Chinese as a Second Language
Chinese Program of SFAI
About Chinese
Why learn Chinese
Why study Chinese at SFAI
Program Details
Elementary level
Overview
Schedule
Objectives
Intermediate level
Overview
Schedule
Objectives
Advanced level
Overview
Schedule
Objectives
Short-term Program
Summer & Winter Holiday Program
About Chinese
Chinese, a language spoken by more than a quarter of the population in the world, is said to be one of the most important languages to learn in the 21st century. Most Chinese speakers are in China and Southeast Asia but Chinese all over the world speak Chinese and carry Chinese traditions and culture. It is also one of the official languages of the United Nations.
Chinese is predicted to surpass English as the first language on the World Wide Web by 2007. A recent study, written by David Graddol and published in the journal Science, suggests that, by 2050 the percentage of native speakers of English will have fallen to around 5%, whilst Chinese and Arabic will have become the most studied languages by non-native speakers of these languages. "Learning Chinese creates cross hemisphere cerebral links that develop intelligence in ways that enhance overall intelligence in a measurable way" (Dr. Stephen Codrington, NZ Chinese Language Association Newsletter, October 2003)
Why Learn Chinese
Chinese culture is both rich and influential. China, with a recorded history of over 3,000 years, is the oldest continuous civilization surviving today. It has also exercised considerable influence on other important Asian cultures such as those of Japan, Vietnam and Korea, in the same way that Greek and Roman civilizations influenced European cultures.
Chinese culture and ancient wisdom is inspiring. Understanding the Chinese Language can be a huge advantage in getting closer to the culture, doing business with Chinese and traveling in China.
Learning Chinese provides access to the literature of one of the world‘s great civilizations.
Learning Chinese culture and philosophy will open a new door to our life. The spiritual inspiration will lead us toward spiritual maturity.
Learning Chinese provides access to the newly industrialized economies in Asia.
Learning Chinese may improve employment opportunities involving China in business, immigration and education, to mention a few professional areas, in the 21st century.
Why Study Chinese at SFAI
Sichuan Fine Arts Institute is bringing the opportunity to everyone all around the world who is interested in learning Chinese, one of the most beautiful and fascinating language.
At Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, we design a curriculum that ensures EVERYONE the best chance of success in learning Chinese language and culture. The courses are specifically designed for those, whose mother tongue is not Chinese, al the courses will be taught by a teacher fluent in both Chinese and English. We not only provide you an excellent education of Chinese language and culture, but also provide you a wonderful experience of Chinese culture and society, especially in art fields.
Our mission is to provide a motivating environment to learn Chinese for anyone with an interest, pass long beauty of the Chinese language and traditional Chinese culture to the students and foster students’ life-long interest and appreciation in learning Chinese language and culture. We are aimed to promoting Chinese language and culture and encourage a multicultural understanding in a global society, by offering the best Mandarin programs to ANYONE who is interested in Chinese language and culture.
Our teachers and administrative staff all come to us dedicated to the highest teaching standards, with the same goals and aspirations for our students as our students have for themselves. They are all experienced language teachers. Each teacher is designated to teach one course at one academic level, and each teacher is absolutely responsible for every student.
We offer small group classes starting from basic level and moving forward to higher levels. We also offer scholarship opportunities In order to reward the foreign student of good character and outstanding studying. In addition to “The Scholarship of Chongqing Government” which is set up for the foreign student in Chongqing, “Foreign student‘s scholarship of SFAI” is available for everyone.
Program Details
Our courses focus on developing oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Up-to-date materials are used to introduce modern day China, its social and economic life, culture, history, and literature. Please don’t hesitate to let Sunny know (Email: info@scfai.edu.cn, Tel: 86-23-86181008), if you have any questions after read through the following information. Find the ideal one for yourself…
Elementary level (for absolutely beginners)
Overview
The courses in this level are designed for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese and to set the foundation for the study of Chinese. There are introductory course in reading, writing, speaking and listening to Chinese for students with no previous knowledge of the language.
Schedule
16-credit-hour/week, 18-week/semester, 2-semester/year
Objectives
After the completion of the courses in this level, students will be expected to
l master basic grammatical structures.
l learn about 2000 basic characters and relevant vocabulary items that frequently used.
l have the elementary ability of listening, speaking, reading, writing.
l meet the needs of everyday life and study, and understand each other in basic communication.
l read simple Chinese articles
l write short and simple messages.
Intermediate level
Overview
A continuation of elementary level. Courses are designed for providing additional grounding in the vocabulary and grammar of Chinese and further developing students‘ Chinese language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We are going to develop your overall language proficiency by building up on the foundation you have received. It will enlarge the students‘vocabulary as well as their knowledge of the language.
Schedule
16-credit-hour/week, 18-week/semester, 2-semester/year
Objectives
After the completion of the courses in this level, students will be expected to
l learn additional 2000 characters and more vocabulary items
l understand the aspects of Chinese life style and culture presented in the selected readings and lectures
l master patterns, grammatical structures, paragraphs and discourse and means of connections so as to express the meaning of the texts correctly and fluently in paragraphs and discourse.
l present their ideas clearly in Chinese on daily topics.
l read Chinese articles with general understanding
Advanced level
Overview
In this level we offer a wide variety of courses, which deal with various aspects of Chinese language, literature and related topics. It can further develop integrated communicative capacity in using the Chinese language and understanding of Chinese culture and society through linguistic approach. It is an extension of the communicative approach seeking to develop linguistic skills appropriate to students‘future career and social needs.
Schedule
12-credit-hour/week, 18-week/semester, 2-semester/year
Objectives
After the completion of the courses in this level, students will be expected to
l further enlarge their existing vocabulary
l be able to read Chinese text in the original or close to the original with fully understanding
l speak with correct pronunciation and intonation patterns.
l write Chinese compositions with clarity and reasonable correctness.
l acquire communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion
Short-term Program
To meet the need of university students or individuals who are interested in learning Chinese language, Chinese culture or any other aspects of Chinese culture, and for the purpose of enhancing the cultural exchange between the Chinese people and people of other nations, SFAI also runs short-term program. It strives to improve learners’ ability of Chinese listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are accepted with no time restriction and will be placed in appropriate classes (as in long-term) according to his or her existing level of Chinese ability. Additionally, the courses also can be specially designed upon request.
Summer & Winter Holiday Program
The program lasts from at least two weeks to several weeks according to trainees’ specific needs and requirements. The courses can be specially designed upon request. Apart from language training, this program would usually arrange varied cultural activities and traveling upon students’ needs. The programs for group are available at any time during the semester in line with the academic calendar of SFAI with over 4 participants.
(All the arrangements are flexible and the final schedule will be concluded after fully discussion by both sides.)