Fluenz Mandarin 1+2 was designed by a small team with a clear mission: create a language program that would get people speaking Chinese as quickly as possible. Having tried other software programs and studied Mandarin in China, we designed and built the software we would have loved to have when we started learning.

At the center of Fluenz Mandarin is a real life instructor, Sonia Gil, who went to China to learn Mandarin herself and whose more than 125 video clips are embedded throughout the program.

What we learned is that replicating the experience of one-on-one coaching in English, every step of the way can make all the difference when you try to learn a language. As with anything, knowing what’s going on and where you’re going helps you follow any program.

Fluenz works on three essential principles:

Our main learning experiences all involve active instruction. Learning a new language is difficult, especially if you have to teach yourself. With Live Learning, we have brought to computer education the essence of classroom learning: the teacher. All words and phrases are thoroughly explained and you are guided through a structured learning process.

At the beginning you need to learn in English, and to relate basic Mandarin grammar and syntax to English. Focusing on the many common links between the two languages will help you learn more quickly and comprehensively. Using the English you already know to learn Mandarin is the essence of Leverage Learning.

You want to communicate the most in the least amount of time, which means Fluenz takes into consideration which words are easiest to remember for English speakers, which expressions make the most logical sense to us, and which are most useful— "cell phone" instead of "horse" or "man running". This is Relevant Learning.

Unlike most digital learning of any kind, we put a lot of effort into making Fluenz as immersive and well designed as possible. Borrowing from the best multi-media designs, Fluenz aims to blend images, music, video, and Flash animation to motivate you as you learn. Thirteen different kinds of workouts add variety to your practice while dynamic Flash conversations place Mandarin in realistic, useful settings.

Sonia Gil, the Cornell graduate who went to China to learn the language and led the development team, guides you every step of the way in English--thanks to our next generation software combining full motion video in an interactive platform.

Instead of complicated grammar, or the life consuming task of learning characters, Fluenz focuses on accelarating your communication skills in real-life situations.

We couldn’t find a better program to help you survive in China, or to set the foundation for the advanced learning of Mandarin. So we decided to create one.