INTRODUCTION
Are you intrigued by the idea of delving into the depths of the Chinese language, one of the most widely spoken languages globally? Do you find yourself yearning to explore the multifaceted world of China, from its rich history and literature to its captivating art and cuisine? If you’ve nodded in agreement to any of these questions, you’re in for a treat! There’s a treasure trove of free online courses available i chinese waiting for you to embark on your journey into the realm of Chinese language and culture. Whether you’re starting from scratch or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, there’s a course tailored to meet your specific needs. In this blog post, we’re about to introduce you to some of the finest free online courses in Chinese that you can enroll in today.
Free online Chinese courses – OpenLearn – Open University
OpenLearn serves as the beacon of free learning from The Open University, a distinguished public research university based in the UK. Here, you’ll discover a spectrum of free online courses in Chinese, spanning grammar, vocabulary, culture, and business. Let’s delve into some of the fascinating courses they offer:
- Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course: This course serves as your gateway to the world of Mandarin Chinese as a means of communication, offering glimpses into Chinese society and culture. You’ll master basic phrases and expressions, as well as the intricate art of writing and pronouncing Chinese characters. It’s the perfect starting point for absolute beginners with zero prior knowledge of Chinese.
- Getting started with Chinese 1, 2, and 3: These courses cater to learners who possess some basic knowledge of Chinese or have completed the Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course. You’ll learn to converse in Mandarin Chinese in diverse situations, from introducing yourself and asking for directions to ordering food and making plans. Additionally, you’ll enrich your vocabulary, hone your grammar skills, and deepen your cultural awareness.
- Getting started with Chinese business culture essentials: Ideal for those looking to communicate effectively with Chinese business associates or colleagues, this course delves into the key facets of Chinese business culture, encompassing etiquette, values, negotiation styles, and decision-making processes. You’ll also get to practice valuable phrases and expressions for seamless business communication.
These courses are self-paced and interactive, adorned with audio and video materials, quizzes, and feedback. Upon completion, you can even obtain a statement of participation, all at no cost.
Chinese for Beginners Course by Peking University – Coursera
Coursera stands as a beacon of online learning, offering courses from esteemed universities and organizations worldwide. Among them is the “Chinese for Beginners” course by Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. This course lays the foundation for Mandarin phonetics and equips learners with essential daily expressions, enabling them to engage confidently in basic conversations. Topics range from exchanging personal information and discussing daily schedules to conversing about food, prices, city life, weather, and hobbies. Moreover, the course boasts an exciting bonus feature: a virtual reality game that transports you to China, facilitating the practice of speaking skills within a realistic environment.
Perfectly tailored for beginners without prior Chinese knowledge, the course comprises six modules that can be completed in approximately four weeks. Each module offers video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, assignments, and peer reviews. You can also interact with fellow learners and instructors through discussion forums. Enrollment is available free of charge, with an option to secure a verified certificate upon course completion for a nominal fee.
Chinese & Mandarin Language Classes Online – Udemy
Udemy, an online marketplace, offers a treasure trove of courses spanning various topics and skills. Within this expansive repository, you’ll find numerous Chinese and Mandarin language courses, spanning from beginner to advanced levels. Navigate through the catalog to find a course that aligns with your interests and goals. Here are a few course examples:
- Learn Mandarin: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners: This course unfolds the basics of Mandarin Chinese in an engaging and accessible manner. Topics encompass reading and writing pinyin (the phonetic system of Mandarin), mastering tone pronunciation (crucial for word meaning), crafting sentences using simple grammar rules, and expanding your vocabulary with common words and phrases. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into Chinese culture and history through captivating stories and anecdotes.
- HSK 1-6 Full Course: Standard Course HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test): Designed to prepare you for the HSK exam, the official Chinese language proficiency test for non-native speakers, this course spans all six levels. It covers a wide array of content and skills necessary for success, including listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing composition, grammar analysis, vocabulary expansion, and test-taking strategies. You’ll also gain access to mock tests and practice exercises, equipping you to excel in the exam.
- Learn Conversational Chinese Vol 1 & 2: Focused on enhancing your speaking prowess in Mandarin Chinese, this course equips you to communicate effectively in various scenarios. From greetings and self-introductions to engaging in small talk, expressing opinions, seeking and giving directions, ordering food, shopping, and even traveling, you’ll master practical conversational skills. Moreover, you’ll acquire valuable idioms, slang, and cultural insights that will enhance your fluency and authenticity.
All these courses are available on-demand, allowing you to access them anytime and anywhere. You can watch video lectures, peruse notes, download resources, and tackle quizzes at your own pace. Instructors and fellow learners are at your disposal for questions and feedback. Enrollment typically entails a one-time fee, granting you lifetime access, and you can acquire a certificate of completion for each course.
Learn Chinese: 22 Free Online Chinese Courses – Live Lingua
Live Lingua, an online language school, not only offers live classes with native speakers via Skype but also presents an array of free online Chinese courses to complement your learning journey. These courses are grounded in materials developed by the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the US Defense Language Institute (DLI), and the Peace Corps. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
- Chinese – Standard Basic Course – Volume 1: This course serves as an introductory voyage into Mandarin Chinese for beginners. It covers the essentials of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and culture, while also providing exercises and drills to sharpen your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Chinese – Cantonese Basic Course: Embark on an exploration of Cantonese Chinese, primarily spoken in Hong Kong and southern China. The course offers insights into pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and culture, coupled with exercises and drills to enhance your listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities.
- Chinese – Mandarin FAST Course: Tailored for travelers or short-term visitors, this crash course in Mandarin Chinese equips you with the most crucial words and phrases for common situations. From greetings and introductions to transportation, accommodation, food, shopping, health, and handling emergencies, this course ensures you’re well-prepared. Cultural notes and tips are also provided to facilitate effective communication.
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CONCLUSION
All these courses are accessible in PDF format, complete with audio files for offline use. You even have the opportunity to request a free trial lesson with a live teacher, offering personalized feedback and guidanceThese remarkable courses represent the pinnacle of free online Chinese education. Whether your motivation is personal or professional, each of these courses can serve as a stepping stone to improve your language
