OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide students with the tools for an advanced use of the elements of the morphology and syntax of the Chinese language aimed at: 1) improving oral and written skills, 2) the formulation of conversations on specific topics through the use of a broader and more detailed vocabulary, 3) the deepening of translation techniques on the most common text typologies.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with a language competence which equals level B2- of the CEFR, which allows them to understand written texts of diffent registers, to produce written texts on a variety of topics, in addition to an oral linguistic competence enabling them to express effectively their ideas and take part to a conversation and react to external stimuli. At the end of the course, students will havean active knowledge of 1100 characters and 1400 words, as well as a consistent knowledge of the grammar and the syntaxis of modern Chinese language.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course involves the refinement of translation and expressive skills in modern Chinese, with particular reference to the written language and oral expression in specific situations and on multiple topics. The skills of analysis and understanding of short texts of medium difficulty relating to some of the most common types (fiction, press reports, essays) will also be perfected. At the end of the course, students must: 1) demonstrate they have acquired adequate morphological, syntactic and lexical knowledge equal to the HSK4 level; 2) fully apply the notions learned in the reading and translating process, undergoing a critical analysis of texts of medium difficulty and display an oral production consistent with the expected level; 3) have developed a working methodology to autonomously deepen what has been learned, proceeding with a critical evaluation of the source of information used; 4) be able to demonstrate the acquisition of all the main linguistic means, to express his thoughts in a simple and clear way; 5) demonstrate the understanding of the various contents presented during the course. Active participation during lessons is essential in order to improve one's learning model.

PREREQUISITES

To have already passed Lingua cinese II exam.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is structured in:

Lettorato (first and second semester): 100 hours of frontal teaching.

Theoretical Module (first semester): 30 hours of frontal teaching.

Both in the Lettorato and in the Theoretical Module, translation or composition assignments will be periodically handed out (to be carried out independently or in groups), then will be analysed and discussed during class time.

Attendance of both the Lettorato and the Theoretical Module is therefore strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course consists of:

) lettorato lasting one year, focused on deepening all the morphosyntactic elements of the Chinese language with multiple exercises aimed at acquiring lexical and discursive skills equal to the HSK 4 level, aimed at developing adequate skills in both oral and written production;

2) 30-hour educational module scheduled for the second semester is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of specific areas of contemporary language morphology and syntax. This course will focus on analyzing these linguistic aspects through the examination of different types of texts, highlighting how morphology and syntax vary and adapt across various textual contexts. In addition to linguistic analysis, the module will also emphasize key translation and interpretation techniques. Students will have the opportunity to apply these techniques to a variety of content, exploring translations of literary, scientific, technical, and journalistic texts. The goal is to develop practical skills in translation and interpretation, not only at the linguistic level but also considering the contemporary sociocultural context in which the texts are produced and received. Throughout the course, concrete examples of contemporary texts will be discussed, allowing students to better understand the linguistic and cultural nuances present in different text types. Through lectures, practical exercises, and group discussions, the module aims to provide a comprehensive and applied understanding of linguistic and translation dynamics in modern society.

The syllabus/content and the compulsory texts are the same for both attending and non-attending students.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

 - Mandatory texts:

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

- Arcodia G.F., Basciano B., Linguistica cinese, Bologna, Patron, 2016.

Extra readings could be delivered during class hours. 

- Recommended dictionaries:

Casacchia G., Bai Yukun, Dizionario Cinese-Italiano, Cafoscarina, Venezia 2013.

Shihua Zhang (a cura di), Dizionario di Cinese. Cinese-Italiano / Italiano-Cinese, Roma, Hoepli, 2007.

Zhao Xiuying, Il dizionario di cinese. Dizionario Cinese-Italiano Italiano-Cinese, Zanichelli, Bologna 2013.      

Wu Guanghua (ed.), Han-ying da cidian 汉英大辞典 - Chinese-English Dictionary, Shanghai Jiaotong daxue chubanshe, Shanghai 1993, 2 voll./ New Age Chinese-English Dictionary, Beijing, The Commercial Press, 2001.

 Liang Shih-Chiu (ed.), Yuandong Han-ying da cidian 遠東漢英大辭典 Far East Chinese-English Dictionary, Far East Book Company, Taipei 1992.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LUCA PISANO (President)

XU HAN

LESSONS

LESSONS START

• The Language Module will be running on both semesters starting from October 2024 with the following schedule:

Monday h.14-17,  Albergo Dei Poveri: Room 1 

Wednesday h.15-17, Polo Didattico: Room C 

• The Theoretical Module will start from February 20th with the following schedule:

Thursday h.11-12, room18, AdP

Friday h. 8-10, room 11, AdP

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam includes: 1) for the lettorato part, a written test and an oral test; 2) for the theoretical module part, a written test. The partial results of all tests are valid for one academic year.

The written test for lettorato consists of two parts: 1) composing a short text in Chinese (without dictionary); 2) dictation and character test (without dictionary). Total duration of the written test: max. 1 hour and 30 minutes. N.B.: To consider the written test as a whole sufficient, each individual part must be at least sufficient. All parts of the language practice written test must be taken in the same exam session.

In the oral test for language practice, students should be able to engage in a conversation of medium-high complexity with the language expert, covering conventional topics and demonstrating their acquisition of all the themes and elements presented during the lessons and within the mandatory text, including the reading and writing of all the prescribed characters.

The written test for the theoretical module consists of two parts. The first part involves a short translation of a text from Chinese to Italian (only paper dictionary - no electronic dictionaries allowed, max. two hours), and the second part includes a test with both open-ended and multiple-choice questions (without dictionary, max. one hour and 30 minutes). The student must demonstrate, both in the translation of the passage and in answering the questions, the acquisition of the linguistic content of the theoretical module as well as all the mandatory texts indicated in the bibliography. N.B.: To consider the written test as a whole sufficient, both parts must be at least sufficient. All parts of the theoretical module written test must be taken in the same exam session. The total duration of the written test for the theoretical module is approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The tests for the lettorato part will assess the consolidation of skills in both written and oral comprehension and production, related to the topics covered in class and the mandatory text, as well as the level of assimilation of skills in comprehension and knowledge of the prescribed vocabulary. The test for the theoretical module will assess the acquisition of grammatical content explained in class and students' ability to recognize and explain them correctly (translation of a Chinese-Italian text) and to use them in specific contexts (quiz with open-ended and multiple-choice questions). Additionally, it will assess the knowledge of the content of the mandatory texts indicated in the bibliography (quiz with open-ended and multiple-choice questions). The quality of written expression, the correct use of scientific vocabulary (especially in relation to grammatical principles), and the ability for critical orientation will be evaluated.

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.