OVERVIEW

The annual course consists of a Language Module (scheduled on the first and second semester and delivered in Italian and Chinese) and a Theoretical Module (scheduled on the second semester, delivered in Italian). The course aims to provide students with the correct use of the essential elements of Chinese grammar (phonology, morphology, syntax), aimed at formulating simple conversations in standard situations through the use of a basic lexical baggage.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with a basic language competence (level A2 of the CEFR) allowing them to understand and produce short, easy written texts, as well as to communicate orally in situations requiring a simple information exchange on familiar and habitual topics. At the end of the course, students will be able to use actively a basic Chinese vocabulary (about 400 words and 300 characters, that they will be able to write), will be familiar (passive competence) with some other 150 characters, will know modern Chinese standard phonology and the system to transcribe it into Latin characters (Hanyu pinyin), as well as the principles of character ordering in Chinese bilingual dictionaries.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will focus on the study of the fundamental elements in the construction of simple phrases, on the learning of phonetics, with particular regard to the tonal features of the language, the pinyin phonetic transcription system, the study of Chinese and the rules of the writing system.

At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate that they have achieved adequate morphological, syntactic and lexical knowledge of the language, equivalent to the second level of Hanyu Shuping Kaoshi (HSK), or Chinese Language Level Exam,  the international certification issued by the government of the PRC.

Students must also be able to apply the notions learned in reading elementary written texts in Chinese, as well as in the oral production in of content consistent with the second level HSK. With the acquired knowledge, students will be able to work independently on the learnt subjects, contextualizing his / her skills within a given topic.

At the end of the course, students must therefore be able to express themselves clearly, displaying the acquired knowledge using the relevant and appropriate vocabulary. They will be able to develop an adequate study methodology aimed at understanding the various contents presented during the course. Attendance to the course and active participation during classworks is therefore highly recommended, in order to gradually shape a suitable learning process.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of:

100 hrs. of Lettorato (first and second semester), frontal teaching for the basic elements of the Chinese language, with exercises aimed at acquiring adequate skills in writing Chinese characters, in the use of the dictionary, and in the development of both spoken and written language skills.

30hrs. Theoretical Module (second semester), frontal teaching focused on some topics of basic Chinese grammar and syntax, taken up in greater detail with particular attention to some issues regarding the learning of the Chinese language as L2.

Attendance of both Lettorato and Theoretical Module is strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course consists of:

1) Language module (both semesters) centered on: a) basic elements of Chinese writing and vocabulary required for HSK1 and HSK2 (approximately CERF A1 and A2 levels); b) introduction to phonetics and pinyin transcription; c) development of skills for elementary conversations in simple situations.

2) Theoretical module (second semester) on general topics of Chinese grammar and syntax. This module will focus on the basic phrase order, prepositional phrases, noun phrases, specifiers and demostratives, adjectival verbs, action verbs, modal verbs, adverbs with logical functions, stative verbs, asking questions and negating information, theme-comment constructions, present, past and future expressions, comparative clauses, describing performance of actions.

The module contents are the same for both attending and non attending students.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Compulsory manuals:

Abbiati, Magda, Grammatica di cinese moderno, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 1998.

Abbiati, Magda, Zhang Ruoying, Dialogare in cinese 1, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2010.

- Compulsory readings:

Abbiati, Magda, Guida alla lingua cinese, Roma, Carocci Editore, 2008.

Mo Yan, Sorgo rosso, Torino, Einaudi, 2013.

Su Tong, Lanterne rosse, Roma, Libreria Editrice Orientalia, 2020.

Yu Hua, Vivere!, Feltrinelli, Milano, 2012.

Students who are not attending lectures in person should agree on the program with Prof. Puppin.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIOVANNA PUPPIN (President)

XIAODANYANG ZHANG

LUCA PISANO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The Language Module will be running on both semesters, starting from October 2022. The Theoretical Module will be held on the second semester, starting from February 2023. 

Further information will be provided via the Aulaweb course page.

Class schedule

CHINESE LANGUAGE I

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a compulsory written test to be held before the oral exam.

Written test:
- Chinese to Italian translation of simple-to-complex sentences;
- Italian to Chinese translation of simple-to-complex sentences;
- dictation;
No dictionaries will be allowed during the written test.

In order to be admitted to the oral exam, students must pass each single part of the written test. All parts of the written test must be taken within the same round.

Oral exam:
Students will have to demonstrate that they have acquired the basic elements of grammar and syntax taught during the course. They must also be able to have a basic conversation with the language assistant and show a high degree of familiarity with the writing system and the relevant vocabulary. They must also know the content of the compulsory readings listed in the bibliography,  for which they must also be able to provide a correct historical framework, using the indications and suggestions provided by the instructor during the year. The oral exam will be held in Italian (with the exclusion from the conversation with the language assistant).
 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test aims at verifying the acquisition of both grammar rules and basic vocabulary, as well as the effective achievement of skills related to written production (Italian-Chinese translation), written comprehension (Chinese-Italian translation), oral comprehension (dictation) and characters acquisition.

In the oral exam, the language assistant will verify the acquisition of skills related to comprehension and production, as well as the degree of assimilation of skills related to the understanding and the knowledge of Chinese characters. The part on the theoretical module will verify the acquisition of the theoretical principles of grammar, syntax and practical application of the basic lexicon. The knowledge of the contents of the compulsory texts listed in the bibliography will also be thoroughly verified. The quality of the presentation, the correct use of the scientific vocabulary (in particular in relation to the theoretical principles of grammar) and the critical orientation ability will be subject to evaluation.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

To the students who hold a certification of specific learning disorders, disability or other educational requirements: please send an email to Prof. Puppin at the beginning of the course, in order to discuss beforehand the best teaching and exam methods that, in alignment with the intended learning objectives, will take into account your specific needs and will provide suitable compensatory tools.