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Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Conversation

Feel confident holding a Chinese Mandarin conversation as you master new Chinese vocabulary with this online language course.

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12,893 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Included in an ExpertTrack

    Course 2 of 3
  • Get full ExpertTrack access

    $39/monthFind out more

Learn Chinese greetings to begin a basic conversation

Are you new to the Chinese language? On this six-week interactive course, you’ll be introduced to useful words and expressions to help you build confidence in speaking Chinese Mandarin.

You’ll start with greetings and introductions before moving onto everyday tasks such as ordering meals and asking for directions to help you navigate your way through China.

Gain an insight into Chinese culture

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to use Chinese words and phrases in the right context. From family members and different jobs to talking about the weather and health, you’ll understand how to discuss different topics in Chinese Mandarin.

You’ll also build your knowledge of traditional and popular Chinese culture to help you understand more about the language you’re learning.

Study alongside professors at Shanghai International Studies University

By the end of this course, you will know approximately 150 new words and feel confident using Chinese vocabulary in the right setting.

You’ll learn from top professors and teachers at the Shanghai International Studies University who will help you build a solid foundation to progress to more advanced Chinese language courses in the future.

This course is part of the Introduction to Mandarin Chinese ExpertTrack, a comprehensive set of courses to help you learn how to speak, write, and pronounce Chinese Mandarin.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Greetings and Self-introduction

    • Greetings

      Welcome to this course! This video introduces you different ways of greetings.

    • Self-introduction

      We will talk about some expressions for self-introduction and nationalities.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters. A worksheet is attached for practicing Chinese characters if you are interested.

  • Week 2

    Family Members and Different Jobs

    • Family Members

      We will talk about our family, such as number of family members. We will also give a brief introduction to the traditional Chinese family.

    • Jobs and Hobbies

      You will learn how to express different jobs and hobbies in Chinese.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters.

  • Week 3

    Ordering things and Making payments

    • Talking about Food and Drinks

      Do you know how to ask your friend what he or she would like to eat or drink in Chinese? You will find out the answers in this video.

    • Ordering and Paying the Bill

      Here we will learn how to order the meals and pay the check in Chinese.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters.

  • Week 4

    Dates and Time

    • Expressing Dates

      We will find the date and time are very useful when we make a schedule or an appointment, or to read a notice. Here we will talk about some expressions for dates and give a brief introduction of Chinese traditional festivals.

    • Expressing Time

      Here we will talk about some expressions for time and daily activities.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters.

  • Week 5

    Weather and Health

    • Seasons and Weather

      Do you know how to talk about the weather and seasons in Chinese? You will find out the answers by yourself in the following videos.

    • Talking about Health

      Here we will talk about health problems.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters.

  • Week 6

    Directions and Plans

    • Asking for Directions

      Do you know how to ask and give directions in Chinse? You may find out the answers in this video.

    • Asking about Plans

      Here we will learn how to ask others’ plan in details like what, when and how.

    • Chinese Characters

      Here you will have a chance to check what you have learned in this week and gain a better knowledge of mentioned Chinese characters.

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  • Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
  • Complete each course and pass assessments.
  • Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
  • Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
  • Make your career dreams a reality.

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore approximately 150 vocabulary words
  • Demonstrate proper usage of vocabulary within context of use
  • Apply some sentences in daily communication and achieve language proficiency of New HSK 1
  • Understand some similarities and differences between Chinese culture and one’s own culture

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the Chinese language and become more familiar with Chinese Culture.

Who will you learn with?

Professor and Dean of School of Chinese Studies and Exchange, Shanghai International Studies University. Have been working as a teacher of English and later Chinese since 1994.

A Chinese teacher at Shanghai International Studies University, having been teaching Chinese to the beginners of other languages for seven years.

Instructor at Shanghai International Studies University. Has been teaching Chinese at different levels to foreign language speakers for seven years.

Who developed the course?

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), established in 1949, is one of the earliest institutions where China’s higher education in foreign languages took shape.

About this ExpertTrack

Build your confidence in speaking and writing Mandarin Chinese by learning useful words and phrases, pronunciation, and grammar.

Start learning today - free 7-day trial

After your free trial you can:

  • Pay $39 per month to keep learning online
  • Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
  • Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
  • Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
  • Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
  • Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
  • Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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