Beginners Spoken Chinese
Part of the range of Chinese language learning courses and activities at SOAS Language Centre in London
Duration:
This is a one-year course with three terms of twelve weeks
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Description
The course provides an introduction over three terms to basic spoken Chinese with the accent on practical spoken Chinese. By the end of the course, students will have been introduced to a core vocabulary of around 700 words used frequently in everyday life and should be able to communicate in a good range of common situations in Chinese. The course covers a good range of Chinese speech patterns and various real life scenarios in which the course participants will learn to use the appropriate language.
The course is based on the pinyin version of ‘Chinese in Steps’ (Volume I and II) compiled by the SOAS Language Centre, and is taught in English and Chinese. The course focuses on listening and speaking skills and will therefore only use pinyin, a romanisation system for Chinese. To achieve its goal, the course includes many communicative activities, structure practice and grammar exercises. Some homework will be set each week and there will be regular informal assessments. Class size is normally limited to fifteen to allow close involvement.
For people who are interested in continuing with their study of Chinese, the natural progression of this course is our Beginners Reading Chinese course, which focuses on reading Chinese characters.
Assessments for Course Placement
Not a total beginner? Then see our page on course assessments.
Fee for this Course
The fee for each twelve-week term is £350 payable in advance.
Terms and Conditions
See our terms and conditions of payment before enrolling on the course.
How to Apply for this Course
You can apply and pay online or by post.
Classes may fill up quickly. In some cases, additional classes are set up. It is best to apply early in order to avoid disappointment.
Materials
Our course materials page shows you what you need to buy for this course. Course materials are not included in the course fee and can be purchased from the SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk
Timetable
Classes will be held at the Bloomsbury or Kings Cross Campus of SOAS in central London on one evening a week or Saturday daytime. Participants receive 24 hours of language tuition over a twelve-week period (with additional weeks where public holidays displace a class session). See our timetable pages for dates and times.
