Question 1

What level of Chinese do I need to have before taking conversational Chinese classes?

Accepted Answer

Before taking conversational Chinese classes, it’s recommended that you have at least a basic understanding of the language, ideally at a beginner (A1) or lower-intermediate (A2) level. This would include being familiar with basic vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and common phrases. While it’s possible to start conversational lessons as a complete beginner, having some foundation in pronunciation (like tones) and basic characters will make the process smoother and more effective.

Conversational Chinese classes are designed to help you improve speaking and listening skills, so knowing some basic grammar and vocabulary will allow you to participate in conversations more easily. If you’re a beginner, your tutor will likely focus on building your confidence and helping you practice simple conversations. If you’re at a more intermediate level, the focus can shift to more complex sentence structures and deeper discussions.

Question 2

Can I take online conversational Chinese classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can definitely take online conversational Chinese classes, and italki is a great platform for this! It offers one-on-one lessons with native Chinese-speaking tutors who can help you practice speaking, improve your listening skills, and build your confidence in real-life conversations. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, you can find a tutor who tailors lessons to your specific needs, helping you focus on topics that interest you, like daily life, travel, or business Chinese. Online conversational Chinese classes are highly flexible, allowing you to schedule lessons at times that suit you, and you can learn from the comfort of your own home.

Question 3

How many classes do I need to take to become fluent in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

The number of classes needed to become fluent in Chinese depends on several factors, including your starting level, learning goals, and how much time you can dedicate to studying. For beginners, fluency can take several years to achieve, with consistent study and practice. On average, it might take around 600 to 1,200 hours of study to reach conversational fluency, which can equate to about 1-2 years of regular lessons.

However, becoming fluent also involves immersion, practice outside of lessons, and exposure to the language in different contexts. The key is consistency – taking lessons regularly, engaging in conversations, and practicing vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Additionally, actively using the language in real-world situations will significantly speed up your progress.

Setting specific milestones and working closely with a tutor on conversational practice can help accelerate your learning and give you a clearer idea of how many lessons you might need to become fluent.

Question 4

Who are the tutors that will be teaching the conversational Chinese classes?

Accepted Answer

The tutors teaching conversational Chinese classes on italki are native speakers or highly proficient speakers of Chinese, with a variety of teaching backgrounds and expertise. Some tutors are professional language instructors with formal teaching qualifications, while others are informal teachers with extensive experience in helping learners improve their conversational skills. These tutors come from diverse regions where Chinese is spoken, offering a range of accents and dialects (Mandarin, Cantonese, etc.).

Many tutors also specialize in different areas, such as business Chinese, travel vocabulary, or preparing for Chinese language exams. You can choose a tutor based on your personal learning goals, preferences, and their teaching style. Tutor profiles on italki include information about their qualifications, experience, teaching methods, and reviews from other students, helping you select the right match for your conversational practice.

Question 5

How do I sign up for conversational Chinese classes?

Accepted Answer

To sign up for conversational Chinese classes on italki, follow these steps:

Create an Account: If you don’t already have an account, visit italki.com and sign up by entering your email or connecting through a social media account.

Browse Tutors: Once logged in, go to the “Teachers” section and search for conversational Chinese tutors. You can filter your search based on criteria like availability, teaching style, experience, and reviews from other students.

Check Tutor Profiles: Review the profiles of different tutors, which include their qualifications, lesson offerings, teaching approach, and availability. Many tutors also offer trial lessons, allowing you to get a feel for their teaching style before committing to a regular class.

Book a Lesson: Once you find a tutor you like, click on their profile and choose a time slot that fits your schedule. You’ll be able to select the lesson type (such as conversational practice or specific skills) and pay for the lesson directly through the platform.

Start Learning: After booking, you’ll be able to join your lesson through italki’s video call feature. You can communicate directly with your tutor to focus on improving your conversational skills.

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