Chinese (Mandarin) language
Find us
Room 105, Miller Building
Department of languages and cultures
Office hours: 09:00–16:00, weekdays
Contact us
Email:
iwlp@reading.ac.uk
Telephone:
+44 (0)118 378 7318
Follow us
FacebookMandarin Chinese has official status in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and has 800 million speakers worldwide. Almost a quarter of internet usage is conducted in Chinese; this makes it the second biggest language online after English.
British Council (2014), Languages for the Future
MODULES AVAILABLE
You will be placed in the module that most suits your linguistic abilities. For us to place you in the right group you will need to fill in information about your linguistic background on the application form and some students will also need to complete a placement test. Find the placement test and application form here.
Taking Mandarin Chinese with IWLP as part of your degree (for 20 credits)?
- If you are in the first year of your course (Part 1 or PGT) - select through online module selection as you do for your other modules. If the selection window has closed go to module surgeries or support centres.
- Returning students (Parts 2/3 and 4) - please discuss with a support centre how to change/add your module choices.
- During the enrolment process you may be asked to complete a Placement test
(NB: During the COVID-19 pandemic - While at home, if you are unable to print your test to complete, please write the parts requiring Chinese characters on a sheet of paper, take a photo and attach it with the rest of the test).
Taking the language with IWLP but not as part of your degree (as non-credit)?
Please note that applications open for non-credits at the beginning of September 2020.
Complete the Non-credit application form and the Placement test (if applicable).
If you are unsure or have any further queries please contact the IWLP Team on iwlp@reading.ac.uk or telephone 0118 378 7318.
LA1PC1-IWLP Chinese Level 1
This is a beginners’ module for students who have no prior knowledge of Mandarin Chinese in either the written or spoken form. It will provide an introduction to Mandarin, concentrating on its communicative use in familiar everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.
LA1PC8-IWLP Chinese 1 Fast-track
This is a fast track module for students who are beginners, but have some knowledge of Mandarin Chinese or who are able, because of their understanding of a similar language, to progress faster than other students at the same level. It will enable them to acquire a basic understanding of Mandarin in an intensive yet manageable mode, which takes into account their previous knowledge and develops their ability to communicate in everyday situations about matters of most immediate personal relevance.
LA1PC2-IWLP Chinese Level 2
This post-beginner module is intended for students with some basic knowledge of Mandarin such as that acquired by taking IWLP Chinese 1 (or equivalent). It aims at enabling students to consolidate and further their understanding of the language and their ability to communicate at a basic level in everyday situations about matters of most immediate personal relevance.
LA1PC3-Chinese 3
This lower intermediate module is for students with a basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese language such as that acquired by taking IWLP Chinese 2 or equivalent. It aims at enabling students to communicate at a competent level in everyday situations with increased fluency and confidence.
If you would like to take Mandarin at a higher level than we currently offer please be in contact with us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk.
LANGUAGE LADDER
If your placement test suggests that your ability is already higher than the module offered by IWLP, or if in a previous IWLP module you reached the top of the stages available, you might be able to enrol on one of the language modules offered by the Department of Languages and Cultures. Information and advice is available from the IWLP Coordinator responsible for your language.
CONTACT TIME
Classes are 3 hours a week, split into a 2hour and a 1hour session. Popular modules are offered in several parallel groups (A,B,C...) following the same syllabus. You have to attend all 3 hours in one group.
Fees
No additional fees are required for IWLP modules if you are:
- A current Undergraduate/Postgraduate Taught student taking IWLP modules as part of your
120/180 credits for the year (with permission by your School in your module specifications).
For other students:
- Non-credit fees have not yet been finalised for 2020/21 but are currently £340 for the year. This will be billed to your student account during November.
Exceptions:
- PGR students: If your School is going to fund your IWLP module please get the PGR agreement form
signed by your School Director of Teaching & Learning. Those not being funded will be charged
£340 to their student account in November.
- Staff: All staff are required to pay for their IWLP module. The fee is £340. If your School/Dept are willing to fund your module, please complete and return the staff agreement form
All forms can be emailed to iwlp@reading.ac.uk.
Withdrawals
We hope you will enjoy your IWLP module. If however there is a reason you need to withdraw, you will need to complete a withdrawal form . We cannot remove you from our records until we have received this form, even if you have told your home department/tutor. Refunds are given up to the end of Week 4 of the autumn term.