This course is great for learners of all levels. You will be taught how to listen, speak, write, and read in Chinese from native-speaking experts. Whether you’re completely new to Chinese or are searching for a more advanced course, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. There are nine levels to choose from in this course, and each level includes a large number of useful topics.
For beginners:
Level 1
1. Students who are completely new to Chinese will do well at this level, as well as those who have limited experience with the language. Starting at this level, you will not be expected to be able to read Chinese characters yet. Those who begin at level one may not know simple Chinese words and may have a hard time with responding to basic questions in Chinese.
2. Chinese pronunciation, which is key to effectively learning Chinese, will be taught at this level. In addition, students will be taught to begin simple conversations and respond to basic questions. Students will be prepared for daily life encounters: introducing themselves, greeting other people, engaging in simple bargaining, ordering at a restaurant, and more.
Level 2
1. Students who begin at level two are able to communicate in Chinese but only in a very basic way; they may need to listen several times before understanding what is said. At this level, students are able to respond to and ask basic questions about ordinary topics. Level two students are just learning to pick up on familiar words, phrases, and names, and can understand short texts one phrase at a time.
2. Topics such as introducing friends and family members, making reservations, asking for the time and directions, and exchanging money will be taught. Level two students will also learn the basic structure that forms Chinese characters.
Level 3
1. Those at this level have learned to answer and ask questions, exchange information and ideas on ordinary topics, and can understand speech that is slowly and clearly articulated.
2. Level three students will be taught more about the structure and basic rules of Chinese characters, in addition to everyday subjects including sports, hobbies, travel plans, and personal preferences. Students will be able to read some short essays that center on everyday life.
For intermediate learners:
Level 4
1. Level four students can comprehend the main ideas conveyed via standard, clear speech on familiar topics.
2. Students will learn important sentence construction methods. At this level, topics including educational background, lifestyle, career, and more will be explored. Students will also read detailed descriptions that cover a wide variety of familiar topics.
Level 5
1. At this level, students are able to read straightforward texts on topics concerning their interests with a good amount of understanding. In addition, level five students are able to confidently communicate in Chinese regarding topics that relate to their career and personal interests. Students can convey and receive information, but there are still some mistakes and pauses that occur.
2. Topics including the traditional Chinese festivals, scenic areas, historical locations, and the differences between Western and Eastern culture will be taught at this level.
Level 6
1. Level six students are able to read Chinese mostly on their own and have a substantial reading vocabulary but may struggle with less frequently used words and phrases. Students are able to communicate with enough fluency and spontaneity to converse with native Chinese speakers without there being difficulty for either person.
2. Students at level six will be taught how to describe their dreams and hopes for the future, tell a story, describe emotions and reactions, and speak in detail about personal experiences.
For advanced learners:
Level 7
1. Students at this level are able to read longer texts and comprehend them without any problems. Level seven students are able to communicate spontaneously with few restrictions on expressing themselves, though they may need to search for the correct Chinese saying. In addition, students are able to effectively and accurately speak about a variety of subjects.
2. Students will read articles centered on more advanced topics, such as the economy, technology, social issues, and more. In addition, they will be taught complicated subjects such as discussing marital problems, addressing environmental problems, and filing complaints.
Level 8
1. Students who are at level eight have learned to read and comprehend lengthy, detailed, complex texts that address any subject, so long as they can reread challenging sections. At this level, students can comprehend a variety of challenging subjects and pick up on implied meanings. In addition, they do not need to pause much to search for expressions, and are able to communicate with spontaneity and fluency.
2. Students will be taught subjects including social issues, the stock market, and other complex topics. They will read newspaper and internet articles, as well as literary writing.
Level 9
1. Level nine students have advanced their learning to be able to comprehend practically everything they read or hear in Chinese. They are able to precisely, spontaneously, and fluently communicate, and even in very complex circumstances they are able to distinguish implications and other subtle meanings. Students at this level can comprehend and critically interpret practically any form of the written Chinese language; this includes structurally complex, abstract, or highly colloquial writings, whether literary or not.
2. Students will be taught about China’s business investment environment, commercial culture, and the emerging market in China. They will read business texts and learn to pick up on the underlying meanings, and they will write a lengthy thesis with which to showcase their business-related findings. In addition, level nine students will be taught sophisticated topics that are found in both writings and the media.