Spoken Chinese Language Courses
Focus on improving your language fluency for daily conversations
Finished HSK4 or HSK5? Continue learning with GoEast’s Spoken Language Courses.
About GoEast’s Spoken Chinese language courses
Our Spoken Chinese courses focus on contemporary life and spoken language. They’re perfect if you already know a lot of words and grammar from HSK1 to HSK4, sentences you can understand when you hear them — but here we focus on making you use them yourself in a more natural way, and adding more sentences in the mix to make you sound more natural.
Topics include:
- Words to use during transport such as high-speed trains, airplanes, cars and bicycles
- Online and offline shopping, including delivery time and returning products
- Sports and hobbies, or discussing favourite books or artworks
- Talking at the office, such as scheduling meetings and job interviews
Spoken Language versus HSK courses
The Intermediate & Advanced course books (left) from the Spoken Chinese Language course about buying products and riding bicycles.
On the right: HSK5 book with a text about the poet Lu Xun and the HSK6 book with a text about relics.
Spoken Chinese versus HSK
When to choose Spoken Language courses
- You want to make the words and grammar structures you already know part of your natural speech, and improve the variety of spoken words
- You want to be better at speaking Chinese in every day conversations and sound more fluent and spontaneous
When to continue with the HSK books instead
- You want to focus on written Chinese and improve your reading and writing ability
- You want to focus on speaking in formal language in official or business situations
- You want to complete the official HSK5 or HSK6 exam, for instance for a university entrance or a visa requirement
- You want to study Chinese language as a linguistic or translator or historian
Let’s learn Spoken Chinese
What happens when you fill in this form?
- A language consultant will contact you soon
- He or she will form a lesson plan with you, without obligation
- If the times and schedule is agreed with by you, you’ll receive a payment link
- Upon payment, we’ll create an account for you lesson scheduling, and your books will be send to you
- Then the learning starts!
Services in English only.
Reviews for GoEast Mandarin
+10.000 satisfied Chinese language students and counting. Read all reviews on Trustpilot.
Experience of Spoken Chinese language courses at GoEast Mandarin
The content of the classes
The content is actually one of the most interesting part of the Spoken Chinese courses. The courses are developed by GoEast Mandarin, with learning materials sourced from for instance Bilibili. For instance, the vlogger ‘我是兰卡’ (who talks about her life in Shanghai and ‘李佳琦’ (who is a famous lipstick promotor).
Every week has a theme. An example on some words on the module on money are 开销Kāixiāo (expense), 贷款Dàikuǎn (loan), 财力Cáilì (financial resources), 房贷Fángdài (mortgage). And there are words that don’t really relate to money but are useful when talking about money, such as ‘平均Píngjūn’ (on average).
We will often watch a video in which a Chinese person introduces a topic. In, for instance, the module about money, it’s 兰卡, a thirty-something Chinese lady in Shanghai who talks about her life and how she saves and spends money. The speed at which she talks is incredibly high at first, but the teacher will pause, rewind, let the students talk — and in the end you can watch the video and understand it.
You could technically do this on your own, but the problem is:
- You need to find the right materials, which have about 90% of the words you already know. You also need to know if the new 10% is actually useful for daily life. Plus the speed and pronunciation need to be challenging but doable.
- The teacher in class will help you pronounce the words correctly and how to use them right. She’s creating many opportunities to speak, to use the words in your situation (such as talking about whether you have a mortgage or not, which expenses you make). This makes you memorize the words better.
Chinese in the wild
The biggest benefit of real-life Chinese materials is that it’s a more honest reality of learning Chinese. As said above, the speed of the videos is very high, and this course trains you to hear this. People also talk with some slight accents, and there are some distractions like background noises. All this helps you to understand Chinese out of the classroom (and ironically, this perfectly prepares you for the new HSK levels, because high speaking speed, accents & distractions are a requirement of higher levels).
Tips on Improving Spoken Chinese
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of linguistic mastery? Picture this: you’re standing in the midst of a bustling Chinese market, confidently conversing with locals, effortlessly ordering your favorite dishes, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture. The power of spoken Chinese is undeniable, opening doors to captivating conversations, career advancements, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re eager to take your spoken Chinese to new heights, then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with proven strategies, practical tips, and personal anecdotes to transform your spoken Chinese abilities. Say goodbye to stumbling over words and hello to captivating fluency! Let’s dive in and unlock your true potential in the mesmerizing world of spoken Chinese.
