Member Guide

Which kind of Chinese Savvier are you?

---

Chinese Savvy is out to make our users' language learning experiences as interesting and useful as possible. We also want to make things easier for you. So we've broken down our curriculum and lessons into levels based on how much prerequisite Chinese you'll need and how well you can already apply it in real-life situations. Learning a language is more than just robotic memorization after all! This part is all about self-assessment: choose the level you think fits your current Chinese language ability, collect the lesson recommendations we provide, and get ready to learn!
 
· The Pre-Beginners
· Elementary
· Intermediate
· Advanced
· Superior
 
Pre-Beginners
 
Many of ChineseSavvy's users will be absolute beginners. Don't know a word of Chinese? Never met a single Chinese-speaking person? If you can say a few words, like ni-hao or xie-xie, or know about Beijing or Shanghai, you're already a step ahead! All you need is a little time, curiosity, and patience and you will be rewarded with useful language skills and a rich cultural experience.
 
Absolute beginners are encouraged to take a broad, basic approach to learning Chinese language. We recommend that you start by taking our building block courses, i.e. Savvy Chinese Pinyin and the Chinese Characters: Top 100. As your skills improve, the ability to apply your language skills will expand and the variety of courses you may choose from will increase.
 
Elementary
 
If you have taken an occasional Chinese class, or have previously attempted self-study and want to give it another try, the elementary level is appropriate for you.
 
The elementary learner is able to understand simple sentences, express simple ideas, and carry on low-level communication related to daily life and study. A Chinese learner who has mastered about 600 common Chinese characters and the corresponding grammar will have attained mastery of the elementary level targets.
 
Students entering at the elementary level are encouraged to take a systematic approach, by starting from our building block courses, i.e. Savvy Chinese Pinyin and the Chinese Characters: Top 100. As elementary users progress, they will come across courses employing a variety of real-life applications and topics. After obtaining basic skills, users can then be more selective in the topics they wish to learn, creating a more effective way to reach one's individual learning goals.
 
Intermediate
 
If you have studied Chinese for between one and three years and can hold a simple conversation in Chinese but your vocabulary is still limited, you may be well-positioned at the intermediate level.
 
In the course of study, the intermediate learner will acquire Chinese abilities that can meet the language demands of basic daily life, a certain range of social communication, and study to some degree.
 
Intermediate-level learners of Chinese have already come so far…you should absolutely persist! We suggest that you challenge yourself by taking a few courses that involve intensive reading and courses where a lot of attention is given to both character vocabulary and Chinese grammar. It is also important that you try a variety of content – especially multimedia courses.
 
Advanced
 
For those who have taken Chinese courses for credit in college or university, in particular as part of a program such as Asian Studies, International Relations, etc., the advanced level will likely be most appropriate, since you have already invested time and effort in your study of the Chinese language. Also, you have the advantage of experience using different materials and have had native Chinese-speaking teachers, tutors, and/or language partners.
 
The advanced student will attain higher-level Chinese competence and can fulfill the minimal requirements in Chinese proficiency to be admitted for study in Chinese universities for a Bachelor's Degree in a variety of non-Chinese language focused majors. Advanced-level students will also be able to engage in social intercourse on a variety of topics and will have at his or her disposal a variety of language structures for expressing ideas and developing arguments.
 
Our suggestion for the advanced learner is that you set a practical goal, possibly related to your educational, professional, or personal interests. We recommend any course that looks challenging enough and relates to your interests or goals in language study.
 
Superior
 
Those possessing superior Chinese language skills have both an extraordinary talent for language and a special interest in the Chinese world, its language, its people, and its culture.
 
It is application of language learning – communication in the Chinese language with foreigners and Chinese alike – that make the truly Chinese savvy stand out. Armed with knowledge and insight into multiple worlds, we welcome you to participate in all activities on the site and assist other learners wherever you can.
 

---