Mandarin for Cantonese speakers 1: module 1

If you speak Cantonese, these courses will help you develop your basic skills in Mandarin. If you speak Cantonese, this course will help you develop your basic skills in Mandarin.

If you're unsure of the level of course you should study, click here to view a language self-assessment chart

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Key course information

Dates
22/09/11 - 08/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
12 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £112
Senior fee: £112
Concession: £37

Venue
EC - European College

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Course code
LC114

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
languages@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2644

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course aims to enable speakers of Cantonese or people of equivalent experience who can read some Chinese characters to progress faster to an intermediate level.

What topics will we cover?

The course intends to equip students with basic skills for daily communication focusing of Chinese phonetics (Pin Yin), which is essential for the aquisition of correct pronunciation. In addition, students will be required to learn to read and write basic simplified characters as well as identify the main differences between Mandarin and Cantonese.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Introduce yourself

Greet someone

Point out items in a supermarket

Make phone calls

Order meals in a restaurant

Ask for date and time

Use basic Chinese phonetics (Pinyin, tones)

Recognise basic strokes in Chinese characters

Write 40-80 Chinese characters.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course will be addressed at speakers of Cantonese or other Chinese dialects who speak little or no Mandarin. For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart, using the link at the top of this page. You can also find the chart at the start of the languages section in our course guide. You will also need to be able to understand basic spoken and written information in English (e.g. simple instructions, course documents) and be at ease with the use of numbers for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time etc).

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course is based on the communicative approach:

- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills
- pair and group work
- role plays
- use of realia, pictures and authentic material
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate

Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course will be based on Conversational Chinese 301 Vol.1, compiled by Kang Yuhua and Lai Siping. The latest version, published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press (2006). Some additional materials will be provided by the tutor. Please try: Grant and Cutler - www.grantandcutler.com (020 7734 2012).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Mandarin for Chinese speakers 1: module 2. Please enrol as soon as possible as places cannot be guaranteed.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2644

languages@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times

During term-time: Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30; Thursday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30;

Non term-time: Tuesday 17.30–18.30 and Thursday 12.30–13.30

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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