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
One thing we find is that HSK5 & HSK6 are filled with formal written language, including Confucius and Laozi, and not everything is applicable during daily life (unless you talk a lot about philosophy, that is).
Our Spoken Language courses also have textbooks, but the contents are filled with daily conversations about picking up people from the airport, riding bicycles and anything that can be used for day-to-day talk.
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.
We’re not here to bash HSK, because there’s nothing really wrong with the HSK5 & HSK6 books. But starting from HSK5, many students lose enthusiasm and stop, which is a great pity. Such students often find the Spoken Language Courses not only more enjoyable to learn, they’re also more closer to their learning goals and ambitions. Since the HSK5 and HSK6 books take around 550 class hours to complete, it’s worth considering other options too.
Spoken Chinese versus HSK
Deciding between Spoken or HSK isn’t really a matter of difficulty. If you finish the Intermediate Spoken Course, you’re halfway HSK5 in terms of vocabulary and you can always continue that way after it.
More so, it’s a choice between casual versus formal, conversational versus written language.
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
Our courses use the ‘会通汉语 Mastering Chinese’ books from the People’s Education Press. These books have been developed and updated for almost ten years and come in a variety of levels.
When you start the course, you’re advised to buy these books yourself to self-study, but during the class, digital versions of the book.
On top of the books, we have corresponding PPT’s, flashcards, exercises and other materials, in-house developed by GoEast’s curriculum designers.
Among top 5% of Mandarin teachers
BS, MS, or PhD degree holders in foreign language
Average 7 years experience teaching Chinese to foreign students
Know the learning materials in-and-out
2 month intensive training program before teaching
Our courses use the ‘会通汉语 Mastering Chinese’ books from the People’s Education Press. These books have been developed and updated for almost ten years and come in a variety of levels.
When you start the course, you’re advised to buy these books yourself to self-study, but during the class, digital versions of the book
On top of the books, we have corresponding PPT’s, flashcards, exercises and other materials, in-house developed by GoEast’s curriculum designers.
Among top 5% of Mandarin teachers
BS, MS, or PhD degree holders in foreign language
Average 7 years experience teaching Chinese to foreign students
Know the learning materials in-and-out
2 month intensive training program before teaching
We’re a Chinese Language school with teachers online and in Shanghai. Our online school combines self-learning with live teachers; the best of both worlds.
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.
I’ve been studying at GoEast for over 2 years now and during this time I have tried ad hoc classes at other schools and they have never once come close to the quality of a GoEast class. When I first started learning at GoEast, I had already passed HSK3. After my assessment, GoEast told me that I should repeat the HSK3 course because my speaking was not up to standard. At the time, I was really angsty about this decision but I honestly think that was one of the best decisions for my Chinese learning progress. GoEast will be honest with you and is really the ideal school for anyone serious about learning Chinese.
My teacher is INCREDIBLE. I also love the program’s self study tools and set up. It’s super helpful for the student that is ambitious and wants to learn Chinese at their pace! I do wish there was more speaking opportunities–but my teacher is incredible and I enjoy every session with her and learn LITERALLY so much.
I have tried other schools and GoEast is the best. I love the structured nature of the courses. The instructors have proper teaching credentials from universities which means they have formal training in teaching languages. I also love the flexibility of the private courses. After gaining the fundamentals in HSK1/2/3 at GoEast, I worked with my course consultant to create a private course tailored to my needs and goals. I can’t say enough good things about my experience at GoEast.
I have been studying with GoEast on and off for 3 years (my schedule sometimes necessitates breaks) and without fail, every teacher has been extremely professional and knowledgeable. That being said, my current teacher, Jaxon, is exemplary. Not only one of my best Chinese teachers, but one of the best teachers that I have encountered, and I am 55, with a masters degree. His knowledge, patience, and the dedication to tailor each lesson to student needs is beyond rare. In fact, were it not for HIS commitment, I might have given up.
Great course, lots of resources available, and my teacher is super helpful and good at explaining all the answers to my questions. I really enjoy the lessons and it’s made me more interested in learning Chinese.
The verdict from my second daughter was that this class is the best of ALL the classes she has ever done (and we’ve tried a lot over the years). She had an instant connection with Teacher Jenny, and my daughter was very joyful about doing these classes, even twice each weekend!
When I started at GoEast, I was afraid to open my mouth. But in just a few months, I’ve became much more confident in expressing myself, to the point where sometimes I can’t even believe how the words seem to flow out of my mouth by themselves. I sometimes even feel like I can’t shut up! I never thought I’d feel that way about speaking Chinese. If you’re looking for a Chinese language school, I’d recommend GoEast in a heartbeat.
Since one year I study already with GoEast. I started as a total beginner and I’m about to finish HSK3 now. For me the system they are using is very convenient to make simple and quick very good progress. I’m looking forward to completing HSK4 in 2022 with as much fun as in 2021.
I came across Go East Mandarin School when in Shanghai. It was the most beautiful part of my trip. I started learning Chinese and now I am still studying with them from Italy thanks to online classes. I believe it is the best school you can find. It is not only a school, it is a family.
I have been studying with GoEast for three months, and have just renewed for another year as it has been such a good experience. I have lived in China for many years, am currently studying HSK 5, and signed up for lessons with a goal of improving the complexity of my Chinese speaking and grammar patterns. My teacher (Andie) is always well prepared and patiently answers all my questions in detail. I have been really pleased with the convenience of the online platform and the quality of Andie’s teaching. In comparison with other studying methods that I’ve used in the past, I’ve found that GoEast provides good value for money, and the twice-weekly online classes give me the structure that I need to move through the material.
GoEast showed me it is really possible to get to know the reading mandarin which is so essential to get deeper knowledge about the Chinese culture from a not only occidental approach. I am very happy with my progress and do recommend for those who like me want to get success in this challenging experience !
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).
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.
Remember, tongue twisters are meant to be challenging, so take your time and practice them slowly at first. Focus on getting the correct pronunciation and gradually increase your speed. Have fun with these tongue twisters and enjoy the process of mastering spoken Chinese!
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.