Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Part 2

Shanghai Jiao Tong University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mandarin-chinese-intermediate-learners-2

Introduction

### Course Review: Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Part 2 As someone who has always been intrigued by the beauty and complexity of the Mandarin language, I was excited to dive into "Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Part 2," offered on Coursera by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. This course, a part of the "Learn Intermediate Mandarin Chinese" MOOC specialization, aims to enhance the linguistic capabilities of learners who have already grasped the basics of Mandarin. After completing the course, I am eager to share my experience and insights. #### Course Overview This course builds on the foundational skills acquired in Part 1, focusing on practical language usage across various everyday scenarios. The syllabus is structured into ten engaging lessons, designed to cover essential topics like online shopping, housing, beauty, employment, and celebrations. Each lesson is divided into two segments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. #### Detailed Syllabus Insights 1. **Shopping Online** (Lessons 6 - 7): The first two lessons delve into the vocabulary and expressions necessary for navigating the world of e-commerce in Mandarin. From discussing payment options to comparing products, learners will enhance their confidence when making online purchases in Mandarin-speaking environments. 2. **Housing Discussions** (Lessons 8 - 9): The course shifts focus to the housing market, teaching students how to inquire about apartments and describe their characteristics. This section enriches vocabulary related to furnishings and amenities, a key area for anyone looking to reside in China. 3. **Beauty and Fitness** (Lessons 10 - 11): Entering the realm of personal grooming and health, these lessons introduce terms associated with hairdressing and fitness. The practical application of these vocabulary sets is invaluable for those interested in the beauty industry or health-related conversations. 4. **Employment and Job Hunting** (Lessons 12 - 13): A particularly beneficial segment for intermediate learners is the focus on job-related language. Skills gained here aid students in discussing their qualifications, interviewing, and networking—all critical for those seeking employment in Mandarin-speaking contexts. 5. **Cultural Celebrations** (Lessons 14 - 15): Rounding off with lessons on birthdays and parties, learners acquire phrases to discuss gifts and celebrations. This crucial aspect enriches cultural understanding and prepares the learner for social interactions during festivities. #### Learning Experience The delivery of the course is excellent, combining informative videos, practical exercises, and interactive quizzes. The instructors are knowledgeable and articulate, guiding students through each lesson with clarity. I found the pacing to be just right—challenging enough to keep me engaged without causing frustration. The repetition and reinforcement of vocabulary through various contexts were particularly useful, cementing my understanding. #### Who Should Take This Course? "Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Part 2" is perfect for anyone who has a foundational grasp of Mandarin and wishes to deepen their language skills in practical, daily-life contexts. Whether you are planning to travel, work, or simply communicate effectively with Mandarin speakers, this course is a valuable addition to your learning path. Additionally, learners seeking a structured approach backed by a reputable institution will appreciate the academic rigor and quality assurance that Shanghai Jiao Tong University provides. #### Recommendation I highly recommend this course to anyone at an intermediate level looking to improve their Mandarin proficiency. The focused lessons, comprehensive vocabulary, and the inclusion of cultural context make it a rewarding educational experience. Whether you are an international student, a professional, or just a language enthusiast, this course will equip you with the essential language tools to navigate various social and professional scenarios in Mandarin-speaking environments. Happy learning!

Syllabus

LESSON 6 网上购物 SHOPPING ONLINE PART 1

Learning expressions related to online shopping

LESSON 6 网上购物 SHOPPING ONLINE PART 2

Learning expressions related to online shopping

LESSON 7 那套房子怎么样?How is that apartment? PART 1

Learning related to house renting; Learning how to talk about home furnishings

LESSON 7 那套房子怎么样? HOW IS THAT APARTMENT? PART 2

Learning related to house renting; Learning how to talk about home furnishings

LESSON 8 他们剪得好吗?CAN THEY CUT IT WELL? PART 1

Learning expressions related to hairdressing; Learning expressions related to fitness and cosmetics

LESSON 8 他们剪得好吗?CAN THEY CUT IT WELL? PART 2

Learning expressions related to hairdressing; Learning expressions related to fitness and cosmetics

LESSON 9 你的才能会被我们欣赏 YOUR TALENT WILL BE APPRECIATED BY US PART 1

Learning how to talk about jobs; Learning expressions related to job hunting

LESSON 9 你的才能会被我们欣赏 YOUR TALENT WILL BE APPRECIATED BY US PART 2

Learning how to talk about jobs; Learning expressions related to job hunting

LESSON 10 李佳下周就要过生日了 IT WILL BE LI JIA'S BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK PART 1

Learning how to talk about gifts and parties; Learning expressions related to birthday and celebration

LESSON 10 李佳下周就要过生日了 IT WILL BE LI JIA'S BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK PART 2

Learning how to talk about gifts and parties; Learning expressions related to birthday and celebration

Overview

"Mandarin Chinese 2: Chinese for Intermediate Learners" is the second course of the MOOC specialization "Learn Intermediate Mandarin Chinese" created by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Skills

Reviews

Nice materials and interesting course. Thanks to Coursera for the financial aids

Enjoyable lessons. It appears to be higher than HSK Level 3.

The structure is good and helps students finish the course. I would suggest, however, using native speakers for all Mandarin Chinese spoken content.