Mandarin Language Class

Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.

Instructor Steven Jenkins: I have studied Mandarin Chinese at several universities in China and lived and worked in China for a number of years. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help people start their journey in learning Mandarin Chinese!

How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.

Cost: Absolutely free. Food and drink purchases encouraged

Location: Drawing Room, 2nd floor

Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources.  You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere.  As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook.  If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.

Instructor Contact Information: Steven Jenkins (steven.jenkins@gmail.com)