Oracle International Language Institute Chinese Language Course

Improve students' overall aural-oral proficiency through expanded vocabulary, mastery of more intricate structural patterns and understanding of more sophisticated grammar concepts. Emphasis will also be placed on reading comprehension and writing at more advanced levels - such as being able to compose extended narrative or informational passages as well as simple argumentative pieces.

Focuses on cultivating Chinese business communication and culture using authentic materials and discussions.

Grammar

Students will develop their vocabulary of Chinese through grammatical study and listening/speaking practice, in preparation for advanced level conversation classes where they will engage in more in-depth conversations about autobiographical topics as well as local/global matters of interest.

Survey the history and development of Chinese as an international language while investigating its influence on culture and society. The course covers various aspects of the language such as pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and idioms.

This course, intended as an adjunct to the intensive language instruction offered through Summer Abroad programs in Shanghai, introduces students to general features of contemporary Chinese society and culture through readings, discussions and other activities. Pre-travel, on-site and post-travel components of class provide opportunities for reflection, analysis and understanding of experience gained.

Advanced Chinese language practice with an emphasis on reading authentic texts from humanities and social science disciplines - literature, film and music are among them - can vary significantly by year. Content may also change.

Vocabulary

As your studies advance, your vocabulary and grammar skills should expand as your proficiency increases, enabling you to express yourself more creatively. Chinese is unique among world languages in that its grammar does not rely on strict rules to determine meaning; rather it relies heavily on context in determining meaning - something which may prove challenging for students as there is no clear structure provided for this foreign language; sometimes grammar rules that seem incorrect may actually work just fine in another situation!

Oracle International Language Institute provides language and vocational training to students and professionals worldwide. Their innovative teaching methods combine theoretical knowledge with real-world application to ensure students gain essential real-world skills. Their range of international professional qualifications makes Oracle an excellent choice for those aspiring to advance their careers. Their language programs span high schoolers up to corporate employees - offering English, French, German and Arabic classes in state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with all types of technological resources.

Listening

Learners advance their reading comprehension and broaden their vocabulary through studying topics of contemporary interest to Chinese culture. Emphasis is given to improving spoken and written communication as well as more nuanced expression through stylistic devices like simile and metaphor.

Introduction to oral and orally related performance traditions in China; explores local traditions of professional storytelling, epic singing, folksongs and local drama. Taught in English; partial texts available in Chinese as an option.

This non-core beginner course helps learners automate and internalize basic expressions of daily life in Chinese, so they can communicate more efficiently across a wide range of situations and with Chinese-speaking people more freely and naturally. It gives confidence for spontaneous interactions among peers speaking Chinese as well.

An examination of historical rhyming dictionaries and sources, reconstruction of different periods in Chinese history, as well as issues regarding grammaticalization and sound change are covered here. Prereq for enrollment is 5104 or equivalent course; students with credit for 750 are not permitted; this course can only be taken for EM credit.

Speaking

Students learn Mandarin Chinese, the official language of China. Through foundational vocabulary learning and mastering of basic grammar fundamentals as well as real life conversation practice they develop real conversational skills through real practice and become proficient speakers/listeners of Mandarin Chinese. Furthermore they begin reading/writing simple texts written with Chinese characters while engaging in advanced conversations on an array of topics.

Advanced language courses provide advanced students with specialized practice for specific fields like business, literature or cultural studies. Such classes as Business Chinese (163) focus on building up a broad business vocabulary while Chinese in the Humanities (168r) explore authentic texts from cultural disciplines.

Exploration of Chinese phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics; exploration of some issues related to cognition and society as they relate to language use and development of writing systems in China. Prereqs: 6380 or permission of instructor GE Lang Course

Reading

Objectives of this course include consolidating overall aural-oral proficiency while gradually introducing written Chinese. Objectives include being able to read extended narrative, expository and simple argumentative passages as well as writing relative length personal/informational narratives, comparison of viewpoints essays on topics as well as solving non-complex textual problems with dictionary usage; becoming acquainted with aspects of Chinese culture and society related to course materials.

This non-core beginners' course is specifically tailored to help students master and practice Mandarin, the world's most widely spoken native language. Classes include interactive discussions, readings and writing assignments designed to provide the basis for mastering this complex yet fascinating language.

Prereq: 6380 or permission of instructor; repeatable up to 8 credit hours or 2 completions.