The course is divided into 7 weeks, each focusing on a different aspect of the language, such as pronunciation, basic grammar, vocabulary, and simple conversations.
The course starts with an introduction to Chinese language and culture, followed by lessons on Pinyin, the Chinese phonetic system, and its pronunciation rules. Learners then move on to learn basic sentence structures, common Chinese characters, and basic vocabulary for daily use.
Throughout the course, learners are exposed to a variety of learning materials, such as video lectures, audio recordings, interactive quizzes, and writing exercises. They also have access to an online community of fellow learners, where they can practice their language skills and get feedback from peers and instructors.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to understand and communicate in basic Chinese, including introducing themselves, asking and answering simple questions, and carrying out basic conversations in everyday situations. They should also have a basic understanding of Chinese culture and customs.
The course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately six weeks, depending on the learner's schedule and pace. No prior knowledge of Chinese language or culture is required to enroll in the course.
Course Content:
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.
The Chinese for Beginners course by Xiaoyu Liu on Coursera consists of 7 weeks, each containing several lectures, exercises, and quizzes.
Here is a breakdown of the course structure:
Week 1: Who Are You?
5 videos (Total 18 min), 13 readings, 5 quizzes
Welcome to "Chinese for beginners" 1m
Lecture: What is Your Name? 3m
Lecture: Where Are You From? 5m
Lecture: Are You a Student? 3m
Lecture: Who is He/She? 4m
Extended Exercise: What is Your Name? 10m
Additional Information: Chinese Mandarin（普通话） 10m
Self-study Video—Tones and Simple Finals 10m
Extended Exercise: Where Are You From? 10m
Additional Information: Chinese Pinyin（汉语拼音简介） 10m
Self-study Video—Initials 10m
Extended Exercise: Are You a Student? 10m
Additional Information: Spelling Rules of Pinyin（汉语拼音拼写规则） 10m
Self-study Video—Compound Finals 10m
Extended Exercise: Who is He/She? 10m
Readings 10m
Review: Who are You? 10m
Self-study Video—Finals with Nasal Endings 10m
What is your name? 12m
Where are you from? 30m
Are you a student? 30m
Who is he/she? 30m
Week 2: When Do You Go To School?
4 videos (Total 12 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
Lecture: What Time is it Now? 2m
Lecture: Morning or Afternoon? 2m
Lecture: Do You Have a Busy Life? 2m
Extended Exercise: What Time is it Now? 10m
Extended Exercise: Morning or Afternoon? 10m
Extended Exercise: Do You Have a Busy Life? 10m
Review: When Do You Go To School? 10m
Numbers 30m
Time (1): O'clock 30m
Time (2): Periods 30m
Daily Arrangements 30m
Week 3: What Do You Like to Eat?
4 videos (Total 8 min), 5 readings, 4 quizzes
Lecture: Do You Like Dumplings? 1m
Lecture: I Like Apples. 1m
Lecture: I Like Chicken. 1m
Lecture: Do You Want a Cup of Tea? 2m
Extended Exercise: Do You Like Dumplings? 10m
Extended Exercise: I Like Apples. 10m
Extended Exercise: I Like Chicken. 10m
Extended Exercise: Do You Want a Cup of Tea? 10m
Review: What Do You Like to Eat? 10m
Main Courses 30m
Fruits 30m
Vegetables and Meat 30m
Drinks 18m
Week 4: I Like Shopping!
4 videos (Total 16 min), 5 readings, 5 quizzes
Lecture: What is Your Favorite Color? 2m
Lecture: This is Too Big. 3m
Lecture: How Much is This? 5m
Lecture: It’s Too Expensive! 3m
Extended Exercise: What is Your Favorite Color? 10m
Extended Exercise: This is Too Big. 10m
Extended Exercise: How Much is This? 10m
Extended Exercise: It’s Too Expensive! 10m
Review: I Like Shopping! 10m
Colors 30m
Sizes 30m
Prices 30m
Learn to Bargain 30m
Week 5: Do You Live in a Big City?
4 videos (Total 16 min), 2 readings, 4 quizzes
Lecture: I Go To Work By Car. 5m
Lecture: Is There a Supermarket Near Here? 3m
Lecture: The Bank is on the Left. 3m
Lecture: How Do I Get to the Underground Station? 3m
Extended Exercise: How Do I Get to the Underground Station? 10m
Review: Do You Live in a Big City 10m
Transportation 30m
Public Places 30m
Locations and Directions 30m
Ask For Directions 30m
Week 6: How About the Weather?
