Mandarin is the official language of China and one of the world’s major languages. Learn not only this amazing language, but gain an appreciation and understanding of Chinese culture and society.
These courses are delivered face to face on ANU campus.
If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan to attend our courses please contact us at clt@anu.edu.au.
Mandarin 1
Details
- Session: 9 evening sessions
- Dates: Term 3 TBA
- Times: 6-8pm
- Enrolment fee: $420
Australia’s future engagement in the Asian Century acknowledges Mandarin Chinese as one of the top priority Asian languages.
Course outline
- Introduction of the language and pronunciation system of Pinyin
- Introducing yourself and ask about people’s surname and given name. Nihao, ni jiao shenme mingzi?
- Asking about nationality and where people live. Ni shi naguo ren?
- Talking about family members and occupation. Ni zuo shenme gongzuo?
- Describing people with adjectives. Ta gao ma?
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- acquire knowledge of Chinese phonetics and become familiar with practical fundamentals covering various topics
- identify the nuances of Chinese people and their values, and how these could impact on their everyday life
- establish a long-term passion for probing Chinese language, culture, and history.
Who should enrol
Suitable for people planning to travel to China, either for personal or professional reasons. This course also caters to other Chinese language enthusiasts interested in Asian culture and history.
What our students say
“Overall the course was very enjoyable and I will sign up for a second term on-site when it is available.”
Mandarin 2
This course expands on Mandarin 1 to further develop your linguistic progress and to help students acquire knowledge on the most frequently used grammatical rules. We will cover aspects of Chinese culture, conversation, and character writing. This course aims to build your confidence by addressing the more common challenges encountered in learning the Chinese language.
Course outline
- Chinese numbers, telephone numbers, home addresses. Ni de dianhua haoma shi duoshao?
- Days, dates, birthdays and Chinese festivals/celebrations. Ni de shengri shi jiyue jihao?
- Time, location and ask people going out. Women yiqi qu kan dianying ba?
- Chinese currency and shopping. Duoshao qian?
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
- speak on familiar topics with confidence
- establish a long term passion for probing Chinese language, culture and history
- identify the nuances of Chinese people and their values and how these could impact on their everyday life
- equip themselves with abilities to continue develop their macro skills on Chinese language learning.
Who should enrol
Those who have completed Mandarin 1 or similar study of approximately 20 hours. Public servants, university/college students, employers and employees who have or about to establish business partnerships with China, travellers and other Chinese language enthusiasts would enjoy this course.
Mandarin 3
This course offers covers a more vivid and detailed language studies experience and is for students with prior knowledge of Mandarin. You will gain insight into the Chinese culture, covering general topics, current affairs, and business. Improve your linguistic progress and understanding of grammatical rules. Writing skills will be developed in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Course outline
- Asking about directions, rental information for flats and houses. Li zheli yuanbuyuan?
- Transportation and travelling in China. Women zuo huoche qu ba.
- Hobbies and sports. Ni xihuan shenme yundong?
- Holiday plans and sightseeing. Women qu Xi’an ba.
Learning outcomes
Students should have established a long-term passion for the Chinese language, culture, and history. Students should be able to identify the nuances of Chinese people and their values and how these could positively impact on their everyday life.
Who should enrol
Those who have successfully completed Mandarin 2 or similar study. You are required to have prior knowledge of fundamental Mandarin to undertake Mandarin 3. The course is suitable for public servants, university/college students, employers and employees (with long term business partnerships with China), travellers and other Chinese language enthusiasts.
What our students say
“Mandarin 3 was a good development course for anyone intending to visit China. By the end of Mandarin 3 it would be possible to have a basic conversation on some limited topics.”