Learning is a weightless treasure you can always carry easily.
~ Chinese Proverb ~
Although slow, the number of students learning Chinese in Australia is increasing. What we are seeing, however, is a greater increase in primary and secondary schools offering Chinese study, but less uptake of Chinese (or any languages, for that matter) once language study ceases to be compulsory in senior secondary school.
When we speak of 'Chinese' language, we are actually referring to the most common of the 10 dialects — Mandarin — and this is the variant most commonly taught in schools, at university and in courses offered by cultural associations.
Given that China has the world's fastest-growing economy, it makes sense for Australians to learn Chinese.
Of course, there are other benefits in learning a language as well — so, where can people learn Chinese in Australia?
Let's take a look at a few of your choices and the benefits of each one.
Learning Chinese with a Cultural Association
Throughout Australia, there are a number of Chinese cultural groups or associations. The goal of these groups is to promote understanding and share the culture and traditions of China with everyone. Some of the activities you may be able to participate in include:
- beginner Mandarin lessons and conversation classes
- writing lessons and calligraphy
- traditional Chinese arts, such as painting
- regional dialects and languages, such as Pinyin, Wan and Cantonese.
When it comes to knowing how to learn Mandarin, these associations offer a variety of activities, such as private and small group tutorials, as well as practical workshops for developing all communication skills — reading, writing, speaking and listening. Many groups organise cultural community events and some run competitions for schools.
A few of these groups include:
- Australia China Friendship Society (branches in most states of Australia)
- China Cultural Centre (Sydney)
- Chinese Australian Cultural Society (Ballarat)
- The Chinese Association of Victoria
- Australia China Youth Association.
Students should expect to pay a small fee to become a member of a cultural group or a per class fee, especially if there is a need for physical resources and other material.
Find out more about what to expect when learning Chinese.
Pros and Cons of a Private Language School
If you want lessons with a bit more of a formal structure, you may wish to consider a language school course.
There are a few things to be aware of, though, such as:
- lesson fees can be pricey
- timetables are set, with little to no flexibility
- public transport or car parking may be an added regular expense.
However, if you are wanting to study Chinese to improve your career prospects, a certificate from a language school will be an asset.
And, unlike cultural associations, where people who run groups and lessons are often volunteers, language school teachers are qualified and understand how to teach Mandarin effectively.
It's often a matter of weighing up the pros and cons of learning Chinese in different settings.
Chinese Lessons in Formal Education Settings
In Australia, according to the 2016 census, 2.5 per cent of the population speak Mandarin at home. (Plus another 1.2 per cent who speak Cantonese.)
While this may not seem like a huge proportion, the fact is that Mandarin Chinese is the second most commonly spoken language in the world. Alone, this is a great argument for learning Mandarin, whether for personal reasons or professional.
Learners at beginner level, regardless of age, will start by learning essential vocabulary and basic grammar, simple daily phrases and correct pronunciation (including tones). They are also likely to begin learning how to write and read many of the most common Chinese characters.
Chinese has been taught in Australian schools since the 1950s, experiencing a rapid growth in uptake in the 1980s, which has since flattened. Education is the responsibility of state governments so some states are more proactive when it comes to languages in schools, however, overall approximately 4.7 per cent of schools in Australia offer Chinese.
This number is still very low by world standards but is a languages problem overall, rather than just being an aversion to Mandarin Chinese. By all accounts, those students who do start learning Mandarin enjoy the experience, particularly when it comes to writing practice of the different characters.
Lessons start when students are as young as five, their first year of formal school, however, Chinese study can be commenced at any stage during a student's learning.
As culture and language go hand-in-hand, quality school-based Chinese lessons will incorporate:
- focus on pronunciation of sounds and vocabulary
- culture and history, including life in modern China
- the writing system and character combinations
- practical speaking experiences.
Some students, who choose to continue with Chinese from primary school through high school then on to university, engage a private Chinese tutor to support and extend their learning.
If you would like to explore this option, to supplement your study, remember that there over 5000 tutors of Chinese on the Superprof platform.
Foundation to Year 6 (Primary School)
The focus in primary school is on interaction and communication — both through speaking and listening, and reading and writing. Students ask and answer questions using simple grammar structures and engage in reading and writing basic texts. Comparison with English, as well as connections with culture feature at this level.
Continuers Year 7 to Year 10 (High School)
In high school Chinese courses, there is a greater focus on reading and writing as students respond to and create texts using a combination of Pinyin and an increasing number of characters. There is a greater focus on correct pronunciation and tones in longer interactions.
Continuers Years 11 and 12 (Senior High School)
If students elect to continue with Chinese study in their senior school years, the course is generally topic-based and comprises an independent study, along with language-based sessions covering speaking, listening, reading, writing, advanced grammar and topic-specific vocabulary.
Beginner Year 7 to Year 10
Generally, students who have not undertaken the study of Chinese in primary school will be exposed to a faster-paced version of the primary curriculum.
Beginner Years 11 and 12
Senior students who have not previously studied Chinese, but wish to commence the language for their ATAR, complete a pathway similar to that of continuing students with greater emphasis on developing familiarity with the language basics, including pronunciation, topic-specific vocabulary, writing of characters and Pinyin and so on.
University-level Chinese
A large number of Australian universities house modern languages and international studies faculties, of which Chinese is a part. Some universities only offer undergraduate or postgraduate courses, while others offer both, or partner with another university, including those in China.
A smaller number of university faculties offer full degrees in Chinese language. In most cases, students may need to combine degrees or undertake Chinese as a major within a different degree.
A few of the Australian university faculties that offer Chinese programs of study include:
- University of Sydney
- University of Western Australia
- Deakin University
- University of Queensland
- RMIT
- Australian National University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Wollongong
- University of South Australia
- Monash University
- Macquarie University
You can also find an amazing Chinese language course on Superprof!
How to Learn Mandarin by Yourself
There are numerous reasons why a student may pursue how to learn Mandarin independently, rather than through a formal school program.
While it may take longer, or require more self-motivation, it is possible to learn Chinese online thanks to platforms like YouTube, as well as blogs, websites and app programs.
If you find independent learning difficult, there is no reason why you can't hire a Chinese tutor. Whether you work with the tutor for a few weeks, a semester or the whole year, they can help you overcome any speaking, listening, reading or writing blocks you may have.
Learn Chinese Online with a Private Tutor
Whatever your reason for wanting to study Mandarin — further education in China, career opportunities or just out of personal interest — a private tutor can help you achieve your goals. The best thing about private tuition is that it is tailored to your needs, whether these might be learning technical vocabulary, improving your reading and writing ability, learning more about cultural issues and history or perfecting your speaking and listening fluency.
Some students prefer to learn in a private, one-on-one environment or they may need to take private lessons in addition to their class programs in order to supplement their knowledge, catch up or prepare for an exam.
How do you find a tutor who is right for you?
Firstly, be clear about your needs and goals so you can express these to potential tutors. Also, know your budget.
Then, you can start your search for a tutor by:
- canvassing community noticeboards in schools, shopping centres and libraries
- checking tutoring platforms like Superprof
- ask your teachers, friends and peers.
There are so many options, once you've narrowed down your preferences and know your budget and schedule, there will still be more than what you need to begin or continue your Chinese language journey.
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