Trent University - Continuing Education

Welcome to our Basic Chinese Conversation course! This course is designed for adult learners with no prior knowledge of Chinese, aiming to help you master basic Chinese through interactive and fun methods. The course content includes situational dialogues, learning Chinese songs, and skit rehearsals, ensuring that the learning process is both enjoyable and practical.

Week 1 – Introduction to Basic Chinese

Objective: Master basic Chinese pronunciation and pinyin.

Content: Introduction to Chinese pinyin, learning initials, finals, and tones. Practice pronunciation through simple greetings and self-introductions.

Week 2 – Daily Expressions

Objective: Learn basic expressions used in daily life.

Content: Learn common expressions for greetings, farewells, thanks, and apologies. Practice through situational dialogues.

Week 3 – Numbers and Time

Objective: Master the expression of numbers and time, and apply them in real-life situations.

Content: Learn the reading of numbers, how to express dates and time, such as year, month, day, hour, and minute. Practice through simulated shopping, appointments, and daily schedules to ensure students can apply what they have learned in real life.

Week 4 – Family and Friends

Objective: Learn to introduce family members and friends.

Content: Learn the terms for family members and vocabulary for describing friends. Practice through role-playing.

Week 5 – Shopping and Dining

Objective: Master vocabulary and expressions related to shopping and dining.

Content: Learn common expressions for shopping, ordering food, and making payments. Practice through simulated shopping and dining scenarios.

Week 6 – Learning Chinese Songs

Objective: Learn Chinese through songs, improving listening and pronunciation.

Content: Learn a simple Chinese song, understand the lyrics, and practice singing.

Week 7 – Skit Rehearsal

Objective: Apply the knowledge learned in a practical setting.

Content: Create a simple skit based on the learned content, rehearse, and perform to consolidate learning outcomes.

Week 8 – Presentation and Review

Objective: Showcase learning achievements and boost confidence.

Content: Students present what they have learned, which can include skit performances, song singing, or situational dialogues. This helps consolidate learning outcomes and celebrate achievements.