Learn Chinese: An Introduction to Mandarin
Build your confidence in speaking and writing Mandarin Chinese by learning useful words and phrases, pronunciation, and grammar.
Duration
Approx 13 weeks2-4 hrs per week
Discover the world's most commonly spoken language
Did you know colloquially 1 in 5 people can speak Chinese? Join the biggest language community in the world and learn to speak Chinese with this ExpertTrack from Shanghai International Studies University.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, doing business in China, or simply seeking to learn a new language, this series of courses will help you build your skills and confidence in speaking, writing, and translating the Chinese language.
As well as building your communication skills, you’ll gain an insight into traditional and popular Chinese culture, and virtually explore the historical sights of China. You’ll also be able to experience the local customs to become more comfortable in using the language.
Learn how to hold a basic conversation in Mandarin
You’ll learn hundreds of new words and master useful phrases to help you navigate Mandarin Chinese conversations.
By learning words in the right context, you’ll understand how to use Chinese greetings, discuss family members, ask for directions, and more to build your confidence in speaking the Chinese language.
Develop your pronunciation skills
Learn how to demonstrate accurate and impressive pronunciation of Mandarin Chinese as you delve into phonetics, tones, and syllables.
You’ll also learn how to use Pinyin, a widely-used tool to help you master Chinese pronunciation.
Delve into Chinese grammar
Gain knowledge of grammar to improve your writing, speaking, and translating skills. You’ll learn syntax, semantics, and pragmatics to give you a deeper understanding of Mandarin Chinese language and how to communicate accurately.
Study alongside the experts at Shanghai International Studies University
You’ll learn from top language professors and teachers from the Shanghai International Studies University. This interactive ExpertTrack features videos and audio content to help further your learning, as well as peer exercises and realistic simulations to help you practice your pronunciations.
By the end of this ExpertTrack, you’ll have the skills and confidence to start comfortably communicating in Mandarin Chinese.
Key skills you will learn
- Mandarin Chinese
- Chinese Culture
- Chinese Grammar
- Chinese Characters
- Linguistics
- Intercultural Communication
- Language
Experience required
This ExpertTrack is designed for anyone interested in learning the Chinese language and culture. Whether you’re learning Chinese for business or fun, this course will help you join the biggest language community in the world.
Getting started
You don’t need any prior experience to joining this ExpertTrack. This course will suit you if you’re interested in building your language skills and confidence in speaking Mandarin Chinese
ExpertTrack course overview
Course 1
Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Pronunciation and Tone
4.8 (39 reviews)Master the correct pronunciation and tone of the Mandarin language and improve your Chinese speaking skills with language experts.
1 test
3 weeks
2 hours per week
Course 2
Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Conversation
4.9 (45 reviews)Feel confident holding a Chinese Mandarin conversation as you master new Chinese vocabulary with this online language course.
1 test
6 weeks
2 hours per week
Course 3
Learn Chinese: Introduction to Chinese Grammar
4.6 (16 reviews)Improve your confidence in reading and writing the Chinese language by learning how to use basic grammar in your sentences.
1 test
4 weeks
4 hours per week
Prove you're job ready
Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.
- 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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How ExpertTracks work
Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.
Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week.
Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.
Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate.
Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about.
World-class learning with 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.
Meet your instructors
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.
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.
Associate professor of School of Chinese Studies and Exchange, Shanghai International Studies University，has been teaching non-native speakers Chinese over 25 years.
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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After your free trial you can:
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- 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
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FAQ
ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.
Each ExpertTrack comes with a 2-day free trial period. You may cancel your subscription at any time and your subscription will automatically cancel when you finish the courses and assessments in your chosen ExpertTrack.
Yes. All of our ExpertTracks come with a 2-day free trial. You may claim one free trial period per ExpertTrack.
You have two days before you will be charged your first monthly subscription fee. When you join an ExpertTrack you automatically receive a 2-day free trial period. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and no payment will be taken from your account.
Please see our full refund policy here.
No, all of our ExpertTracks consist of fully online courses. This means you can take an ExpertTrack from anywhere in the world.
No. ExpertTracks are designed for you to master new skills in a specialist area. You will earn a digital certificate that proves your learning, but it does not carry accreditation.
If you’re looking for certified or accredited courses, many of our microcredentials offer university credit or professional certification.
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