Continuing Education is offering an eight-week introductory course in Mandarin Chinese, Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning June 4.

Designed as a primer to the language, Mandarin 101 ties in elements of culture and customs as well.

Instructor Deena Wang, a native speaker of Mandarin from Beijing, promises a lively, interactive learning experience.

“Through fun and hands-on learning activities, Mandarin 101 provides a doorway to the rich and vibrant Chinese language and culture,” she says.

Mandarin Chinese is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with over one billion users. Whether you are taking a trip, expanding your business abroad, or simply interested in growing your social or professional network, Mandarin 101 is a great place to start.

The course will focus on:

• introductions and greetings;
• common questions and numbers;
• basic sentence structure;
• basic pronunciation;
• calligraphy; and
• an overview of celebrations and customs.

The class is open to the public, with no previous experience or knowledge necessary. Sessions run 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from June 4 to July 25. Visit the course webpage to learn more and to register.

—Meagan Haugh