You can learn to speak Mandarin Chinese in live, small-group classes from anywhere in the United States. The Ayangbah Foundation's Conversational Mandarin Chinese course is speaking-first: you practice pronunciation, tones and real conversations out loud in every class. It runs for 8 weeks (16 hours) on Saturdays, starting October 17, 2026, live online or in person in San Bernardino, California. Tuition is $297.
Why a speaking-first Mandarin class?
Many adults study Chinese for months with apps and still freeze when it is time to talk. Mandarin is a tonal language, so the same syllable can mean different things depending on how you say it. The fastest way to build confidence is to hear a teacher, repeat, and get corrected in real time. That is what this class is built around.
- Pinyin and the four tones so your pronunciation is understood
- Everyday conversations: greetings, introductions, numbers, time, shopping and directions
- Role-play in every class so you practice speaking, not just listening
- Small groups so everyone gets time to talk
Who is this class for?
- Beginners with no Chinese at all
- Professionals who work with Chinese-speaking customers, suppliers or coworkers
- Travelers planning a trip to China, Taiwan or Singapore
- Heritage learners who want to talk with family
- Students and job seekers adding a language skill to their resume
Class details
- Course code: MAN 101
- Level: Level 1, beginners welcome
- Live online (anywhere in the U.S.): Saturdays, 9:00 to 11:00 AM Pacific (12:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern)
- In person (San Bernardino, CA): Saturdays, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII
- Dates: October 17 to December 12, 2026 (no class November 28)
- Length: 8 weeks, 16 hours
- Tuition: $297. Textbook: Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), purchased separately.
Required textbook
Speak Mandarin with Dr. Ayangbah uses Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition, with MP3 audio), 发展汉语 初级综合 (I), by Rong Jihua (Beijing Language and Culture University Press). Get the 2nd Edition of Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 and have it by the first class. Buy it on Amazon.
How to join
- Apply online and choose "Conversational Mandarin Chinese." It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay tuition securely online on our class schedule page (card, Apple Pay or Google Pay).
- We send your class link (online students) or room details (in-person students) and a reminder to have your textbook before the first class.
Not sure yet? Join our free online info session any Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the Enroll page, or call or text (909) 454-7076.
Pay online: pay your $297 tuition by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
FAQ
Can I take the Mandarin class if I don't live in California?
Yes. The live online section is open to adults anywhere in the United States. Class time is 9:00 to 11:00 AM Pacific on Saturdays, which is 12:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern.
Do I need to know any Chinese before I start?
No. Level 1 starts from the beginning with pinyin, tones and basic phrases.
Is the class Mandarin or Cantonese?
Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken form of Chinese.
How much does the class cost?
Tuition is $297 for 8 weeks (16 hours of live instruction). The textbook, Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), is purchased separately.