Introduction

This course is designed for non-native Chinese speakers and is suitable for students who have completed the elementary level, but have not mastered Chinese pronunciation or basic rules of grammar or sentence structure. The primary aim is to improve language skills from post-beginner to intermediate level.

Class participation is a fundamental element of this course and is required of all students.

Objectives and Expectations

By the end of this course a student should:

• be able to communicate in Chinese using basic dialogue with respect to daily life, studying and socialising.

• be able to hold a conversation in a fluid manner.

• be able to give simple oral presentations using correct pronunciation and expressions.

• have attained language skills to an intermediate level.

Content

Language Skills:

• Pronunciation: all initials, finals, tones as well as 轻声 and 儿化.

• Grammar: grades 1 and 2 (100 grammatical points)

• Vocabulary: grade 1 (1000 words)

• Character Recognition: grade 1 (500-700 characters)

Topics include: Entertaining visitors, expressing gratitude, expressing one’s feelings, discussing travel and common life essentials like food, clothing, housing and transportation.

Course Duration and Class Size

Two ten-week courses will be run per year. Each week involves one session of one and a half hours each. In addition, students are expected to study and practise outside the classroom in their own time.

Class sizes will be limited to approximately fifteen students per course.