FSI Standard Chinese: A modular Approach

What is the FSI Chinese modular course?

If you are familiar with FSI Basic courses, you will immediately notice that this FSI Chinese course is different. Although it follows the same basic methodology of other FSI courses, it is organized as a series of modules that can be studied in any order rather than as a linear series that builds on knowledge already acquired.

Before you begin, there is an in-depth introduction to Chinese pronunciation and the pinyin system of Romanization. You should then start with the first module, “Orientation” – but after this, you can study the modules in the order that seems most useful to you.

The course consists of 10 core modules as well as several optional modules, and each one is divided into 4-8 separate units. Each module includes audio recordings and is accompanied by a workbook for extra practice.

In each module, you acquire the language necessary to function confidently in specific situations, and by working through the course, you will gain a solid foundation in the Chinese language.

How can you use the FSI Chinese course?

This FSI Chinese course is well-suited to self-study, but the instructions are a little difficult to understand at first, so it’s worth taking a moment to discuss the best way to approach it.

As mentioned, each module is divided into several units, and each unit requires several hours of study. For each unit, there are three main activities, “Comprehension”, “Production” and “Drills”, and it would be beneficial to repeat each unit a couple of times for complete mastery.

After finishing the pronunciation section and Module 1, you can then work through the other modules in any order you choose, and here are the steps you should follow to study each unit:

1. Listen to the first “Comprehension” recording

When beginning a new unit, start by listening to the Comprehension audio. For Unit 1 of a module, the recording will be labeled Tape 1C-1. For Unit 2, it will be 2C-1, and so on.

For this part, you don’t need to read, write or repeat anything – you simply listen to the recording, take in what the speaker tells you and listen to the example Chinese sentences.

The Student Text includes reference notes on what you hear in the lesson, which you can review after listening. However, you shouldn’t look at it before listening or while the recording is playing.

2. Listen to the first “Production” recording

After listening to the Comprehension audio, you can then listen to the Production recording. For Unit 1 of a module, the recording will be labeled Tape 1P-1.

In this part, you will be given sentences to repeat. This is your chance to try pronouncing the language that was presented in the Comprehension section – although here you are only repeating. There is no manipulation of the language.

Again, this section is to be completed using only the audio recording. There is no accompanying text, and you don’t need to write anything – simply listen and repeat as required.

3. “Drills” section

After going through the first Production recording, you can then move onto the Drills section. For Unit 1 of a module, the recording will be labeled as 1D-1.

There are several different types of drills, but the instructions are usually clear and easy to understand. Simply listen to the recordings and give the required responses as you go through.

4. Workbook “Comprehension” section

After completing the drills, you then need to find the relevant page in the Student Workbook. The first part is a listening comprehension exercise, which you complete by listening to the relevant audio. If you are studying Unit 1 of a module, the audio will be labeled as 1C-2.

The instructions for these exercises are found in the Workbook and are usually simple to understand. These exercises are for listening comprehension only and you don’t need to speak.

5. Workbook “Production” section

The next part is the Production section of the Workbook. You should work through in the same manner as in the Comprehension section, but this time, you are also required to give spoken responses.

If you are doing Unit 1 of a module, the audio for this will be labeled as 1P-2.

6. Communication games

The last part of each Workbook consists of communication games. These were originally designed for use in a classroom where you could interact with other students. However, even if you are studying alone, you can still adapt these activities by taking the role of more than one person.

This is similar to adapting some of the drills from the FSI Basic courses – check out my post on making the most of FSI drills for suggestions on how to do this through the use of props.

Taking it further

This free Chinese course will give you a solid basis in the language, especially if you use these materials in tandem with any other study resources you have.

However, you can’t learn a language through books alone, and as soon as possible, I urge you to start looking for opportunities to take your Chinese and try it out “in the wild”.

This is a language with no shortage of native speakers, and you should make an effort to find people to practice with so that using Chinese becomes a part of your daily routine. Then, when you start doing this, you will see how quickly you are progressing in this challenging but rewarding language.