Beginners’ Chinese
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This introductory module is carefully structured and designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand basic Mandarin Chinese in everyday contexts such as work, family life and travelling. You’ll also learn how to read simplified characters and explore the geography and history of Chinese-speaking cultures. The study resources include printed materials, a free Chinese@OU app and a dedicated website with a variety of activities which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language-learning skills, but also a real feel for Chinese-speaking cultures.
What you will study
Throughout this module, you'll learn about the concepts, skills and strategies required to learn Chinese successfully. Over six thematic units, you'll learn new language covering levels A1 and working towards A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It covers levels 1 and 2 of the Chinese Proficiency Test Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK).
The six units centre around the following themes:
- Greetings and introductions, names and nationalities
- Family and friends, occupations, age and dates
- Leisure and learning, daily activities and sports
- Visiting places, food and weather
- Travelling, means of transport, telling the time and directions
- Shopping and technology, bargaining, exchanging money and online shopping
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts. This module teaches Mandarin Chinese pronunciation and Chinese script in simplified characters. In the module’s key vocabulary glossary, traditional characters are provided alongside simplified characters whenever necessary.
In addition to language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking in Chinese), you'll develop an awareness of cultural diversity in Chinese-speaking countries and regions.
You'll also learn key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data. The module will also help you develop your intercultural communication competence, your critical thinking and digital literacy, all of which are considered important employability skills.
Entry requirements
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of Chinese is required to study this module.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Preparatory work
As part of the module, there will be a selection of induction sessions to help you familiarise yourself with the module materials, website and OU terminology. You will receive detailed information after registration.
What's included
You'll be provided with a printed Workbook which focuses on the learning of Chinese characters and you’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content (downloadable and with transcripts)
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- additional resources in language and culture
- access to forums where you can communicate with your module team, tutor and fellow students.
Chinese@OU is a free character learning app developed by the OU’s Chinese language team that can be downloaded via the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.