Learn Chinese Mandarin for Beginners

Learn Chinese Mandarin in Sydney with this beginner’s class.

Whether you want to learn Mandarin language for business, travel or just for fun, you’ll learn the basics at this informal, practical and interactive course in the Sydney CBD.

Mandarin, the official language of China, has over 800 million speakers. Students learn to recognise the different tones that can change the meaning of words. Grammar is surprisingly simple, though, with none of the tenses, plurals or genders that can make European languages difficult to learn. This Level 1 course will teach you how to communicate in Mandarin with simple vocabulary and basic sentences. You will also begin to learn the more common characters of the written language and learn about Chinese culture.

This course is suitable for:
Students with no previous learning in Mandarin

Learning objectives

By the end of this Mandarin Level 1 Class you will have learned how to:

• hear and pronounce the different tones used in Mandarin
• communicate using basic sentences and questions, including greeting people, introducing yourself and others, names, country of origin, “how are you?”, etc
• say the time, days of the week and months of the year
• say the numbers, including phone numbers, currency and age
• understand and practise the difference between formal and familiar speech
• identify the written characters of the alphabet and use basic reading skills
• understand and appreciate the Chinese culture.

The curriculum may be adapted slightly to suit the needs of the class. The topics above will be covered during this course, but not necessarily in the order given.

Textbook for Levels 1, 2 and 3

Please purchase the course textbook and bring it to each class:

Integrated Chinese Level 1, Part 1 4th Edition
ISBN: 9781622911356

The textbook costs approximately $109. You may also choose to purchase the Character Workbook (approx. $55) for written practice, and the audio CD, but these are optional.

You can purchase the textbook from Abbeys Bookstore (131 York Street, Sydney). It is close to the CBD campus and offers a 10% discount to Sydney Community College students.

Please note: sometimes a course start date is postponed until there are enough enrolments. It is therefore wise to purchase your textbook after your course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start).

What to bring to class

Please bring your textbook, a notebook and pen to every class.

Avoid disappointment. Enrol early.

Please ensure that you have given a valid email and mobile number as all course changes will be communicated via sms or email.