Cantonese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I

Course Description

This is a credit-bearing Cantonese course for UST undergraduates of non-Chinese speaking background who are beginners in the learning of Cantonese. It will equip students with the Cantonese proficiency and communication competence necessary for living and networking in Hong Kong, thus facilitating their smooth integration into the local community. The learning activities involve developing students’ listening and speaking skills in an attempt to build learners’ confidence and fluency in using Cantonese for daily communication.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will develop the ability to use Cantonese to communicate appropriately and effectively. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. acquire knowledge of the Cantonese phonological and tonal systems;
2. achieve basic communicative tasks in listening and speaking on the topics or conversations closely related to personal and school contexts for daily and social interactions;
3. understand basic Cantonese grammar for effective oral communication;
4. use a range of Cantonese vocabulary and simple colloquial expressions appropriately;
5. demonstrate interest in and appreciation of Cantonese culture, and show cross-cultural awareness.

Course Contents

• Greeting and getting to know each other
• Talking about self and others
• Asking for and giving personal information
• Exchanging phone numbers and making phone calls
• Telling the time and date
• Talking about schedules and timetables
• Making appointments
• Ordering food and drinks
• Going places
• Talking about likes, dislikes, interests and hobbies
• Asking for prices and bargaining
• Basic knowledge of Cantonese Phonology
• Recognizing frequently used Chinese characters and phrases

Course Instructors