The Vancouver Mandarin Chinese Club is for Metro Vancouver residents who are interested in Chinese language and culture and who want to get together and share their experiences in learning. The format of this club is NOT like a credited course offered at a university or college, which means you will not see systematic teaching material for the club. The purpose is to offer a friendly and pressure -free environment for Mandarin learners to learn and practice their knowledge with other learners and native speakers, as well as to share their learning experience.

The Mandarin levels of members vary from absolute beginners to native-like speakers. It is typical that some beginners feel intimidated by the knowledge level of advanced speakers in the club. My suggestion is not to be scared. It is OK if you don't understand everything offered in the entire meeting that is designed for higher level learners. Your” job” is to improve your own level a little bit by the end of the meeting by learning a few words or a few sentences provided in the handouts. One day you will find yourself among the intermediate to advanced level members.

You are encouraged to take a formal course at a college and attend this meetup for practice and extra knowledge. Native speakers are more than welcome to attend the meetings to help out Mandarin learners. Mandarin teachers who have lesson plans ready and would like to try it out are also welcome to contact me to arrange workshops. People who have a particular experience related to Chinese language and culture and who would like to share it, are encouraged to contact me to make an arrangement to present the material.

We welcome people of all cultural backgrounds to join, to socialize and to network.

Gerrie