Mandarin Chinese Classes in Seattle, WA

Washington Academy of Languages, Seattle:
At Washington Academy of Languages situated in downtown Seattle, we offer Mandarin Chinese programs. The basic approach of our programs is to emphasize the use of practical spoken Chinese. The program prepares the student with the skills needed to function in China. By focusing on practical language usage, students are able to actively participate in situations which they can expect to encounter in their travels. Throughout the course, listening and speaking are stressed and the student has ample opportunity to take part in classroom discussions. Small class size allows the instructor to give individual attention to each student. Each class session is divided into two parts: communicative and explanatory. The communicative segment is the substance of the course. It consists of conversations about common situations among individuals, problem-solving activities, and spontaneous discussions. The explanatory segment consists of grammar explanation, pronunciation practice and exercises.

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Typically, class is conducted mainly in the target language and emphasizes building fluency through conversations about topics of interest and usefulness. In-class simulations include ordering meals at a restaurant, asking for directions and other common situations. Grammar points are discussed. Reading and writing are part of the course but are not a major focus. Depending on the level of the class, the amount of English spoken in class varies. A student can expect to listen and speak in the target language about 80% of the time with less usage of English as the student progresses to more advanced-level classes. Learning a language does not mean learning to translate from one language to another; it means thinking in that language and producing meaningful communication-grammatical corrections come with time and practice. Homework is part of the course.

How many students are enrolled in a typical language class at Washington Academy of Languages?
The number of students in a class ranges from 4 to 12. We believe that a small class benefits both the student and the instructor. The student has more opportunities to communicate and the instructor is better able to discern student learning styles and needs.

I've never studied another language before. Is language learning difficult?
Many of our students are beginning language learners. Making mistakes is an important and natural step in the process of language acquisition. Students should remember that there is no such thing as a 'quick-fix' when it comes to learning another language. The more willing a student is to devote time to this process, the more successful the student will be. Practice, practice, practice!

I want more practice speaking the language I am studying at Washington Academy of Languages. What can I do?
Washington Academy of Languages offers a Conversation Partners program for students interested in practicing outside of the classroom. This program matches students studying a particular language with native speakers of that language who are studying English as a Second Language at Washington Academy of Languages. This is an excellent way to learn about the life and culture of people who speak the language you are studying. This highly recommended program is free and available to all students at Washington Academy of Languages. Please note, student speakers of all languages taught at Washington Academy of Languages are not always available. For further information on how to get started, please inquire at Washington Academy of Languages. World Language students are also invited to participate in the Washington Academy of Languages activities program for international students.

Intensive Mandarin Chinese programs. The basic approach of our program is to emphasize the use of practical spoken Chinese. The program prepares the student with the skills needed to function in China. By focusing on practical language usage, students are able to actively participate in situations which they can expect to encounter in their travels.