Incredible Mandarin: Basic Course (Book 1) provides a carefully structured introduction to Mandarin Chinese for absolute beginners. Developed by National Tsing Hua University under the Taiwan Education Center programme and published in collaboration with Sanctum Books, the volume has been designed specifically for learners in India.Prepared in accordance with the Taiwan Benchmarks for the Chinese Language (TBCL), the book develops the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through eight thematic lessons centred on authentic everyday communication. Its lessons combine systematic language instruction with vocabulary, grammar, and communicative activities presented within situations that are both familiar and meaningful to Indian learners.The narrative follows Taiwanese exchange students during their stay in India, enabling learners to acquire practical language skills while engaging with Indian society, culture, and everyday life through Mandarin. By integrating language learning with intercultural experience, the book encourages students to develop both communicative competence and cultural awareness.In addition to the lesson units, the volume includes a comprehensive introduction to Mandarin pronunciation, tones, grammar, and the Chinese writing system, together with graded vocabulary, cultural notes, communicative language tasks, and supporting resources for classroom instruction and independent study. As the opening volume of the Incredible Mandarin programme, it establishes a solid foundation for further study while reflecting the series' commitment to contextualised and learner-centred Mandarin education.
Chiehyu Jessica Wang
- Senior Chinese Language Instructor of Taiwan Education Centre in India
- Overseas Chinese Language Instructor assigned by the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, Republic of China
- M.A. in Mass Communication, University of Leicester, England, U.K.
Editorial Reviews
 | “For anyone eager to learn Mandarin for basic communication, Incredible Mandarin is an excellent choice. It offers a wealth of sample sentences and clear, concise explanations of syntax, making the learning process straightforward and engaging. The inclusion of both simplified and traditional Chinese characters, alongside Pinyin and English translations, helps learners feel comfortable and confident. The audio-accompanied texts, vocabulary items, and sample sentences in the grammar sections are particularly beneficial, encouraging serious practice and honing listening skills. Additionally, the authors’ thoughtful attention to cultural nuances enriches the learning experience, providing valuable context and deeper understanding.”
—Prof. Shreeparna Roy, Delhi University
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| “The content of Incredible Mandarin is presented in clear yet profound terms. It uniquely integrates cultural background knowledge, providing invaluable insights into the cultures of Taiwan and India, which enriches students’ understanding and adaptation. Particularly suited for beginners of Mandarin Chinese in India, I personally used this textbook while teaching there and witnessed significant progress among my students. I wholeheartedly recommend it for its comprehensive approach and effective pedagogy.”
—Jung-Hsiu Liu, TEC Mandarin Instructor, O.P. Jindal Global University
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| “For non-native Indian Chinese language learners, Incredible Mandarin is an absolute must. It is methodically structured to facilitate learning and specifically addresses the challenges faced by Indian students. The explanations of grammar points are clear and concise, making complex concepts easier to grasp. Additionally, the examples provided are particularly relatable for Indian learners, incorporating culturally relevant contexts that make the material more engaging and easier to understand.”
—Saurabh Kapoor, a student from Rashtriya Raksha University
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| “For Indian learners eager to explore the fusion of Chinese and Indian cultures with an authentic touch, Incredible Mandarin is the perfect gateway. It offers not only a fascinating cultural glimpse but also a solid foundation in Mandarin. For those yearning for an enriching challenge, I highly recommend picking up this excellent book, prepared with sincere efforts by experienced native speakers.”
—Ms Preeti Sangwan, a student of Taiwan Education Center, India
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