Language
When travelling to a country that doesn't speak English, it is important to know some basic phrases and words of the language.
In China, "Mandarin" is the official language spoken.
In China, "Mandarin" is the official language spoken.
- To begin this task, get a worksheet from the teacher "Learning Chinese - Mandarin"
- Make sure you have headphones for this activity
- Click here to find out what your name is in Chinese and write it on your worksheet
- Use the links below to listen to some common phrases and words in Chinese. Have a go at saying the words in Chinese.
- Using the table on your worksheet and the links below, write down:
- At least 4 Common Phrases and Greetings
- At least 4 Other Common Words (this includes animals, colours, adjectives, verbs, people, places, and so on)
- The numbers 1 to 10 in Chinese and the Chinese symbol/character
Common Phrases and Greetings |
Other Common Words |
Numbers |
Calligraphy
Now that you have mastered a bit of Mandarin, let's have a go at writing some Chinese characters/symbols.
BUT WAIT! We are not going to be writing in pen and paper. Instead, we are going to use a traditional Chinese method of writing that is a form of calligraphy.
Calligraphy: The art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush
Chinese Calligraphy: Shūfǎ 書法 which translates to "the way/method of writing". It is a type of writing as well as a type of art.
Watch the Chinese calligraphy demonstration below.
Keep these questions in mind:
BUT WAIT! We are not going to be writing in pen and paper. Instead, we are going to use a traditional Chinese method of writing that is a form of calligraphy.
Calligraphy: The art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush
Chinese Calligraphy: Shūfǎ 書法 which translates to "the way/method of writing". It is a type of writing as well as a type of art.
Watch the Chinese calligraphy demonstration below.
Keep these questions in mind:
- What equipment do you need?
- How did the she hold her paintbrush?
- Does she do it fast or slow?
Now it's your turn! Follow the instructions carefully to create your own set of Chinese calligraphy symbols/characters.
- Click the buttons below to explore some Chinese calligraphy symbols. Choose some symbols to recreate.
- If you would like to have a practice first, click here to write your symbols using an online program.
- Once you have chosen your symbols, ask the teacher to give you a template of the characters. This is for you to copy from.
- Set up a spot in the wet area with the equipment you will need.
- Start your Chinese calligraphy!