4 videos (Total 15 min), 2 readings, 4 quizzes
Lecture: What is the Temperature Today? 4m
Lecture: Is it Cold in January? 3m
Lecture: I Like Spring. 3m
Lecture: I Caught a Cold. 3m
Extended Exercise: I Caught a Cold. 10m
Review: How About the Weather? 10m
Temperature 30m
Time (3): Months 30m
Seasons 30m
Health 30m
Week 7: What is Your Hobby?
4 videos (Total 17 min), 3 readings, 5 quizzes
Lecture: What Day is it Today? 5m
Lecture: I Like Swimming. 4m
Lecture: I Watch TV News Everyday. 3m
Lecture: We Can Do a Lot of Things on the Internet. 3m
Extended Exercise: We Can Do a Lot of Things on the Internet. 10m
Review: What is Your Hobby? 10m
Chinese for Beginners-Notes in English 10m
Time (4): Weeks 30m
Sports 30m
TV Programs 30m
Internet, Books, Music, and Travel 30m
Reviews:
As someone who has taken the Chinese for Beginners course by Xiaoyu Liu on Coursera, I can provide a detailed evaluation of the course.
First and foremost, the course is well-structured and easy to follow. The course is divided into 7 weeks, each covering a different aspect of Chinese language and culture. The course materials are presented in a clear and concise manner, with plenty of examples and practice exercises to reinforce learning. The course also includes a variety of learning resources, such as cultural notes and real-life examples, which provide valuable insights into Chinese language and culture.
The video lectures, which are the main component of the course, are engaging and interactive. Xiaoyu Liu is an excellent instructor who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about teaching Chinese. She explains concepts clearly and provides plenty of examples to help learners understand the language. She is also patient and supportive, creating a comfortable learning environment for all learners.
The practice exercises and quizzes are challenging, but not overwhelming. They are designed to reinforce what learners have learned in the lectures and to test their understanding of the language. The assignments are also useful for practicing writing and speaking skills, as well as providing feedback from the instructor and peers.
One of the strengths of the course is the online community of learners. The course provides a platform for learners to interact with each other, share their experiences, and practice the language together. The discussion forums are active and engaging, with learners from all over the world sharing their perspectives and insights into the language and culture.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Chinese for Beginners course by Xiaoyu Liu on Coursera to anyone who is interested in learning the Chinese language. The course is well-structured, engaging, and comprehensive, with a highly knowledgeable and passionate instructor. The course materials are designed to help learners build a solid foundation in Chinese language and culture, and the online community of learners provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 18,177 ratings.
Author:
Xiaoyu Liu is an experienced Chinese language instructor and has been teaching Chinese to international students for over 10 years.
Ms. Liu holds a Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from East China Normal University, one of the top universities in China for language education. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Nanjing University.
Ms. Liu has worked as a Chinese language instructor at various institutions, including East China Normal University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Michigan. She has extensive experience in teaching Chinese to non-native speakers at different proficiency levels and has developed a variety of teaching materials and resources.
Ms. Liu's expertise in Chinese language instruction and her deep understanding of Chinese culture make her an excellent instructor for learners who are just starting to learn Chinese. Her "Chinese for Beginners" course on Coursera has received positive reviews from learners who have appreciated her clear explanations, engaging teaching style, and effective learning materials.
Overall, Ms. Liu is a highly qualified and experienced Chinese language instructor who has helped many learners around the world to start their journey in learning Chinese.
Requirements:
The requirements for the Chinese for Beginners course by Xiaoyu Liu on Coursera are as follows:
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No prior knowledge of Chinese language or culture is required: The course is designed for complete beginners, so no prior experience with the Chinese language or culture is necessary. However, learners should be willing to learn new things and have an open mind towards a new language and culture.
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Access to a computer or mobile device with internet access: As the course is delivered entirely online, learners should have a device with a stable internet connection to access the course materials, watch lectures, and participate in online activities.
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Time commitment: While the course is self-paced, learners should be able to devote approximately 2-3 hours per week to complete the course materials, including lectures, exercises, quizzes, and assignments. This time commitment will help learners stay on track and maximize their learning outcomes.
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Basic English proficiency: While the course is designed for learners who are new to the Chinese language, learners should have a basic level of English proficiency to understand the course materials and instructions, which are provided in English.
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Willingness to learn and commitment to completing the course: Learning a new language takes time, effort, and practice. To get the most out of the Chinese for Beginners course, learners should be willing to learn and practice the language regularly. Additionally, learners should be committed to completing the course on time and participating in online activities, such as discussions and language practice exercises.
Overall, the Chinese for Beginners course is accessible to anyone who is willing to learn and commit to the course requirements. Learners do not need any prior knowledge of Chinese language or culture, but should have a device with internet access, basic English proficiency, and a willingness to learn and practice regularly.
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