Chinese Facts
Chinese is very reliant on the pitch and tone of the speaker - if a word is spoken with the wrong stress, it can have a very different meaning
53 percent of China are able to converse in Standard Mandarin, and while that seems like a low figure, it represents about 700 million people
Since it is frequently the only common tongue between Chinese people of different regions, Mandarin is often used for logistical reasons and convenience
Our Chinese speakers, fully qualified to teach their native tongue, can train you and, if need be, the rest of your group at a time that is suitable to you, at your home or place of work. Sessions can take place on the day of your choosing - even weekends - and at the time you want: whether it be morning, afternoon or evening. If circumstances arise where your home or office is not convenient, the classes can be held at your trainer's office. Resources for the course are provided for you.
Book now / InquiryThese courses in Chinese are meant for those that feel that learning Chinese would make a change in their work. For starters, it is expedient to learn how to say hello/goodbye, as well as basic business protocol; once the basics have been mastered, reading and writing come to the fore. Students who have greatly benefitted have been involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, jobseekers in multinational companies where another language is required, and those working in the international academia and government circuits. Even on our most fundamental beginner's course, students can anticipate ending the course with basic telephone Chinese and e-mail Chinese skills for communicating, as well as survival Chinese if a short visit to the country is needed.
Book now / InquiryThese Chinese lessons fit a broader spectrum, and can be useful for those who need different things from the language. Most beginner students will have a handle of survival Chinese by the end of their course, which will provide them without enough Chinese to communicate at least at a basic level during short trips to the country, but those who require more would benefit greatly from these sessions. Typical students have been those eager to travel all over the world, those buying overseas property, those with foreign spouses, aficionados of Chinese culture and those who just wish to pass a particular Chinese exam.
Book now / InquiryIf there are 2 or more of you with the same level of Chinese, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these Chinese courses can also be made available for Two-to-One Chinese Courses or Small Group In-Company Chinese Courses. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster courses in Chinese can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time.
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Chicago
The largest city in the Midwest and the 'second city' of the United States, Chicago was one of the fastest-growing cities in the world during the 19th century, with its population growing from around 30,000 in 1850 to well over a million residents in just forty years. The city was also the host of the world's first skyscraper - a common sight throughout the US these days - constructed during the enormous building boom after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city. Today, Chicago remains one of the 'tallest' cities in the world. Multi-culturalism abounds in The Windy City: Chicago houses the largest Polish community outside of Poland; the largest proportion of Swedish Americans in the country, the second largest amount of African American residents and the third largest population of Italian Americans in the USA. Plenty of other nationalities also thrive in the city, including those from Puerto Rico, Mexico, South Asia and several Middle Eastern nations; and combined with its status as a global hub of higher education, Chicago stands out as an ideal city for those wishing to take up a new language.
Chinese Testimonials
"China has always fascinated me, and I'm going to be travelling around Asia in 6 months' time, so I wanted to be able to speak the basics. It was really hard at first, but my teacher was friendly and didn't rush me. I learned what I needed to learn - thanks Listen & Learn!"