Chinese Pinyin in 6 Mins

Mandarin Proficiency Test

The most widely used Mandarin proficiency test is 

the 汉语水平考试 or HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). 

The test is used for proficiency certification that 

may be required by Chinese universities and 

professional organizations.

According to The Examiner, China is planning a new 

version of the HSK, although I have heard that the 

"new HSK" has been in use for at least a year now.

Nonetheless, the Examiner article contains some

 interesting comments about the nature of the 

exam and its application in daily life:

"If you pass Level 3 and immerse yourself

in Beijing for months, you will have no problem

interacting with the locals," said Mr Zhou. "

But even if you obtain Level 6, if you are not

soaked in a conducive language environment,

you most probably will still struggle to converse

or read Chinese newspapers."

There are six levels to the HSK, and each level consists 

of a writing test and a speaking test. Level One candidates 

must know 150 words, while the Level Six tests expects a 

knowledge of more than 5,000 words. You can read more 

about the HSK requirements at this link

:http://english.hanban.org/node_8002.htm

The Business Chinese Test Introduction(BCT)商务汉语考试

The Business Chinese Test Introduction(BCT)商务汉语考试 I. BCT BCT is a state-level standard test established to assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers engaged in business activities. BCT is developed by Peking University under the entrustment of the Office of Chinese Language Council International. BCT assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers engaged in business activities. Practicability and communication are the main features of the test. II. Test object Non-native speakers III. Benefits BCT serves various institutions and individuals which want to assess the business Chinese proficiency of relevant personages. The main benefits are: (1)Provide a reference basis for the employers to assess the business Chinese proficiency of relevant personnel when making such decisions as personnel employment, selection and promotion. (2)Help relevant teaching and training institutions to certify the students' business Chinese proficiency in recruitment and class division. (3)Assess the teaching and training effect of relevant teaching units and training institutions. (4)Provide a certificate of the business Chinese proficiency for those who seek jobs or want to be promoted. (5)Help Chinese learners to further develop their own business Chinese ability. IV. Administration The Office of Chinese Language Council International has full authority to lead BCT and award certificates. BCT is an authoritative test of the state and awards "Business Chinese Test Certificate". BCT is held on the Chinese mainland and overseas regularly every year. V. Levels and standards BCT has a total of five levels to describe the business Chinese proficiency of the examinees, namely: Level 1 Incapable of communication in Chinese in business environments. Level 2 Capable of basic communication in Chinese in business environments. Level 3 Capable of fairly effective communication in Chinese in business environments. Level 4 Capable of fairly skillful communication in Chinese in business environments. Level 5 Capable of appropriate communication in Chinese in business environments. VI. Points and certificate BCT consists of BCT（listening•reading） and BCT（oral•writing）two independent tests. Examinees can sit for one or both of them. The score for each specific skill (listening or reading or speaking or writing) is 0-500 points; Each level consists of 100 points.The total score for listening and reading constitutes the overall score of BCT(listening • reading)ranging from 0 to 1000 points. So do the overall score of BCT(speaking • writing). Levels Score for specific skill Total score 1 0-100 0-200 2 101-200 201-400 3 201-300 401-600 4 301-400 601-800 5 401-500 801-1000  All examinees can receive a test report even if they only attend test in line with requirements. If the total score for listening and reading comes to 201-400 points, Level 2 "BCT Certificate (listening•reading) will be awarded; If the total score for speaking and writing comes to 201-400 points, Level 2 "BCT Certificate (speaking•writing) will be awarded. So do Level3,Level4 and Level5 certificates. There is no Level1 certificate in BCT. The test report is valid for a two-year period starting from the test date. VII. Consultation and services Test Section of Office of Chinese Language Council International and BCT R&D office of Peking University provide consulting services regarding BCT to domestic and overseas personages. Tel:86-10-88026478 Fax:86-10-88026479 Email:kaoshi@hanban.edu.cn Website:http://www.hanban.edu.cn For other questions, please consult with Peking University's BCT R&D Office: Tel:86-10-62758874 Email:service@bcthome.cn Website:http://www.bcthome.cn

Recommended Site: Chinese Multimedia

A：小王，你好！
B：你好，忙吗？
A：不忙，我刚下课。这是你的车吗？
B：是啊。
A：你现在用吗？
B：不用，你想用吗？
A：我用一下，行吗？
B：行。
A：谢谢，我去邮局买邮票。
B：哦，那不是我的车，我的车在这儿。

In addition to the lessons, you’ll find comprehensive lists of grammar points, vocabulary (including pronunciation audio samples), and characters (including stroke order writing practice drills).

http://www.ctcfl.ox.ac.uk/Chinese/index.html

Chinses for Kids Demo

I found an interesting software demo for Chinese learning for kids. Adults may find it useful too. Enjoy.

http://www.chineseforsmartkids.com/samplemovie.aspx

Website review: nciku

http://www.nciku.com

I have come across this website from China that I think it is pretty useful in learning Mandarin for foreigners. There are short, simple conversations with pinyin, the English translation, the Chinese characters and most importantly the audio.

There are many materials on different topics and themes. I am sure you can find something useful for your daily life like taking the taxi, ordering meals, or something more specific such as a business trip to China and other more sophisticated discussions in Mandarin. It covers quite a bit of Chinese culture and society as well.

Enjoy.

Cheuk