Beginners Reading Chinese
Part of the range of Chinese language learning courses and activities at SOAS Language Centre in London
Duration:
This is a one-year course with three terms of twelve-weeks
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Description
The course is designed to provide an introductory course over three terms for people who have already acquired competence in spoken Chinese but wish to develop their reading skill in Chinese language. Ideally the course participants should have been exposed to the Chinese language environment. The course is mostly taught in Chinese with the accent on dealing with the reading of Chinese characters, though it will also cover some basic techniques in writing Chinese characters. By the end of the course, students should be able to read about 1,000 characters.
The course, primarily based on ‘Rapid Literacy in Chinese’ by Zhang Pengpeng, is taught mostly in Chinese. The course focuses on reading skills, but will also consolidate and further improve the participants’ listening and speaking skills by using Chinese in class. Course participants will be introduced to the structure and characteristics of Chinese characters, and there will be a range of exercises designed to help the course participants to remember and recognise the core characters covered in the course.
Some homework will be set each week and there will be regular informal assessments. Students will be expected to learn an average of about 35 characters per week. Class size is limited to twelve to allow close involvement.
Those interested in continuing with their study of Chinese after this course may wish to consider our Upper Intermediate Chinese Course.
Assessments for Course Placement
Not a total beginner? Then see our page on course assessments.
Fee for this Course
The fee for each twelve-week term is £350 payable in advance.
Terms and Conditions
See our terms and conditions of payment before enrolling on the course.
How to Apply for this Course
You can apply and pay online or by post.
Classes may fill up quickly. In some cases, additional classes are set up. It is best to apply early in order to avoid disappointment.
Materials
Our course materials page shows you what you need to buy for this course. Course materials are not included in the course fee and can be purchased from the SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk
