Mandarin Chinese Post-beginners (Level 2)

This is for you if you can already manage in everyday situations using the present tense and you have reached the A1 level in the ELP self-assessment grid and/or completed the Beginners (Level 1) course.

Key information 

Course started October 2024

• Course: Thursdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 23 January - ends 24 March 2025
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £150

This course will be taught in a small group. It requires a minimum of 7 and it can have up to a maximum of 14 students. The course fee includes all tuition, access to VLE (virtual learning environment), handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook. 

Term 1 runs from October to December, Term 2 from January to March and Term 3 from April to July. A full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language.

Enrol now

Entry level

You have reached a level similar to the CEFR A1 level or completed the Beginners (Level 1) or you have enough knowledge to be on track with the group.

You can use the ELP self-assessment grid to judge how competent you are in the language. Alternatively, if you require help to assess your level, please contact us or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

Course content

Term one

• Introduction by name, nationality, and occupation
• Family, home and relatives
• Asking and giving directions
• Shopping and bargaining
• Ordering food and drink at the restaurant
• Talking about future plans
• Talking about past experience

Term two

• Giving compliments to people who are doing something well
• Talking about weather and comparison
• Talking about hometown, scenery, and environment preference
• Booking train tickets
• Talking about something you don’t understand
• Lost and found property
• Making requests and complaints

Resources

• Contemporary Chinese for beginners (ISBN: 978-7-80200-690-4)

There isn’t a University bookshop, however The European Bookshop holds our book list and offers a 10% discount to all our students. Languages at Leicester Reading List. It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required.  With some languages there is the option for us to order text books on behalf of a class.

Our approach

This course is taught in Mandarin Chinese and English. Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary, writing system (characters) and grammar structures of the Mandarin Chinese language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of Mandarin Chinese language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. Lessons are planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression 

Upon completing the Post-beginners Level 2, you can progress onto the Intermediate Level 3.