Learning a new language takes consistent practice. It also requires patience and dedication. The Foreign Service Institute estimates it will take an average student more than six years to become fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
Online resources can help you make the most of your study time. Start with graded readers, which offer excellent reading practice for beginners.
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The best online Mandarin course for beginners provides self-learning materials and live classes, like the Mandarin classes in Seattle. It offers an excellent course for beginners that includes flashcards of Pinyin and Hanzi characters to help you review learned content. Their lessons are also geared towards conversation, and the teacher will help you practice your pronunciation during the live class sessions.
Another great option is a more structured course from beginner to advanced. Their lesson content mixes podcast-style audio and pure dialogue, and their site has many other valuable features.
Unlike some of the other online Mandarin courses that are available, some are on the expensive side. They offer a free trial, but after that, you’ll have to pay for each lesson.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option. They offer a range of online Chinese lessons, and their prices are much lower than other options on this list. Their lessons are geared toward conversation, including flashcards and practice quizzes to help you review the material between classes.
There is another good choice for students on a budget. This online Mandarin course is aimed at kids, and the teachers are like seasoned explorers who keep the lessons fun and engaging. Plus, their courses have a lot of positive reviews, and few reported issues.
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Regardless of your Mandarin class, your success is primarily determined by your commitment and motivation. The most important factor is finding daily Mandarin practice with native speakers – ideally in person if possible (even better if you can study in China). If that isn’t feasible, italki is a fantastic platform for finding affordable Chinese practice partners and tutors.
The language lessons are designed with different age groups in mind, from toddlers to adults. They also consider Chinese culture’s nuances to give students more confidence in using the language in real-life situations.
This school teaches children Mandarin through movement, song, and play. Students learn through immersion and can progress to reading, writing, and conversation. Small classes have a low student-teacher ratio, so children receive individualized attention. Parents are encouraged to join their children in class, and an adult must accompany toddlers.
This Mandarin school offers classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults. They focus on conversation skills and cultural lessons and can customize courses for corporate clients. Others teach cultural nuances and non-verbal communication to help learners make a good impression when speaking with native speakers. They also offer government employees special rates for their Mandarin classes.
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Mandarin is a global language that’s important for international business and travel. It’s also a beautiful language worth learning for its own sake. The good news is that Mandarin classes are widely available, and plenty of online and in-person options exist. However, not all Chinese courses are created equal. Some are better for beginners, while others offer a more structured language-learning approach.
One of the best online Chinese courses for beginners is designed to teach the fundamentals of the language and includes lessons on culture. Students will learn vocabulary, basic grammar structures, and regular practice conversations over ten weeks.
Another great option is a more structured approach to learning the language and takes a “tortoise” rather than a “hare” approach. This course is an excellent choice for people who want to reach fluency or travel to China.
Lastly, this unique course uses a unique learning algorithm to train listening and conversational fluency. This is a more expensive course, but it’s worth checking out if you want to take a more comprehensive Mandarin course.
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While it is possible to become fluent in Mandarin living outside of China (with exemplary dedication and intensive learning), immersion in the language’s home country will propel you forward much faster. However, choosing which city to study in can be overwhelming, given China’s size and sheer variety.
Online learning platforms can help you narrow your search by location and focus. There is probably a choice that meets your needs, whether you are looking for a live in-person tutor or an online Chinese course.
One of our favorites offers Chinese lessons tailored to each age group (children and adults). The curriculum also includes cultural events to keep students engaged. Founder Francois Thibaut believes kids learn best when they are happy, so the school keeps this in mind in lesson plans incorporating movement and song.
Another great resource features a tab system for tutor bios, making finding a tutor specializing in particular lesson areas easy. The site also offers one-on-one, 50-minute lessons for adults and children via Skype or Zoom.
Finally, check out if you want a more traditional classroom setting. This small school offers weekly classes for all levels of Mandarin. They also provide specialized courses for business professionals, and their small class sizes ensure each student gets individualized attention.
