Chinese (Mandarin) has official status in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and has 800 million speakers worldwide. Almost a quarter of internet usage is conducted in Chinese; this makes it the second biggest language online after English.
British Council (2014), Languages for the Future
Read posts from former students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn on a Languages for All module and the reasons why you should take a Languages for All module.
As a Languages for All Chinese student, you may also get the chance for some extra-curricular activities, such as celebrating Chinese New Year, and you can join a society and learn more about Chinese-speaking cultures.
In addition, students recently voted Cong Xia Li, Lecturer in Chinese (Mandarin) as winner of the Reading Students' Union (RSU) Excellence Award: Diverse and Inclusive Teaching (university-wide).
She said:
Receiving the Excellence Award for Diverse and Inclusive Teaching is a profound honour, especially knowing it stems from the appreciation of my students. It represents recognition of efforts dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. Throughout my 17 years of teaching Mandarin Chinese at the University, I have embraced various teaching methodologies to ensure accessibility for diverse learners. By integrating intercultural awareness into my teaching practices, I aim to create a classroom atmosphere that celebrates the richness of varied perspectives and backgrounds.
For more information contact the Chinese Language Lead.
For detailed information, see our how to apply page.
This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Chinese.
This module will provide an introduction to Chinese, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.
This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Chinese, such as that acquired by attending Stage 1 or equivalent.
You'll increase your ability to communicate in Chinese by consolidating and building on your existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.
This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Chinese, such as that acquired by attending Stage 2 or equivalent.
You'll increase your ability to communicate in Chinese through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics and a short research project.
If you would like to take Chinese at a higher level than we currently offer, contact us via languagesforall@reading.ac.uk.