Mandarin Chinese is spoken by over a billion people worldwide. Learning it provides a gateway to a vast community of speakers and an insight into one of the world’s oldest and richest civilisations.

This beginner-friendly two-week course from Universiti Malaya is designed to provide a foundation for anyone starting out in Chinese.

From the basics of the Mandarin sound system to essential vocabulary and greetings, the course will set you on your way to unlocking the secrets of the Chinese language and culture.

Gain an introduction to the tones and sound system in Mandarin Chinese

The four tones are the building blocks of the Chinese language. Mastering them is essential for comprehension and communication.

Week 1 of the course will provide a comprehensive overview of the Mandarin sound system. You’ll be guided through each of the four tones, and learn how to harness Pinyin to aid you in your pronunciation.

Learn how to greet people and introduce yourself in Chinese

Once you’ve nailed your Chinese pronunciation, you can begin equipping yourself with the most essential vocabulary.

The second week of the course will guide you through a range of different greetings and words for introducing yourself and your family.

By the end of two weeks, you’ll have the foundation you need to begin confidently communicating and interacting in Chinese.