Chinese Course

Mandarin is the main language and the most widely spoken of all Chinese language dialects. It is used by more than 70 percent of the population, in a huge area of the mainland running diagonally from the extreme southwest to Manchuria and also along the entire east coast north of Shanghai. To generalize, most of China, with the exception of the southeastern provinces speak Mandarin. Other exceptional areas are in the far west. A substantial number of speakers are in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, the USA, Mongolia, Vietnam, Brunei, South Africa, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. The total number of speakers are approximately 885 million.

Students learn Chinese culture, art and literature of the language. Language students are trained to excel in international examinations. They use their knowledge of Chinese to interact with Chinese agencies leading to study opportunities in China. Some Chinese courses are diploma courses, crash courses and traveler's course.

Level I - Basic Course

Course Structure:

On joining students are learn to speak Chinese in Pinyin (Reading, writing, speaking and Chinese character writing). Tonal sounds system, simple conversation and basic fundamental vocabulary are taught. Simple descriptions of everyday situations, stimulated dialogues and role playing are taught. The Chinese culture and language is taught through Audio - Video Aids.

Of course completion, the student is able to:

Recognize correct sound patterns.
Read and understand the language of that level.
Comprehend spoken language from the text vocabulary.
Engage in exercises in manipulating grammar.
Sustain a conversation using known vocabulary.

Duration: Two and a half months.

Level II - Intermediate

Eligibility of this course: For those familiar with the basic level of Chinese Mandarin).
Structure of the course:

500 characters, 2500 words, Daily conversation and the practice of reading and writing sentences. The level 1 learning experiences and activities continues like the basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills . Opportunities to expand interests and cultural items.

On course completion the students will be guaranteed to:

Write with a wide vocabulary.
Can confidently use and understand written Chinese.
Read with improved ability.
Demonstrate empathy for the Chinese culture.
Form questions and answers based on familiar materials.

Duration: Two and half months.

Level III - Advanced

Eligibility for this course: For those who want to specialize in the language.

Structure of the course:

The advanced level covers up to 1000 characters and 6000 words. In this level of Chinese, continued practice in the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing come into play. Grammar is taught on an advanced level. Opportunities are given to expand individual interests in reading materials and cultural items. Short stories, plays, essays, are taught using a varied vocabulary. Chinese is used extensively in class during discussions and role playing. (Art, music, literature, sports, TV and movies are just a few of the topics studied during cultural immersion exercises.) Written comprehension and expressions in particular are given undue importance.

On course completion the students will be guaranteed to:

Write with increasing complexity with an expanded vocabulary.
Converse in an extended conversation using vocabulary studied.
Understand Chinese used in the text.
Translate from English to Chinese to demonstrate grammatical skills.
Acquire a greater understanding of the Chinese culture.
Formulate questions and answers based on material read or discussed
Special Projects: Work book, library research, project work

Duration: Two and half months.