Introduction to Chinese: Pronunciation and Tone
Learn how to master the correct pronunciation and tone of the Mandarin language and improve your Chinese speaking skills.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
Introduction to Chinese: Pronunciation and Tone
Become comfortable pronouncing the syllables in the Mandarin Chinese language
Understanding the correct pronunciation and tone of Mandarin Chinese is essential for beginners learning the language. On this course, you will be introduced to the key elements of Chinese phonetics, including the four main tones.
You will learn the main rules of spelling and how to correct errors in Mandarin Chinese pronunciation. You will also cover everyday language like greetings, basic questions, and numbers. This course enhances your learning with video and audio content and methods like shadowing and comparison.
What topics will you cover?
● Key elements of Chinese phonetics: initials, finals and tones
● Core rules of spelling and tone marking
● Differentiation of similar sounds
● Simple daily language skills such as greetings, self-introduction, expressing thanks, love and apology.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
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 the Chinese phonology and understand the components and structure of Chinese phonology
- Demonstrate accurate and impressive pronunciation of all syllables in Mandarin Chinese
- Apply some words and sentences in daily communication
- Record the pronunciation of Mandarin Chinese with Pinyin and continue your further study with the help of Pinyin
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone wanting to improve their Chinese speaking skills and learn the correct pronunciation of the language.
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.
Teacher at Shanghai International Studies University. Have been teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages for 10 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.
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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