- Level Foundation
- Duration 24 hours
- Course by Peking University
-
Offered by
About
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chinese culture and language with our ABC Chinese course for beginners. This comprehensive course provides an introduction to Mandarin phonetics and essential daily expressions, enabling learners to achieve a fundamental understanding and confidently engage in basic conversations. Our carefully crafted curriculum covers practical topics and real-life situations, ranging from exchanging personal information and discussing daily schedules to conversing about food, prices, city life, weather, and hobbies. The diverse selection of reading materials and interactive activities ensures a rich and stimulating learning experience, piquing learners' interests throughout the course. No need to worry about learning Chinese characters – this course focuses on speaking skills, making it accessible and enjoyable. Elevate your learning with a thrilling bonus feature: virtually travel to China and hone your speaking skills with our immersive game, playable on a VR headset or desktop. Embark on a scavenger hunt, talk to vendors, encounter fellow travelers, and explore a traditional market, all while applying your Chinese skills in a real-world environment.Modules
What is Your Name?
1
Assignment
- What is your name?
2
Videos
- Welcome to "Chinese for beginners"
- Lecture: What is Your Name?
3
Readings
- Extended Exercise: What is Your Name?
- Additional Information: Chinese Mandarin(普通话)
- Self-study Video—Tones and Simple Finals
Where Are You From?
1
Assignment
- Where are you from?
1
Videos
- Lecture: Where Are You From?
3
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Where Are You From?
- Additional Information: Chinese Pinyin(汉语拼音简介)
- Self-study Video—Initials
Are You a Student?
1
Assignment
- Are you a student?
1
Videos
- Lecture: Are You a Student?
3
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Are You a Student?
- Additional Information: Spelling Rules of Pinyin(汉语拼音拼写规则)
- Self-study Video—Compound Finals
Who is He/She?
1
Assignment
- Who is he/she?
1
External Tool
- Immersive Experience Level 1: Scavenger Hunt
1
Videos
- Lecture: Who is He/She?
4
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Who is He/She?
- Readings
- Review: Who are You?
- Self-study Video—Finals with Nasal Endings
Can You Count?
1
Assignment
- Numbers
1
Videos
- Lecture: Can You Count?
What Time is it Now?
1
Assignment
- Time (1): O'clock
1
Videos
- Lecture: What Time is it Now?
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: What Time is it Now?
Morning or Afternoon?
1
Assignment
- Time (2): Periods
1
Videos
- Lecture: Morning or Afternoon?
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Morning or Afternoon?
Do You Have a Busy Life?
1
Assignment
- Daily Arrangements
1
Videos
- Lecture: Do You Have a Busy Life?
2
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Do You Have a Busy Life?
- Review: When Do You Go To School?
Do You Like Dumplings?
1
Assignment
- Main Courses
1
Videos
- Lecture: Do You Like Dumplings?
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Do You Like Dumplings?
I Like Apples.
1
Assignment
- Fruits
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Like Apples.
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: I Like Apples.
I Like Chicken.
1
Assignment
- Vegetables and Meat
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Like Chicken.
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: I Like Chicken.
Do You Want a Cup of Tea?
1
Assignment
- Drinks
1
Videos
- Lecture: Do You Want a Cup of Tea?
2
Readings
- Extended Exercise: Do You Want a Cup of Tea?
- Review: What Do You Like to Eat?
What is Your Favorite Color?
1
Assignment
- Colors
1
Videos
- Lecture: What is Your Favorite Color?
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: What is Your Favorite Color?
This is Too Big.
1
Assignment
- Sizes
1
Videos
- Lecture: This is Too Big.
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: This is Too Big.
How Much is This?
1
Assignment
- Prices
1
Videos
- Lecture: How Much is This?
1
Readings
- Extended Exercise: How Much is This?
It’s Too Expensive!
1
Assignment
- Learn to Bargain
1
External Tool
- Immersive Experience Level 2: Ordering Food
1
Videos
- Lecture: It’s Too Expensive!
2
Readings
- Extended Exercise: It’s Too Expensive!
- Review: I Like Shopping!
I Go To Work By Car.
1
Assignment
- Transportation
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Go To Work By Car.
Is There a Supermarket Near Here?
1
Assignment
- Public Places
1
Videos
- Lecture: Is There a Supermarket Near Here?
The Bank is on the Left.
1
Assignment
- Locations and Directions
1
Videos
- Lecture: The Bank is on the Left.
How Do I Get to the Underground Station?
1
Assignment
- Ask For Directions
1
Videos
- Lecture: How Do I Get to the Underground Station?
2
Readings
- Extended Exercise: How Do I Get to the Underground Station?
- Review: Do You Live in a Big City
What is the Temperature Today?
1
Assignment
- Temperature
1
Videos
- Lecture: What is the Temperature Today?
Is it Cold in January?
1
Assignment
- Time (3): Months
1
Videos
- Lecture: Is it Cold in January?
I Like Spring.
1
Assignment
- Seasons
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Like Spring.
I Caught a Cold.
1
Assignment
- Health
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Caught a Cold.
2
Readings
- Extended Exercise: I Caught a Cold.
- Review: How About the Weather?
What Day is it Today?
1
Assignment
- Time (4): Weeks
1
Videos
- Lecture: What Day is it Today?
I Like Swimming.
1
Assignment
- Sports
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Like Swimming.
I Watch TV News Everyday.
1
Assignment
- TV Programs
1
Videos
- Lecture: I Watch TV News Everyday.
We Can Do a Lot of Things on the Internet.
1
Assignment
- Internet, Books, Music, and Travel
1
External Tool
- Immersive Experience Level 3: Conversation Practice
1
Videos
- Lecture: We Can Do a Lot of Things on the Internet.
3
Readings
- Extended Exercise: We Can Do a Lot of Things on the Internet.
- Review: What is Your Hobby?
- Chinese for Beginners-Notes in English
Auto Summary
Embark on an immersive journey into Chinese culture and language with the "Chinese for Beginners" course on Coursera. Perfect for novices, this foundational course emphasizes Mandarin phonetics and essential expressions for everyday conversations. Engage with practical topics like personal info, daily schedules, food, prices, and more. The curriculum, rich with interactive activities and reading materials, ensures an engaging learning experience. No Chinese character knowledge needed—focus on speaking skills. Enhance your learning with an exciting VR game that simulates real-life scenarios in China. Ideal for language enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction to Mandarin.

Xiaoyu Liu