Chinese Language & Culture
Chinese is spoken by approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide.
Are you interested in Chinese travel, culture, or business? China is more accessible to the international visitor than ever before, and is becoming an increasingly important power in the global economy. Now is the time to learn to speak Chinese with our language classes in Mandarin, the most widely spoken Chinese dialect.
In our courses you will learn about Chinese culture, mythology, economics, business etiquette, folk music, geography and more. And now you do not have to learn to read and write Chinese characters in order to learn to speak Chinese. These courses use Pinyin, a method of writing Chinese in the Roman alphabet.
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Conversational Chinese classes in Madison
Chinese classes for youth
Instructors for Chinese classes
Also of interest
Conversational Chinese classes in Madison
Mandarin Chinese conversation 1:
This course provides an introduction to Chinese language and culture, with an emphasis on developing basic conversational ability. Areas covered include greetings, commonly used expressions, question phrases, and description. Gain cultural knowledge through in-class exercises and take-home assignments. Instructor: Bruce Esplin.
Mandarin Chinese conversation-ongoing: Continue learning Mandarin Chinese through a fast, interactive, and practical approach. Improve your listening and speaking skills with an increased emphasis on conversation on more advanced topics. Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Conversation 1 or equivalent. Instructor: Bruce Esplin.
If you aren't sure which level is right for you, please contact the Chinese classes coordinator at chinese@dcs.wisc.edu.
Browse upcoming Mandarin Chinese courses in the Continuing Education Catalog online.
Textbooks for language classes are available for preview and purchase on campus in the University Book Store's lower level, in the outreach section. The University Book Store is located at 711 State St., Madison (at Lake St., on the Library Mall).
See campus map.
Chinese for Youth
We also offer children's Chinese classes.
Mandarin Chinese for youth: Children who have not taken Mandarin Chinese begin to learn the language through songs, games, pictures, and short conversations. No text. Instructor: Bruce Esplin.
Mandarin Chinese for youth: advanced: Children who have taken Mandarin Chinese for youth continue to learn the language through songs, games, pictures, and short conversations. No text. Instructor: Bruce Esplin.
Browse upcoming Mandarin Chinese for youth courses in the Continuing Education Catalog online.
Instructor
Bruce Esplin is a PhD student of Chinese Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been recently awarded with a language fellowship to pursue his graduate studies. Bruce has both studied and lived in China, and has taught Mandarin and Chinese culture for the Division of Continuing Education for three years.
How to register
Call 608-262-2451, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, M-F. Specific program numbers and links to the mail-in registration form or to register online can be found in the continuing education catalog.
Contact us
- Madison area registration questions: 608-262-2451.
- UW—Madison Continuing Studies in Chinese coordinator Antonio Noguera: anoguera@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-5929.
- Join the mailing list for Chinese or other language programs.
- Review frequently asked questions about language programs.
Also of interest
Lectures on China: The following lectures are presented by the Confusius Institute of Janesville and are held in Madison at the Lowell Center Room 726. The lectures are free. If you would like to attend please e-mail your intention to Antonio Noguera at anoguera@dcs.wisc.edu.
Chinese Agriculture
Nov. 6, 2008, 6:30-8:30 pm.
With non-private-owned and much smaller plots than customary in the United States, Chinese farmers work hard to make improvements in their living standard and secure the food supply to the whole society. New countryside construction launched by the Chinese government in October 2005, nine-year free education, cancellation of agriculture tax, cooperative organization, and challenges and opportunities to Chinese agriculture while also opening up to the international market will be discussed.
Venture Capital in China
Nov. 20, 2008, 6:30-8:30 pm
With more support for small high technology companies from the government, venture capital has more chance to achieve success in China. Identifying the items or industries supported by government, the ways of running the venture capital business, and looking for the potential target companies will be discussed.
