31206 - Chinese Language and Linguistics 2

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is competent in all communicative skills in Chinese at the intermediate level of the parameters set by the relevant authorities. The student has an firm knowledge of the linguistics of Chinese.

Course contents

By the end of the course, students will have mastered all the Chinese communication skills required for the intermediate level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the corresponding levels of the Chinese HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) certification. They will also have acquired a comprehensive understanding of Chinese linguistics and will be able to read, understand and analyse intermediate-level texts independently.

The course consists of three separate modules:

· 31206 CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS 2

· 95471 CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS PRACTICAL 2 - A

· B3551 CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS PRACTICAL 2 - C

The course’s lectures aim to provide metalinguistic knowledge through the introduction of theoretical aspects designed to lay the foundations for understanding intermediate-level syntactic structures; metalinguistic reflection will be combined with practical application through analysis and comprehension exercises. In this way, students consolidate the foundations acquired in the Chinese Language and Linguistics 1 course and are guided towards a solid understanding of the language’s fundamental structures and the functions of these structures at the communicative and discourse levels.

In particular, the course explores in depth all structures to the right of the verb, such as verbal complements and potential constructions, constructions with the prepositions ba 把 and bei 被, and certain emphatic constructions; this in-depth study will be useful for fully understanding topics already introduced in the first year, such as modal and aspectual particles, the topic-comment sequence, and existence clauses.

Language Seminars

The aim of the seminars is to establish a solid foundation in all language skills relating to spoken and written Chinese.

The language seminars (2-A and 2-C) form an integral part of the Chinese Language and Linguistics course; they are intended for all students enrolled in the second year. Attendance at these sessions is essential. Language practice sessions 2-A consist of weekly sessions throughout the academic year and are taught by the native-speaking lecturer Prof. GAO Xiaohong; they focus on phonetics, the application of grammatical rules and vocabulary. Language practice sessions 2-C consist of weekly sessions throughout the academic year and are taught by Prof. Clara Longhi; they focus on the application of grammatical rules. Students who are unable to attend regularly and have no prior knowledge of the language are encouraged to keep up to date via the online platform and, if necessary, to contact the native-speaking lecturers to arrange a consultation.

Exercise 2-A page

https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/insegnamenti-competenze-trasversali-moocs/insegnamenti/insegnamento/2026/535810

Exercise 2-C page

https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/insegnamenti-competenze-trasversali-moocs/insegnamenti/insegnamento/2026/535787

Readings/Bibliography

Textbook used for the practical sessions:

Masini, F. et al. (2010). Chinese for Italians. Intermediate Course, Vol. II. Hoepli.

Recommended dictionary:

Zhao Xiuying (2013). The Chinese Dictionary. Chinese–Italian, Italian–Chinese Dictionary. Zanichelli.

Grammar texts adopted:

Romagnoli, Chiara (2012). Chinese Grammar: The Function Words of Modern Chinese. Hoepli

Paternicò, Luisa M., Varriano, Valeria and Tian Huiting (2021). Grammar of the Chinese Language. UTET.

Arcodia, Giorgio Francesco and Basciano, Bianca (2016). Chinese Linguistics. Pàtron.

N.B. For all modules:

Materials discussed during lectures and published on the course’s online platform form an integral part of the reading list. The relevant page numbers in the adopted texts will be indicated on the online platform at the start of the course. The adopted texts are required for passing the final examination, even for students who are unable to attend lectures. Lecturers are available to provide further explanations of the syllabus during their office hours.

Teaching methods

Lessons based on texts from the adopted textbook and additional examples taken from texts suggested by the teacher, with an explanation of the structures through metalinguistic reflection.

Assessment methods

The exam is based on the content of the lectures delivered by the lecturer in Chinese linguistics and on the content of the tutorials led by the teaching assistants.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of two parts:

1) Tests of grammatical competence and written production (30 marks):

A) Tutorial component (20 marks, pass mark 12 marks): A written test comprising grammar questions and an essay, designed to assess knowledge of the grammatical topics and vocabulary covered during the tutorials. It comprises two parts: the first focuses on the content of the first semester (Mid-term 1) and the second on the content of the second semester (Mid-term Exam 2). The two mid-term exams may be taken in separate sessions. Students may sit Mid-term Exam 1 from the January–February examination period onwards.

To reject the mark for the written exam, students need only sit the exam again in the next session; in such cases, the most recent mark achieved will stand.

B) Linguistics component (10 marks, pass mark 6 marks): An oral examination designed to assess the grammatical skills acquired. It consists of explaining at least three grammatical structures; it will also require the analysis of examples, either proposed by the student or by the lecturer.

The prerequisite for sitting the oral production assessment is to have obtained 18 marks (combining the linguistics and written assessments, A+B).

In addition, Dr Longhi will provide an assessment at the end of the 2-C seminars on the students’ commitment and their performance of the task. This assessment will be communicated to the Language and Linguistics lecturer, who will take it into account in the final assessment.

The final mark for the written test A) and the mark for the theory test B) are valid for three examination sessions. Should the mark for Mid-term Exam 1 have expired, it will be necessary to sit the full written test. To reject the mark for Partial Exam 1, you must notify Prof. Gao by email in good time. To reject the final mark for the written exam, you simply need to sit the exam again in the next session; in such cases, the most recent mark achieved will be the one that counts.

2) Oral production assessment (30 marks): A reading and conversation test with the tutors, based on the units covered in class from the adopted textbook. The oral mark may only be rejected during the examination itself.

Final mark

The final mark is the arithmetic mean of the score obtained in the grammar and written production tests (1, A+B) and the score obtained in the oral production test (2).

Teaching tools

Pleco Software (for iPhone/iPad and Android), free to download from www.pleco.com (however, we recommend purchasing at least one bundle).

Monolingual dictionaries available on gongjushu.cnki.net via access from Almastart (the list of dictionaries available free of charge will be posted on Virtuale).

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities: we suggest that you contact the relevant university office ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and your teacher immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams.
Any requests for exam accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the teacher and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Office hours

See the website of Tommaso Pellin