If you work with Mandarin-speaking clients, suppliers or coworkers, learning conversational Mandarin helps you make a strong first impression and build trust. You do not need to be fluent to benefit: polite greetings, introductions, numbers and simple small talk go a long way. Our Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1 class teaches these speaking skills on Saturdays, live online or in person in San Bernardino.
Why basic Mandarin matters at work
Most international business still happens with interpreters or in English. So why learn Mandarin? Because relationships are built in the small moments: the greeting at the start of a call, the thank you at the end of a meeting, a few words of small talk over lunch. Making the effort to speak someone's language shows respect, and people notice.
For small business owners, it can also make it easier to talk with customers, vendors and suppliers who are more comfortable in Mandarin.
Professional phrases to learn first
- Nín hǎo: Hello (polite form, good for clients and senior colleagues)
- Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nín: Nice to meet you (polite)
- Wǒ jiào...: My name is...
- Zhè shì wǒ de míngpiàn: This is my business card
- Xièxie: Thank you
- Hézuò yúkuài: Here is to a good working relationship (said at the end of a meeting or deal)
In class, you practice phrases like these in role-play, so they come out naturally when it counts.
Numbers, time and money
Professionals use numbers constantly: prices, quantities, dates, phone numbers and meeting times. Mandarin numbers are logical. Once you know one through ten, larger numbers follow a clear pattern. Our Level 1 class covers numbers, telling time and shopping language, which builds the foundation for talking about prices and schedules.
Etiquette goes with language
Language and culture travel together. A few widely known courtesies:
- Use polite forms like nín with people you have just met or who are senior to you.
- Offer and receive business cards with both hands.
- Take a moment to look at a card you receive before putting it away.
These small habits, combined with a few well-pronounced phrases, signal that you take the relationship seriously.
Fitting Mandarin into a busy schedule
Most professionals cannot add weeknight classes. That is why this course meets on Saturdays for 2 hours, with a live online option from anywhere in the U.S. and an in-person option in downtown San Bernardino. It runs 8 weeks, 16 hours total, with role-play every class so you build confidence quickly.
Employers who want to train a team can also ask about group training on our partners page.
Class details
- Class: Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1, taught in English by The Ayangbah Foundation
- Dates: Saturdays, October 17 to December 12, 2026 (no class November 28). 8 weeks, 16 hours total.
- Live online: 9:00-11:00 AM Pacific (12:00-2:00 PM Eastern), from anywhere in the U.S.
- In person: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- Tuition: $297
- What you get: speaking-first lessons covering pinyin, the four tones, greetings, numbers, time, shopping and directions, with role-play in every class. The textbook is Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), which you buy 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 enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay $297 through the Mandarin class pay link or on our tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free info session and orientation, online every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the enroll page to get the link.
FAQ
Do I need to be fluent for Mandarin to help my career?
No. Polite greetings, introductions and simple small talk can help you build rapport, even if the main meeting happens in English or through an interpreter.
Does this class cover business vocabulary?
Level 1 focuses on everyday conversation: pinyin, tones, greetings, numbers, time, shopping and directions. These are the building blocks for professional conversations.
Can my company enroll several employees?
Yes. Employers can request team training or a custom quote through our partners page.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.