If your team serves Mandarin-speaking customers, a short, speaking-first Mandarin class can help your staff greet people, handle numbers and give simple directions with more confidence. The Ayangbah Foundation offers Conversational Mandarin Chinese, Level 1, taught in English, at $297 per seat, and team training with custom quotes through our partners page. Classes run live online or in person in downtown San Bernardino.
Why basic Mandarin helps front-line staff
Customers notice when someone makes an effort to speak their language. Even a few well-said phrases can make an interaction warmer and smoother.
- A friendly greeting sets the tone for the visit.
- Knowing numbers and time helps with prices, appointments and hours.
- Simple directions and shopping phrases help customers find what they need.
This class does not make anyone fluent, and we do not promise that. It gives your team a practical, spoken starting point they can use right away.
What your team will learn
Level 1 is speaking-first. Learners spend class time talking, not just reading.
- Pinyin: the system for writing Mandarin sounds with Latin letters.
- The four tones: Mandarin uses tones to tell words apart, so learners practice hearing and saying them.
- Greetings and polite phrases.
- Numbers and time.
- Shopping and directions.
- Role-play every class, so staff practice the kinds of exchanges they have at work.
The class is taught in English, so no prior Mandarin is needed. Read more in our post on learning Mandarin online or at the Mandarin program page.
Who it is good for
- Front desk, reception and customer service staff.
- Retail and hospitality teams.
- Sales staff who meet customers face to face.
- Managers who want to model a welcoming culture.
How to get the most from the class
A little support from managers goes a long way. A few simple ideas:
- Ask learners to share one new phrase with the team each week.
- Post common greetings and numbers near the counter as a quick reminder.
- Encourage staff to try their phrases with customers, even if they feel unsure at first.
- Check in after a few weeks and ask what situations they still find hard.
Practice between classes is what turns new words into real habits at work.
Two ways to train your team
Enroll staff in the public class
Your employees join our Saturday class, online or in person. It runs outside normal weekday hours, so staff do not have to leave a shift.
Request a team cohort
For a larger group or a schedule that fits your business, ask about team training and on-site cohorts. Pricing is by custom quote through /partners.
Class details
- Schedule: Saturdays, October 17 to December 12, 2026 (no class November 28). 8 weeks, 16 hours.
- Online: 9:00 to 11:00 AM Pacific (12:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern), from anywhere in the U.S.
- In person: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401.
- Price: $297 per seat (pay link). Team cohorts by custom quote.
- What you get: live, speaking-first instruction in English with role-play every class. The textbook is Developing Chinese: Elementary Comprehensive Course 1 (2nd Edition), bought 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 for each person you want to enroll (about 2 minutes), or request a custom quote for a private team cohort.
- Pay with the Mandarin pay link or see every option on our tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Not ready yet? Join our free Monday info session, every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on /enroll to get the link.
FAQ
Is the Mandarin class taught in Mandarin?
No. The class teaches Mandarin and is taught in English, so beginners can follow along.
Will my staff be fluent after Level 1?
No. Level 1 is a speaking-first introduction: greetings, numbers, time, shopping and directions, practiced through role-play.
Can you run a private class for our team?
Yes. Ask about team training and on-site cohorts on our partners page. Pricing is by custom quote.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076.