Prerequisites
This course is for beginners with no prior experience in learning Chinese. You will need access to a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone.
Objectives
The goal of this course is for you to understand and use simple Chinese words and phrases in everyday situations. You will learn to introduce yourself, ask others about their names and where they live, and hold simple conversations with someone speaking slowly and clearly.
Course content
- Common words and simple phrases
- Introducing yourself
- Asking and answering basic questions
- Basic grammar
- Speaking and writing about simple topics
- Learning pinyin, the phonetic system for Mandarin using Latin letters
- Cultural and social aspects of Chinese-speaking countries
Course structure
The lessons are primarily conducted in Chinese, with English used as a support language. The focus is on oral communication and practical situations. You will work with pair and group exercises, listening comprehension, and conversation. Active participation is expected, and you will have the opportunity to influence the course content. Expect a few hours of homework between sessions.
Online format
The course is held online via Microsoft Teams. Your teacher will send you a meeting link the day before the course starts. You can join directly through your web browser without needing to download the Teams app.
Course literature
Course literature is not included in the course fee. We use HSK Standard Course 1 Textbook and Workbook (Chinese and English Edition) by Jiang Liping (2014). Information about where to purchase the book will be provided in the course invitation.
Teacher
Your teacher is a native Mandarin speaker with extensive experience teaching Chinese as a second language.
Dates
The course runs for 7 weeks, starting on September 17 and ending on October 29, with one 1.5-hour lesson each week.
Note: The course schedule may be adjusted to better align with fall breaks if all participants and the course leader agree once the course starts.
Important booking information
The last day to register is one week before the course begins. Late registrations may be accepted, but we require a minimum number of participants for the course to take place. To secure your spot, be sure to register on time. Payment is required upon booking. If you use a foreign bank card, please contact our language department for an invoice.
Questions?
Do you have any questions or need a different setup? Contact us at sprak.umea@folkuniversitetet.se.
Kursledare
Jennifer Feng Gao
Learning Chinese is not just learning the language, but also how Chinese people think, live, and love.
I am Jennifer from Beijing. As a Mandarin Chinese teacher, I very much enjoy answering all kinds of questions from my students about China. It is fun to talk about the language, culture, food, history, geography, or just anything strange or funny. All those questions make the students better understand China, Chinese people, as well as the language.
I started to work as a full-time teacher in 2015, and before I moved to Sweden, I had taught over 150 students from more than 30 countries. And now I also enjoy teaching my mother language in a new country, and to share the great Chinese culture here in Sweden.
My university major was law. Photography is the hobby I love the most. I also play the Chinese instrument pipa. I believe that all the things you learned would help you to find a new way to think of your life, probably a new language too!
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