第一步 Dì yī bù: beginners’ Chinese will give you the skills you need to speak and understand simple Chinese (Mandarin) in everyday contexts. No previous knowledge of Chinese is required. This key introductory OU level 1 module will take you through a wide range of practical situations such as socialising, shopping and getting around. Study resources include printed materials and a dedicated website with a variety of online activities - which support independent learning. And while you’re learning the language you’ll explore aspects of Chinese society and culture, which will give you a real feel for the Chinese way of life.
What you will study
This module has at its core the following elements:
- a step-by-step introduction to the Mandarin Chinese speech sounds and the formation of Chinese characters
- user-friendly, concise instruction dealing with the Chinese grammar and language use, and useful information on relevant cultural aspects
- gradual introduction of basic vocabulary, set phrases and sentence patterns
- audio materials, featuring recordings by native speakers of Chinese
- regular online listening, speaking, reading and grammar exercises with immediate feedback to monitor your progress
- gradual development of study and language skills.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts. This module presents Mandarin Chinese in simplified characters accompanied by pinyin throughout the first part of print and online materials (note: pinyin is used less in the second half of the materials). There are notes on significant regional variations in the language whenever relevant.
This module is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the language as well as an awareness of cultural diversity in Chinese speaking countries which form a key part of the learning outcomes for studying at this level. By the end of the module you will have developed key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data.
Please note that no further Chinese modules are currently planned.
Entry
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of Chinese is required to study this module.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of this module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L197 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
Books, audio CDs, and a dedicated website with additional online resources and activities. As a registered language student you have access to an online forum where you can communicate with fellow students.
You will need
You will need a CD player, and a device to play mp3 files.
You may wish to check that your computer set up allows you to access the Chinese Simplified font, or whether you will need to purchase an additional language pack. You should check your specific operating system and software for guidance.
We recommend that you purchase a bilingual dictionary as well as a grammar book, such as:
- Collins Easy Learning Mandarin Chinese Dictionary (ISBN 9780007261130), HarperCollins Publishers, and
- Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar A Practical Guide by Ross, Claudia & Jing-Heng Sheng Ma (ISBN 9780415700108), Routledge.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written and spoken tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you’re new to the OU, you’ll find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. This module includes a programme of tutorial events, all of which are offered online, and some of which are also offered face-to-face. You therefore have the option of attending all events online or a mixture of online and face-to-face. Where face-to-face events are held will depend on the geographical distribution of students taking the module. All of these tutorial events, whether online or face-to-face, will provide plenty of opportunities to speak and listen to (Mandarin) Chinese.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
TMAs assess your writing and speaking skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) presented on the website. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.
Future availability
Beginners' Chinese (L197) starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2019. It will start for the last time in October 2019 – there's no planned replacement.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.