A Chinese language course can be a great way to improve your skills as a language learner. Not only will it teach you new vocabulary and improve your reading and writing skills, it can also give you the chance to explore a new language and culture.
Introduction
Chinese language courses are available at the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning. These courses are designed for students who have a background in other subjects but are interested in acquiring a thorough understanding of Chinese culture.
The Introduction to Chinese language course consists of four optional modules. The first module focuses on Mandarin Chinese. It covers the basic spoken Mandarin Chinese and provides instruction on the tonal system and pronunciation.
Students will also learn Chinese phonetics, numbers, and a few daily expressions. This is a gentle introduction to the language. After the first semester, students will move on to the intermediate level. Intermediate materials include texts that are primarily dialogues and narratives. They are located in realistic contemporary campus situations.
Prerequisites
If you are planning to study Chinese language and literature, you will need to prepare for the course. You will need to acquire a basic set of reference works, such as atlases and concordances. In addition, you will also need to learn how to research and analyze literary texts. Fortunately, there are many classes you can take to build up your proficiency.
Several courses are offered to give students a taste of Chinese culture. These include Chinese Dialects 101 and Advanced Chinese Grammar 101. They are designed to help students build up their speaking, reading, and writing skills. The objectives of these courses are to improve students’ vocabulary and their ability to read and interpret Chinese texts.
Classes offered
The Columbia University Chinese Language Program offers a variety of courses in the history, linguistics, and pedagogy of the Chinese language. In addition to acquiring basic skills in Chinese, students may explore the rich diversity of China’s culture and society through these courses.
Students in the program learn how to communicate effectively in Chinese, which can enhance their professional experiences in the Chinese-speaking world. Classes are offered on campus as well as at various institutions overseas. During the first year of study, students take courses focused on aural-oral skills. This includes developing the pronunciation of characters, dictionaries, and reading comprehension.
In the second and third years of studies, students take classes focusing on written and spoken Chinese. These include the following levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Objectives of the course
The Chinese language course is designed to improve the oral and written proficiency of students. It is also designed to lay a solid foundation for further studies of the Chinese language at the intermediate and advanced levels. By acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to communicate in Chinese, students are able to further their knowledge of other disciplines.
Students will learn about Chinese culture through reading and discussing texts. They will study Chinese history and society, examining shared beliefs, practices, and values among Chinese. Students will also become more familiar with the concepts of culture, learning about the different regions of China and the cultural differences between them.
Common mistakes made by students
Learning Chinese can be daunting. There are many facets to mastering the language. Some students make mistakes without even realizing it. Keeping an eye out for these types of errors is a good idea.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to practice. One of the best ways to master a foreign language is to immerse yourself in it. If possible, spend some time with a native speaker. This will help you get a better sense of how the language works.
Another way to do this is to take a course in a nearby university. Most of these institutions offer courses in Mandarin Chinese. You can also hire an ESL teacher to help you.
Placement test
A placement test is a written examination that is administered to measure the language ability of a student. The results are used to determine what class a student will be placed in. It is a requirement for new students who have never taken a Chinese course before.
The test consists of a technology check, a short questionnaire about prior Chinese-language learning, a vocabulary quiz, a reading comprehension, and a handwritten essay. Although it may not take more than a few minutes to complete, it is not a proctored exam.
Students can take a placement exam by mail, online, or in person. The tests are available in a traditional Chinese format as well as in simplified characters.
