The complexities of Mandarin
Because of the complexity of Chinese script, our clients usually prefer to focus simply on speaking and listening skills, rather than reading and writing.
Our business Mandarin Chinese language training also incorporates social and business etiquette. Understanding cultural differences is so important when dealing with clients of another culture.
The grammar of Mandarin is relatively easy, but the pronunciation, including the 4 famous ‘tones’, is more difficult for English speakers to grasp. Lots of practice is needed to ‘get it right’! But once you are able to communicate, even at a basic level, your colleagues and clients will repay you in goodwill and long-lasting business relationships.
The importance of quality tutors
Our outstanding team of Mandarin tutors comprises native speakers who are more than comfortable teaching at senior management level. They are highly experienced and qualified and can offer training which is fun but informative.
Why learn Mandarin for business?
Many of our clients choose to learn Mandarin for business because of on-going business in that part of the world. London-based clients who have studied Mandarin Chinese with CLT include ZBI Europe (financial services) and BDO Services (business accountancy).
But we have also had many non-London-based companies who have chosen us for their Chinese Mandarin language training. Clients in other parts of the country includes Matalan (clothing) based in Skelmersdale and Impact Techniques based in Nottinghamshire. With facilities in the UK and China, Mandarin was an obvious choice when it came to choosing a foreign language for business.
SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is a Chinese state-owned automotive design and manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai, China, with multinational operations. When SAIC took over the Longbridge MG plant they turned to CLT to train key members of staff in Chinese. And so we started a long and productive working relationship as more and more people needed to improve communication with their new colleagues.
Another regular client is the JCB Academy situated in Rocester next to the world headquarters of the famous J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, universally known as JCB. JCB is a British multinational corporation, manufacturing equipment for construction, agriculture, waste handling and demolition. Students at the renowned Academy have been studying Mandarin Chinese in order to boost their career prospects. The lessons (and external qualifications in the language) also help those seeking work experience at the JCB plant in China.