Introduction to Mandarin and Chinese culture
Are you curious about the Chinese language and culture? This course offers an introduction to Mandarin and a glimpse into China’s rich traditions, society, and history. You’ll learn basic phrases, explore cultural practices, and even try your hand at traditional Chinese paper cutting. The course concludes with an exciting cooking session where you’ll prepare and taste authentic Chinese dishes.
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for those with no previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.
Goals
The goal of this course is to introduce you to basic Mandarin phrases and provide insight into Chinese culture, society, and traditions.
Content
In this course, you will:
- Learn common Mandarin words and simple phrases.
- Practice asking questions and understanding basic replies.
- Explore Chinese traditions, society, and everyday life.
- Get practical travel tips for visiting China.
- Try traditional Chinese paper cutting.
- Participate in a cooking class to prepare and enjoy Chinese dishes.
Course structure
The course runs over seven weeks with one session per week. Each session is 1.5 hours long and combines language learning, cultural insights, and hands-on activities. Classes are primarily taught in Mandarin, with English as instruction language. Active participation is encouraged, and homework may be assigned between sessions.
Material
Course materials are not included in the course fee. You will receive details about required materials and where to purchase them in the course confirmation.
There will be an additional cost of 50–250 SEK per person for materials used in the paper cutting and cooking sessions, depending on the number of participants and the chosen activities.
Teacher
Your teacher is a native Mandarin speaker with extensive experience teaching Chinese as a second language.
Dates
The course runs for 7 weeks and starts on February 13. Each lesson is 1.5 hours long, and the last lesson is scheduled for April 3, with a break during week 10 for the winter holidays. Dates can be adjusted in consultation with the instructor and participants after the course has started.
Important booking information
The last day to register is one week before the course begins. Late registrations may be accepted, but we require a minimum number of participants for the course to take place. To secure your spot, be sure to register on time. Payment is required upon booking. If you use a foreign bank card, please contact our language department for an invoice.
Questions?
Do you need assistance or have other requests? Contact us at: umea@folkuniversitetet.se
Kursledare
Jennifer Feng Gao
"Learning Chinese is not just learning the language, but also how Chinese people think, live, and love."
I am Jennifer from Beijing. As a Mandarin Chinese teacher, I very much enjoy answering all kinds of questions from my students about China. It is fun to talk about the language, culture, food, history, geography, or just anything strange or funny. All those questions make the students better understand China, Chinese people, as well as the language.
I started to work as a full-time teacher in 2015, and before I moved to Sweden, I had taught over 150 students from more than 30 countries. And now I also enjoy teaching my mother language in a new country, and to share the great Chinese culture here in Sweden.
My university major was law. Photography is the hobby I love the most. I also play the Chinese instrument pipa. I believe that all the things you learned would help you to find a new way to think of your life, probably a new language too!
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