Mandarin

 

Reasons to learn Mandarin

• With 1.3 billion Mandarin speakers in the world, you'll have lots of people to talk to.
• Knowledge of Mandarin can help you in learning other languages like Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese.
• You will be elevated to celebrity status when native Mandarin speakers hear a non-Chinese person using their language.
• You will be light years ahead of your competition in the job market.
• Knowing how to ask directions when travelling in China will ensure you don't get lost.

Greeting Phrases

• Ni hao (hi/hello)
• Wo jiao ... (my name is ...)
• Ta jiao ... (his/her name is ...)
• Ni hao ma? (how are you?)
• Wo ye hen hao (I am very well)
• Zaijian (goodbye) The 'Z' in this word is pronounced with a 'CH' sound.

Useful Websites

 http://www.mandarintools.com/ - Get your own Chinese name based on your English name and find out your sign in the Chinese Zodiac! In the menu on the left, click on the link under Chinese Culture that says 'get a Chinese name'

http://www.technochinese.com/?page_id=135 - Games to play using Mandarin phrases.

www.mandarama.com - Games and books for children learning Mandarin to use online. Take a free online tour.

http://www.bamboolearning.co.uk/sample-mandarama-game - a free Mandaramas tone game

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/chinaindex.htm - A trip to China, everything you need to know about life in China.