Chinese language training, Transglobal Languages & Cultures

If your work involves regular contacts with Chinese speakers, then you would certainly benefit from a Chinese language course. The UK is China’s 3rd largest EU business partner in terms of two-way trade. Mandarin Chinese or Putonghua is the standard form of the language based on the Northern dialect. It is taught in schools and used by TV and radio presenters. It is spoken by over 800 million native speakers.

How significant is Chinese as a world language?

Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. It has a very long history. It first appeared in the form of carved pictures - known as pictographs - some 3500 years ago. Gradually these developed into characters formed by strokes of the brush or pen. These 50,000 traditional or ”complex” characters were simplified in the 1950s and 1960s into just 2000. These are what the Chinese use today to read and write.

How can I ever hope to learn all those Chinese symbols?

At the same time as the simplification reforms, a system called Pinyin was devised to represent Chinese sounds by the Latin alphabet which we use in Europe. This has been adopted as a standard form through which Europeans can learn the language much more easily. In terms of its meaning too Mandarin is much less obscure than we tend to assume in the West. Chinese people have much the same concerns of everyday life as we do and many of our traditional sayings are shared with the Chinese.

Will Chinese be difficult for me to pronounce?

Unlike English, Chinese pronunciation using Pinyin is very consistent with its spelling so you should be able to get to grips with it through coaching, as part of your Chinese language training. One other important aspect in which it differs from English is the four tones. These are four different ways of pronouncing a syllable using level, rising or falling tones (like the way we raise the end of a sentence to emphasise a question in English.)

Can you really teach me Chinese?

Many years’ experience of “communicative methodology” has enabled us to develop dynamic exercises which help you to use your Chinese practically - as you learn it - with relevant materials and realistic situations. “Learning by doing” works because it is more stimulating and enjoyable.

What our clients said about their Chinese language course:

“The aim for my course was mostly informal basic Chinese which was covered well. The trainer was enthusiastic and demonstrated a love of her home country which added depth and interest to the sessions. Given the short programme I don’t think that it could have been improved. Fantastic!”
Liz Greasley

“Given the short duration we covered just enough to give us a good start as to how the language works… and an insight into written Chinese. We would highly recommend this to others interested in learning Chinese…”
“Informal, adaptable approach which focused on key learning needs.”
Sham and Nigel Tucker

Will it take me a long time to learn Chinese?

Because we do not waste your time on irrelevant topics you reach your learning objectives in far less time. The Chinese language training we provide you will be tailored specifically to your requirements. A detailed needs analysis allows us to design it around the demands of your job.

Why do Transglobal’s Chinese language courses have such a good reputation?

We have been training business people, partners and families in languages since 1992. So we really understand how to meet your needs. We have won numerous awards for the most effective language training in the UK. Ask our training manager, Ela Linton how Transglobal’s acclaimed language training can enable you to learn Chinese. Contact Ela now……