Award-Winning Mandarin Chinese Courses & Classes in Richmond, VA

A Richmond Chinese course can help you gain a much deeper understanding of Chinese. This language is one of the most useful to learn, as it boasts the highest number of speakers on the entire planet. Only Spanish comes close to Mandarin Chinese in terms of the sheer number of worldwide speakers.

Maybe you're learning Chinese to fulfill certain language requirements for programs at the University of Richmond, or any other university program you might be interested in. Perhaps you're just a high schooler at Huguenot High School or George Wythe High School, and you really want to learn Chinese along with your other studies. You could be a savvy business professional who understands the true value of learning Chinese. This language could be a major asset across many industries. Because China is so involved in international trade, learning this language could open the door to all kinds of new opportunities. Or maybe you're just learning this language because you want to truly challenge your linguistic abilities. Whatever the case may be, a Chinese course could really make the difference.

If the planet Earth was given an official language, it would probably be Mandarin Chinese. Cantonese is the second most common Chinese dialect, and you'll find this unique language spread throughout the United States. Along with Cantonese, there are many other Chinese dialects, and they're all distinct from one another. Although these dialects share the same writing system, speakers of the various dialects are barely able to understand each other when speaking. This is due to different tonal systems, pronunciations, and many other elements. Even though the Chinese written language is universal across the various dialects, it can be challenging for new English speakers. That's because China's written system is the last remaining pictographic language, and it's completely different compared to almost every other written language on Earth. While the English language has only 26 characters, the Chinese language has about 50,000.

What Might A Richmond Chinese Course Cover?

Aside from the sheer number of characters in the Chinese language, there are many other notable differences compared to the English language. In fact, it's probably easier to list the similarities between these two languages, since there are almost none. Because English speakers are walking into truly uncharted territory when they learn Chinese, it's probably harder to learn than most other languages. You'll encounter plenty of things that you've never experienced before, such as China's tonal system. Mandarin Chinese has four tones: rising, falling, flat, and rising then falling. Identical words mean completely different things based on the tone being used in conversation. Understanding spoken Chinese takes a lot of practice and patience.

Pronunciation and tone are very important in the Chinese language, but the written language offers almost no clues as to the correct pronunciation. Once again, you'll need plenty of practice and experience to read Chinese aloud with confidence. Fortunately, a Richmond Chinese course provides you with plenty of opportunities to practice and gain this valuable experience. With all that said, not every aspect of learning Chinese is difficult and time-consuming. The Chinese language actually uses a vastly simplified pluralization system, with no equivalent of the "s" used in the English language to indicate plural nouns. Instead, all Chinese nouns remain the same, whether they're plural or singular. While this might be easy for you to grasp, Chinese speakers have trouble learning this system when taking English courses!

One of the most important parts of learning any language is being able to practice speaking with other people. In your Chinese course, you'll spend a lot of time practicing your spoken Chinese with other students. You'll practice common Chinese phrases, and you'll expand your vocabulary to include more and more Chinese words. Sometimes, learning a language like Chinese simply takes time and practice.

How Does A Richmond Chinese Course Help You Learn?

A group-based, highly interactive learning structure is one of the notable benefits of a Richmond Chinese course. Group-based, collaborative learning has proven benefits, and it might really help you take your Chinese to the next level as you progress through the course's topics. But this isn't the only benefit of this innovative course structure. Courses are also completely virtual and online. You'll learn from your computer, and join other students that might be located all over the globe. All courses are taught by qualified, expert instructors who have a deep understanding of the Chinese language. Even better, they're chosen specifically for their teaching and communication skills. And if you find yourself struggling with any particularly challenging Chinese topics, you can always request extra time with your instructor in a private, one-on-one setting.

How Do You Sign Up With A Richmond Chinese Class?

Classes are designed specifically to fit the busy schedules of working professionals, busy college students, and high schoolers involved in many extra-curricular activities. You can choose between a two-week class and a four-week class, depending on how much time you want to commit. You can also choose between night classes, weekend classes, and many other scheduling options. You can even take a Richmond Chinese class during your lunch break. New classes start up on a monthly basis, so wait times are never extensive.

While Chinese might be challenging to learn, you might find that it's one of the most useful skills you ever learn. China is an economic powerhouse, but accessing this valuable business network could be challenging without the right linguistic skills. Chinese business relationships are built on respect and trust. Showing that you're willing to learn their language is a major plus. Academically speaking, learning Chinese might also open amazing new pathways for future studies, university programs, and chances to study in different countries. And once you've learned Chinese, other languages might seem very easy to master! There are many reasons why Chinese might be useful, but it all starts with choosing a great class. Choose Varsity Tutors, and contact us today for all the information you'll need to book your Richmond Chinese class today.