Question #1: What are the differences between Mandarin, Chinese, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, "Guoyu" and "Huayu"?

There exists some misconceptions among those beginning-level learners concerning different naming such as Mandarin, Chinese, Cantonese, "Hanyu", "Guoyu" and "Huayu". Simply put, Mandarin is not a language, instead it is the so-called vocal representation of the Chinese language, or in another word, dialect.

The term "Chinese" could either mean Chinese people or Chinese language. "Hanyu" is the language of the Han nationality of China. As you may know, China is composed of 56 nationalities while Han, which is also known as the majority of the Chinese people, represents 94% of the Chinese populations. Therefore, it is not appropriate to allege that "Hanyu" is the language of China due to the fact that over half of the 55 Chinese minorities, which accounts for 6% of the Chinese populations, have their own language systems and cultural structure. You can not say "Hanyu" is the language of all Chinese people just you can not say that English is the language of all Americans simply because the United States is composed of multiple non-English-speaking nationalities and ethnic groups such as Spanish, Navaho, etc. 

So, it is appropriate to say that Hanyu is the official language of the People's Republic of China. Likewise, English is the official language of the United States of America.

Mandarin Chinese, or Common Speech ("Putonghua"), or Standard Chinese is established and developed on the basis of Beijing dialect. Mandarin Chinese has been widely used in China's public media, radio, broadcasting, movie, school education, government agencies and companies. Cantonese is one of the largest dialect groups in China, approximately accounts for 5% of the Chinese populations. Mandarin Chinese is called "Guoyu" in Taiwan and "Huayu" in Singapore. By nature, both are Mandarin Chinese from speech perspective and there are hardly any differences in terms of communications.

There are two different written forms in Mandarin Chinese: Traditional and Simplified. Traditional form is more complicated in written structures while simplified form is relatively simpler in written structure, which makes learners easy to write and memorize. Currently simplified written form is widely used in Mainland China, Singapore and even part of Hong Kong while the traditional written form is unanimously used in Taiwan.

Question #2: What language is taught at Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center?

Simply put, Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center teaches Standard Mandarin Chinese in simplified written form. This is the commonly used speech and written form in Mainland China, Singapore and part of Hong Kong. However, in response to each individual learner's needs, we also provide options for our clients to learn the traditional Chinese characters.

Question #3: Which teaching programs are available from your Center?

Currently we have six carefully-designed Mandarin Chinese teaching programs available: 7-Week Basics Class, Group Class, 1-on-1 Private Tutoring, Instant Learning, Business-oriented Mandarin Chinese and Full-customization program. We will be glad to recommend to you the most suitable program based on your personal interests, career considerations, preferences, existing levels and previous learning experiences.

Question #4: Does your Center offers teaching programs on different level?

Yes. Our teaching programs are carefully selected and designed to satisfy different learning needs at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

Question #5: I don't have any knowledge in Mandarin Chinese, what will I learn in your Center Beginner Level I studies?

Our Beginner Level I Teaching Program helps you learn the following: --Chinese Phonetics: Initials, Finals and Four Tones --1,200 Most frequently used Chinese characters and usage --Chinese character writing, pronunciation, phrases and expressions --40 Situational dialogue covering various real-life communications --Over 300 pages of FREE print learning materials --Listening comprehensions from daily situational dialogues --Business etiquette education, Chinese history, traditions and customs --Western-Chinese cultural differences comparison and analysis --Additional Free learning materials tailored to meet your career needs --Chances for networking with class participants and share experiences

Additionally, we offer a free extra 2-hour session about Western-Chinese cultural difference comparisons and Chinese business etiquette.

Question #6: What are the features of your Group Class?

• Meet once a week in a week day evening or weekend
• Highly flexible in schedule without worrying about missing classes
• Highly focus on spoken expressions (70%); Cultural correlations, writing and listening comprehensions represent 30%
• Free to switch among our concurrent group classes if you miss any particular session during to traveling or other personal reasons.
• A comprehensive Chinese learning software ("5-in-1" Learn Chinese) is offered to ensure that your learning process is unceasing
• Using the unique and proven "learn-by-cultural-correlation" approach to help you quickly gain needed knowledge and skills in Mandarin Chinese.
• A certain amount of customized content is integrated in any teaching program you select to satisfy you personal or career requirements
• Laid-back and friendly learning environment without bearing the pressure of taking examinations as required in the traditional schools

Question #7: How long does it take for your Beginner Level I Group Class?

13 weeks (including one week for free).

Question #8: What if I miss out a class due to my business traveling?

At Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center, we are committed to providing effective solutions for all registered learning members to make up any of their missed-out class(es)  at no cost. This includes, but not limited to, switching to other concurrent group classes for making up, one-on-one make-up class, recorded tapes and on-line make-up lessons, etc.

Question #9: Does your Center provide lessons on customer's premises?

Yes. We do provide lessons on customer's site.

Question #10: Does your Center provide lessons to young children?

Yes. We add young children teaching program starting from Feb. 2008.

Question #11: Does Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center offer me a certificate when I finish my study?

Yes. We offer a Certificate of Complition when you finish studies of any of our program. The certificate serves as a proof that you have successfully completed a particular langauge learning program but it doesn't grant you a academic degree.Yes. We offer you a Certificate of Completion of your study at our Center after you finish all required learning hours for a particular level. This certificate indicates that you have finished Chinese language studies in our Center BUT it does not grant you a academic degree.  

Question #14:What does it cost for various teaching programs?

It depends on the program you choose, you existing level and fee sponsor. Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center provides you with the most affordable and competitive pricing in your Mandarin Chinese learning pursuit. Please feel free to give us a call 312-316-6038 or go to the Contact Us page for price inquiries.

Contact Email: info@chicagomcc.com(Your questions on pricing will be answered instantly).