Complete Beginner Mandarin | Online | Tue 6:00–7:00 pm PT | Oct 27–Dec 1, 2026 | Catherine

🇨🇳 Complete Beginner Mandarin – Online Class

For learners in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose & the Bay Area

📅 Course Dates

This class will meet from October 27th to December 1st.

Format: Online, small group (3–6 students)

Schedule: Weekly live classes

👥 Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of Mandarin. If you have never studied Chinese before—or know only a few words—this class will guide you step by step from the very beginning. You’ll learn the foundations of Mandarin in a clear, supportive environment that makes the language approachable and enjoyable.

If you’re based in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose, this is a great opportunity to start Mandarin in a small, friendly group with personalized attention.

📖 What You’ll Learn

In this course, students will build a strong foundation in spoken and written Mandarin. You’ll learn to:

• Understand and use Pinyin and Mandarin tones correctly

• Pronounce sounds accurately and develop good listening habits from day one

• Use basic sentence structures to communicate simple ideas

• Greet people, introduce yourself, and exchange basic personal information

• Recognize and write a first set of essential Chinese characters (Hanzi)

• Build confidence speaking Mandarin in everyday situations

🌍 Themes and Topics Include

• Greetings and polite expressions

• Introducing yourself and others

• Talking about nationality, languages, and basic personal details

• Numbers, dates, and time

• Daily activities and simple routines

• Ordering drinks or simple food items

• Cultural basics and everyday etiquette in China

💬 What to Expect

Each class includes:

• Live, interactive instruction with an experienced teacher

• Clear explanations of pronunciation, tones, and structure

• Guided speaking practice in pairs and small groups

• Step-by-step introduction to reading and writing characters

• Cultural insights to support real-world communication

• Light, manageable homework to reinforce learning

✅ By the End of the Course, You’ll Be Able To:

• Pronounce Mandarin sounds and tones with confidence

• Hold simple conversations using basic phrases

• Introduce yourself and ask simple questions

• Read and write a small set of essential Chinese characters

• Understand and respond to slow, clear spoken Mandarin

• Be fully prepared to move into a Mandarin Low Beginner course

👩‍🏫 About the Instructor

Catherine Tan is an experienced Mandarin instructor with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She has taught students of many ages and proficiency levels, including university students and adult learners, in both in-person and online settings. Her teaching emphasizes practical communication, clear pronunciation and tones, and building confidence in speaking and understanding Mandarin. Catherine creates engaging, interactive lessons and adapts her instruction to students’ individual goals, interests, and learning pace.

🏫 About the School

This course is offered by Polyglottist Language Academy, based in Berkeley and serving students throughout the San Francisco Bay Area—including Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and beyond—with both in-person and online learning options.