BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The Chinese Language LM course provides students with advanced formal and pragmatic language skills in Putonghua. The course aims to train high-level language practitioners who can communicate effectively in various areas of relations with China, both orally and in writing.
The objective of Chinese Language LM I is to achieve level 5 of the HSK Certificate of Language Competence, which corresponds to level C1 of the CEFR. By the end of the course, students will have the ability to comprehend lengthy and intricate texts thanks to their grasp of the fundamental principles of Chinese composition and the more intricate nuances of Chinese grammar, including connectors, speech structures, and formulas. They will also be able to express themselves fluently in various professional situations, as well as translate from and into Chinese and write texts in Chinese belonging to various linguistic registers.
The objective of Chinese Language LM II is for students to achieve Level 6 of the HSK Certificate, which corresponds to Level C2 of the CEFR. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand lengthy and intricate texts characterised by sophisticated discourse structures, rhetorical devices, and complex formulas. They will be able to translate effectively and accurately from Chinese, as well as translate into Chinese or compose various types of text belonging to different linguistic registers. Students will also be able to speak fluently and interpret in various professional contexts.
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of the Chinese language equivalent to level B2 of the Chinese Proficiency Grading Standard (equivalent to level 4 of the HSK Certificate of Language Competence).
Proficiency in the Italian language at C1 level.
Teaching Methods
Classes are conducted in person and involve active student participation through practical exercises, translation activities carried out in the classroom and discussion of assigned texts that have been translated independently. Attention is paid to content, linguistic peculiarities, and translation strategies.
Specific activities aimed at developing communicative competence, as well as written production and translation in Chinese, are offered as part of the Language Learning Activities (Attività di Apprendimento Linguistico AAL).
Throughout the academic year, the Centro Linguistico di Ateneo (CLA) also provides a language tutoring service, which students can use to clarify course content or complete remedial activities: https://cla.unibg.it/it/apprendimento-lingue/servizi-studenti/servizio-tutoring
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of a written and an oral test. To sit both tests, it is necessary to register for the respective examination lists exclusively via the Esse3 system.
The written test is valid for 18 months.
Chinese Language LM I: Written Test
· Composition of a business letter in Chinese.
· Translation from Chinese into Italian of passages taken from class texts (without dictionary).
· Translation from Chinese into Italian of an unpublished passage (with dictionary).
Chinese Language LM I: Oral exam
The oral exam consists of an interpreting session on content covered during the lessons.
Chinese Language LM II: Written Test
For the written part, you can choose between two options:
Option 1: A full examination of the official course. The written test includes:
- questions on theoretical topics of a linguistic-cultural nature are covered in the classroom.
- translation from Chinese into Italian of a text similar to those covered during the course (dictionary permitted);
- a brief commentary on the translation.
Option 2: Seminar test (not repeatable). Those who choose this option must complete the written examination with:
- questions on theoretical topics of a linguistic-cultural nature are covered in the classroom.
- translation from Chinese into Italian of a text similar to those covered during the course (dictionary permitted).
N.B.: As the seminar test is not repeatable, should the result not be satisfactory, it will be possible to return to option 1 and take the full written examination.
Chinese Language LM II: Oral Examination
Involves an interpreting session from Chinese on topics covered in class.
Those who did not take the oral examination for the LM I A and LM II A modules in the winter session must take tests for both modules to obtain their final grade.
Evaluation grid:
· Excellent (30 cum laude) - All knowledge and skills were fully acquired and applied with precision, effectiveness and autonomy. No errors.
· Very good (30-27) - Has excellent knowledge and skills, which are applied correctly and with confidence. Minor and non-recurring errors.
· Good (26-24): Adequate knowledge and skills, with some uncertainty or imprecision. Errors present, but not serious or systematic.
· Sufficient (23–18): Basic knowledge and skills acquired, but applied partially or with evident errors. Sufficient general understanding.
· Insufficient (less than 18): Insufficient knowledge and skills, which are not adequately developed. Numerous errors that impair the success of the task.
Contents
The course proposes the following:
1. The study of advanced Putonghua structures, particularly its formal register, through reading and translating didactic texts related to contemporary Chinese society. The structures and formulas identified in these texts will be analysed and practised through exercises to help students acquire and actively use them.
2. Translating authentic texts taken from Chinese and international newspapers on topics relating to Chinese national and international current affairs. Both sight translation and written translation exercises will be offered. The linguistic characteristics of the texts will be discussed in class, alongside a translanguaging analysis providing commentary on the adopted translation strategies.
For LM II students, a seminar dedicated to Chinese interpreting will be offered as an alternative to the LM 2 B module.
The LM I and LM II courses are associated with two different Language Learning Activities (LLAs), offered by the Centro Linguistico di Ateneo (CLA). These LLAs are geared towards achieving HSK 5 and HSK 6 levels, respectively.
· AAL Chinese Level LM I focuses on the structures and formulas of business language, both written and oral, as well as providing an introduction to interpreting from Chinese.
· AAL Chinese Level LM II will address elements of Chinese culture and contemporaneity.
Further details can be found at: https://www.unibg.it/studiare/frequentare/apprendimento-linguistico/cinese
Online Resources
More information
The course content is the same for both attending and non-attending students. All texts and teaching materials developed by the lecturer and provided during the course are available within the e-learning course 'Chinese Language - LM I Year'.
International students, as well as those who only need to take part of the examination, are requested to contact the lecturer directly.
Regular attendance at the course is strongly recommended.