Lay the Foundation for Success
Before we dive into the intricacies of spoken Chinese, let’s lay a solid foundation for success. Perfecting pronunciation and mastering tones are vital. Pay close attention to the subtle nuances and unique sounds that define the Chinese language. To practice pronunciation effectively, consider using platforms like GoEast, which provide interactive exercises and instant feedback. Additionally, embrace the power of Pinyin, the phonetic system used to represent Chinese characters. Pinyin will guide your pronunciation and boost your confidence as you tackle new words and phrases.
Expand Your Lexicon
To become a fluent speaker, building an extensive vocabulary is crucial. Make it a daily habit to learn new words and phrases. Flashcards are a powerful tool for memorization. Incorporate mnemonic techniques or create associations to help words stick in your mind. Don’t forget to explore commonly used idioms and expressions, as they add depth and richness to your spoken Chinese. One practical way to incorporate them into your vocabulary is by reading books, blogs, or listening to podcasts specifically designed for language learners.
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Reading Chinese Materials | Engage with books, articles, and online content in Chinese |
| Watching Chinese Media | Watch Chinese movies, TV shows, and documentaries |
| Listening to Chinese Podcasts | Tune in to podcasts or audio lessons in Chinese |
| Flashcards and Vocabulary Apps | Utilize flashcards or vocabulary apps for active learning |
| Vocabulary Note-Taking | Create a vocabulary notebook to record new words and phrases |
| Language Exchange | Engage in language exchange with native Chinese speakers |
| Contextual Learning | Learn vocabulary in context through dialogues or stories |
| Word Association | Make associations between new words and familiar concepts |
| Mnemonic Techniques | Use mnemonic devices or memory techniques for retention |
| Daily Word Challenge | Learn a new word every day and use it in conversations |
Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Listening comprehension is the cornerstone of effective communication. Enhance your skills by immersing yourself in Chinese audio content. Seek out Chinese movies, TV shows, and podcasts to expose yourself to different accents and dialects. For a targeted approach, try listening to Chinese lessons or audio exercises designed to improve your comprehension. Actively engage in the content, take notes, and reflect on what you hear. Over time, you’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your ability to understand and respond to spoken Chinese.
Embrace Regular Speaking Practice
Speaking regularly is the key to developing fluency. Seek out language partners, conversation groups, or language exchange programs to practice speaking with native Chinese speakers. Online platforms like iTalki or Tandem connect language learners worldwide. Engage in meaningful conversations, share cultural experiences, and receive real-time feedback. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—embracing them as stepping stones to improvement is a fundamental part of the language learning journey. To further enhance your progress, record yourself speaking and analyze areas for improvement. Celebrate your progress along the way and never underestimate the power of consistent practice.
Refine Your Pronunciation
To truly excel in spoken Chinese, refining your pronunciation is essential. Tackle challenging sounds and tones head-on. For example, focus on the infamous “r” sound by practicing tongue twisters like “四是四，十是十” (sì shì sì, shí shì shí). Repeating common phrases and tongue twisters helps train your mouth and tongue to produce accurate sounds. Seek feedback from native speakers or language teachers who can provide valuable insights and guide you towards clearer and more authentic pronunciation.
Chinese tongue twisters to challenge and improve your pronunciation skills
Cultivate Fluency and Natural Speech
Beyond correct pronunciation, strive for fluency and natural speech patterns. Reading aloud is an excellent way to enhance your intonation and rhythm. Engage in role-plays or simulations that simulate real-life conversations. Imagine yourself ordering food in a restaurant, negotiating a business deal, or engaging in friendly banter with locals. Practice spontaneous speech, where you rely less on prepared phrases and more on expressing your thoughts in real-time. Embrace every opportunity to engage in authentic conversations, gradually refining your fluency and building confidence.
Harness the Power of Language Learning Resources
Language learning resources are valuable allies on your journey to spoken Chinese mastery. Explore reputable textbooks like “会通汉语Mastering Chinese” or online platforms like GoEast. These resources provide comprehensive lessons, vocabulary lists, and interactive exercises to reinforce your learning. Take advantage of online communities and forums dedicated to language learners, where you can seek advice, share experiences, and find motivation in your language learning endeavors.
Overcoming Language Barriers
Language barriers can be daunting, but they shouldn’t deter you from achieving spoken Chinese excellence. Develop strategies to overcome challenges, such as active listening and context comprehension. Actively seek out Chinese media, immerse yourself in the culture, and embrace the language as a part of your daily life. Surround yourself with supportive communities that encourage growth and provide resources to overcome obstacles. Remember, your determination and perseverance will drive you forward, even in the face of challenges.