Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 1.1 - Learn Mandarin Chinese. (Demo): "
Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 was designed by a small team with a clear mission: create a language program that would get people speaking relevant Chinese faster.
Having tried other software programs and studied Mandarin in China, we designed and built the software we would have loved to have when we started learning.
At the center of Fluenz Mandarin is a real life instructor, Sonia Gil, who went to China to learn Mandarin herself and whose more than 150 video clips are embedded throughout the program. What we learned is that replicating the experience of one-on-one coaching in English, every step of the way can make all the difference when you try to learn a language. As with anything, knowing what's going on and where you're going helps you follow any program
Our system follows three core principles:
- At the beginning you need to learn in English, and to relate basic Chinese grammar and syntax to that of English, rather than trying to understand Mandarin grammar with Chinese logic. Using the English you already know to learn Mandarin is the essence of Leverage Learning.
- You need to start learning those few words and structures that will allow you to communicate the most in the least amount of time, taking into consideration which words are easier to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense to us, and which are most useful--'cell phone' instead of 'horse'. Being able to communicate right away in simple ways is the key to Relevant Learning.
- You need to learn in a way that will allow you to internalize the material to avoid quickly forgetting what you just heard. For instance, to westerners most words in Mandarin look all alike, adding a layer of complication that must be addressed head on. This means methodical practice through our more than 15 types of workouts covering verbal expression and comprehension as well as writing and reading, all in equal amounts. Internalizing by working out the same material from every possible angle translates into 360 Learning.
Unlike most digital learning of any kind, we put a lot of effort into making Fluenz as immersive and well designed as possible. Borrowing from the best multi-media designs, Fluenz aims to blend images, music, video, and Flash animation to motivate you as you learn. Thirteen different kinds of workouts add variety to your practice while dynamic Flash conversations place Mandarin in realistic, useful settings.
Sonia Gil, the Cornell graduate who went to China to learn the language and led the development team, guides you every step of the way in English--thanks to our next generation software combining full motion video in an interactive platform.
Instead of complicated grammar, or the life consuming task of learning characters, Fluenz focuses on accelarating your communication skills in real-life situations.
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