useful phrases, expressions, and idioms, enabling you to communicate effectively in various social and everyday situations.Full 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 on this lively course.
Improve your Hindi and develop greater fluency in everyday situations. This is a second-year course, suitable if you have studied Hindi for about 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 £207.00 Concession £168.00
- Japanese 5: module 1Join 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
- Korean beginners: module 3
Continue learning Korean on either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online session for near beginners, with the emphasis on developing your speaking and listening skills. You should have completed Korean beginners: module 2 or equivalent.
Keeley Street
Tue 22 Sep 2026Jiyeon KimFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - Korean beginners: module 1
Learn Korean either in an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions. Experience learning Korean by enrolling on a taster.
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 £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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