Every new word and grammar structure is explained in English, from a perspective that will make the most sense to English speakers who are learning Mandarin.
Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 focuses on the vocabulary and grammar most relevant to teens and adults who need to learn the language in order to use it in practical, real-world situations.
The Fluenz workouts train the learner's abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Two of the workouts allow learners to record their own voice in order to compare their speech to that of a native speaker.
Fluenz users gain a deep understanding of how the various parts of Mandarin sentences work together, allowing them to truly build their own sentences rather than just memorize a series of phrases.
Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 Plus Mobile was designed by a small team determined to find a path through the Chinese language that would make the most sense specifically to English speakers. This unique perspective helps learners master the basics faster, as the grammar and vocabulary are explained in English by a tutor who guides learners every step of the way.
Fluenz Mobile for Smartphones offers the same experience as our computer programs-including every single video and most of the workouts-on just about any smartphone running Windows Mobile. The application includes full-motion video, great sound, a rich graphic interface, and the ability to be fully interactive while on the go.
By making Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 fully functional for Windows smartphones, we're trying to realize our vision that all learning should be personalized, virtual, and mobile. Although many popular language programs offer audio for iPods or come in collections of audio CDs, they fail to be interactive. Moving beyond passive learning, Fluenz Mobile makes a significant difference to learners who spend part of their day on the road.
The on-screen tutor, Sonia Gil, relates her experiences of what worked and what didn't as she applied herself to learning Mandarin in China. She guides learners step-by-step through this custom-made program, emphasizing grammar and vocabulary relevant to teens and adults who need to communicate in real-life situations with more than one billion Mandarin speakers around the world.
Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 is built upon three principles:
1. A real on-screen teacher
It's tough to learn a language, especially on your own. Language tutor Sonia Gil explains all concepts in a sensible way so you don't have to tackle a new language all by yourself. Our belief in the importance of a teacher who has already learned what you are trying to understand really makes a difference when learning Mandarin.
2. Using English to help learners reach Mandarin fluency
Unlike children who soak up languages like a sponge, teens and adults can apply their knowledge of English to learn Chinese. Fluenz Mandarin has found a path through Chinese that uses it's similarities with English grammar as leverage for accelerating the pace of learning.
3. Teaching important words right away
Learners need to start learning those few words and structures that will allow them to communicate the most in the least amount of time, taking into consideration which words are easier to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense, and which are most useful-"cell phone" and "the check please" instead of "red apple" or "boy eating."
Specifics
1. We emphasize learning how to form questions in real-world situations, such as "Where can I find a taxi?", and "Can I pay with a credit card?" instead of the traditional simple sentences usually taught (i.e. "the child is eating", "the man is running").
2. The four-tone system of Mandarin pronunciation is explained in the early sessions and is specifically practiced throughout the program. Without these explanations, mastering the tones needed to communicate in Mandarin would be very difficult.
3. The program includes extensive work on asking for, understanding, and giving directions. After training on directions, we shift to comprehensive work on structures related to time, including hours, days, weeks, months, and years.
4. Building upon all the structures related to directions and time, we place considerable emphasis on transportation situations, including specific vocabulary and expressions involving cabs, train stations, bus stops, and the airport.
5. After establishing a strong base in essential restaurant, cafe, food, and drink vocabulary and expressions in the first few sessions, the program provides comprehensive practice on situations specifically related to going out to eat in China.
6. Shopping situations also receive a lot of attention, with thorough explanations and practice on a range of skills related to communicating with both small shopkeepers and shopping mall clerks. For example, we do considerable work with adjectives in order to describe items, make comparisons, and to provide key tools to negotiate prices (something not very useful when planning a trip to Paris, but critical if you're bound for Beijing).
7. Essential vocabulary and phrases related to the world of work and the 2008 Olympics.
