This course provides am understanding of the Chinese language both from a prospective of syntax and lexicon and with regard to traditional and modern Chinese society. Furthermore, during the course students will study and apprehend special structures and complex expressions, with a focus on translation methods and technique from Chinese into Italian.
Masini, F. et al., Il cinese per gli italiani. Corso avanzato, Hoepli, Milano, 2014.
Castorina, M., La cultura cinese. Manuale di mediazione linguistica, Milano: Hoepli, 2011.
Additional material provided in class or published on MOODLE.
Learning Objectives
- Knowledge and understanding: the course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Chinese language and its syntax as well as its traditional and modern society. By the end of the course, students should be able to communicate in various contexts and deal with intermediate level texts. The expected language level is level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), corresponding to levels HSK 3 and HSK 4.
- Making judgements: By the end of the course, students should be able to comprehend text register (written or oral) and to draw information on lexicon, syntax and cultural contexts.
- Communication skills: by the end of the 10 hours’ course, students should be able to read and comprehend intermediate level texts, translate sentences from and in Chinese, sustain a conversation on daily life and on cultural interest topics.
- Learning skills: by the end of the course, students are able to consult bilingual dictionaries and to make use of specialised applications or online resources both to practice autonomously the Chinese language and to enrich ones’ cultural horizons by getting directly in touch with the Chinese reality.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for students who have complete at least two years of Chinese language courses or equal to level A2 of of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Teaching Methods
Lectures, exercises in class, independent study.
Further information
Besides the classes with the appointed professor, students are required to attend the classes with the Chinese native speaking instructor, that are to be considered part of the course.
Type of Assessment
Written and oral test. The written test consists in quizzes on grammar and lexicon, close and open questions, translation from Chinese to Italian and vice versa. Each session has only one written text.
Once passed the written text, students have access to the oral test. Students who pass the written test must take the oral test in the same session, as written and oral tests are two parts of the same exam.
The oral test consists in reading, translating and commenting one of the texts featured during the course and in a brief conversation in Chinese on
the topics discussed in class.
Course program
Various aspects of Chinese culture such as the state and its institutions; the geography; the thought; the arts; the history of cultural contacts between Italy China; food culture in China; tea culture; etiquette; names and surnames; martial arts; the women’s issue and so forth. Translating Chinese: peculiarities, difficulties, methods and tecnique.