Business Chinese

If you do business with Chinese organisations or are responsible for relationships with Chinese counterparts in the Netherlands, a basic understanding of the Chinese (business) culture and language is essential. A (business) Chinese programme from The Square Mile focuses primarily on business relationships, etiquette and communication. The programme combines language and cultural awareness to help you understand not only what your counterpart is saying, but what he is thinking. 

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Which business language training suits you?

Which business language training suits you?

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The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

A strong command of Chinese takes time and commitment. The first steps are learning more about Chinese culture, business customs and decision making. How should you interpret actions and statements and what can you do to help your partners understand you better. The first “survival Chinese” language skills are taught: introductions, getting around, asking for help and of course, eating together.

Learning Chinese – easier than you might think!

Learning to speak Chinese is not like learning German. However, after an initial programme of 30-40 hours, you can communicate in a basic fashion and exchange information on matters close to yourself, create goodwill and get around. Follow a more advanced programme and within 100-120 hours you should be able to manage independently when dealing with regular, straightforward and familiar topics, opening doors for you and your business.

Specialist trainers, tailored approach

The Square Mile works with specialised and experienced native and non-native trainers for Chinese. They have participated in trade missions, acted as simultaneous translators and had dealings with many different organisations. They speak Dutch and English and as such support your journey as you take your first steps.

The Square Mile provides tailored language courses. Your Chinese programme is developed around your objectives, level and context. You can choose from an in-company or external location and follow the course individually or with colleagues. The intensity, scheduling and content are all adapted to your needs. Contact us today to find out more.

Foundation Chinese course, level 1 (A1)

The basic Chinese course is intended for participants with little or no knowledge of Chinese. You focus initially on developing simple routines, vocabulary and structures to communicate in daily situations for example in a shop or at the station. The reading and writing aspects focus on simple, reoccurring themes such as completing standard forms and short e-mails. Your personal background and learning context determines as much of the choice of materials as possible. The programme takes between 40 and 60 hours, split across lessons of 2 to 3 hours over 2 to 16 weeks. Individual or group format, in-company.

Business Chinese course, level 2 (A2)

You already have a simple knowledge of Chinese and can determine words, sentences and phrases related to daily activities. Your A2 level Chinese course aims to develop your knowledge and skills in a simple business environment. Answering the phone, finding out a little about people, following instructions, writing basic e-mails and conducting exchanges are all part of the programme. Specific aspects of your work take a more prominent position in the course as we start to use your own materials more often i.e. technical manuals, price lists, product line-ups, safety protocols or organisational charts. The programme takes between 40 and 60 hours, split across lessons of 2 to 3 hours over 2 to 16 weeks. Individual or group format, in-company.

Business Chinese course, level 3 (B1)

Your command of Chinese allows you to have short conversations and read short letters, e-mails or adverts within a clear context. This B1 level Business Chinese programme aims to improve your speaking skills so you can function in your work within the context of daily situations. Giving instructions, presenting your products and services succinctly, offering opinions, agreeing and disagreeing and developing a working knowledge of writing conventions are examples of linguistic functions covered. Use of your daily materials and situations allows your trainer to tailor more of the content to your needs, moving towards a more free-flowing use of Chinese. The programme takes between 30 and 40 hours, split across lessons of 2 to 3 hours over 2 to 16 weeks. Individual or group format, in-company.

Business Chinese course, level 4 (B2)

You can function in your job within clear boundaries and with the help of your counterparts. If you now want to expand your ability to communicate effectively and with increasing accuracy then this B2 level Business Chinese programme is for you. The programme focuses on developing vocabulary, style and tone when dealing with more difficult situations, providing clear, coherent passages of speech or text and making fewer mistakes. Your business context takes a more central position in the course as you learn to be more fluent and confident in a broader business environment. Together with your trainer you decide the emphasis of the course. The programme takes between 30 and 40 hours, split across lessons of 2 to 3 hours over 2 to 16 weeks. Individual or group format, in-company.

Business Chinese course, level 5 (C1)

This C1 level business Chinese programme takes your language skills to a new level. Nuance, style and tone become ever more important as you learn to present more effectively, negotiate competently and write structured, accurate reports and recommendations in Chinese. Your trainer encourages you to broaden and deepen your active vocabulary and you develop the language skills to be able to lead and manage meetings and exchanges more effectively in both familiar and unfamiliar situations and contexts. The programme becomes a co-production between the participant(s) and the trainer, and takes between 30 and 40 hours, split across lessons of 2 to 3 hours over 2 to 16 weeks. Individual or group format, in-company.