Cantonese Beginners 1

This course is aimed at students with a general interest in Cantonese. No prior knowledge of Cantonese is required. The course starts with sounds, tones, and scripts of Cantonese, then progresses to the formation of characters, basic rules in forming phrases and sentences and how to ask questions and give appropriate responses in the real life situations. The course uses the communicative approach and the four key skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing are practiced. The main emphasis is on communication. Students engage in interactive language activities, participating in group and pair work.

Guidance in self-study is provided during the course and students are set homework tasks to enhance their classroom learning. By the end of the course students are able to understand very simple oral and written texts and ascertain specific information on simple topics based on everyday-life situations, including greetings, asking directions, telling the time and date, making simple purchases, ordering a meal, etc. Students develop an insight into Cantonese-speaking life, culture and society as well.