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

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

In particular, all structures to the right of the verb are explored in depth, such as verbal complements and potential structures, constructions with the prepositions ba 把 and bei 被, and some 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 and the theme-comment sequence.

Language exercises

Language exercises are an integral part of the Chinese Language and Linguistics course, therefore, student attendance at lessons is essential. Language exercises are divided into three weekly sessions throughout the academic year and are taught by native speakers.

The exercises aim to establish a solid foundation in all language skills related to spoken and written language.

Readings/Bibliography

Text for exercises:

Masini. F. et al. (2010). Il cinese per gli italiani. Corso intermedio, vol. II. Hoepli.

Recommended dictionary:

Zhao Xiuying (2013). Il dizionario di Cinese. Dizionario Cinese-Italiano, Italiano-Cinese. Zanichelli.

Adopted texts for grammar:

Romagnoli, Chiara (2012). Grammatica cinese: Le parole vuote del cinese moderno. Hoepli

Paternicò, Luisa M., Varriano, Valeria e Tian Huiting (2021). Grammatica della lingua cinese. UTET.

Arcodia, Giorgio Francesco e Basciano, Bianca (2016). Linguistica cinese. Pàtron.

For each module:

The teaching materials discussed at lessons and uploaded in Virtuale are part of the course.

 

Teaching methods

Lessons based on texts proposed by the teacher and analysed in class; illustration of structures through metalinguistic reflection, accompanied by the reading of various scientific sources provided by the teacher on Chinese grammar.

 

Assessment methods

The exam is based on the content of the lessons given by the Chinese linguistics teacher and on the content of the exercises with the teaching assistants.

 

Assessment methods

The exam consists of two parts:

1) Grammar and writing skills tests (30 points):

A) Exercise section (20 points, pass mark 12 points): Written test consisting of a test with different types of questions and an essay, aimed at assessing knowledge of the grammatical topics and vocabulary covered during the exercises. It comprises two parts, the first focusing on the content of the first semester (Partial 1) and consisting of vocabulary and grammar tests, and the second dedicated to the content of the second semester (Partial 2), consisting of an essay. The two partial exams can also be taken in separate sessions. Access to Partial 1 is available from the January-February exam session.

The marks for the partial exams are valid for one calendar year (4 sessions).

To reject the mark for the written exam, simply retake the exam in the next session; in such cases, the last mark obtained will be considered valid.

 

B) Linguistics part (10 points, pass mark 6 points): Oral exam aimed at assessing the grammatical skills acquired. It consists of illustrating at least three grammatical structures; it will also require the analysis of examples proposed by the student or the teacher.

The prerequisite for admission to the oral production proficiency test is to have obtained 18 points (adding linguistics and written tests, A+B).

2) Oral production proficiency test (30 points): A reading and conversation test with the tutors, based on the units covered in class from the adopted textbook. The oral grade can only be rejected at the time of the exam.

 

Final grade

 

The final grade is the mathematical average 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

Wenlin Software for Learning Chinese, llatest version (for Windows e Mac), available on www.wenlin.com ;
Pleco Software (per iPhone/iPad e Android), free downloadable at www.pleco.com (the purchase of at least a bundle is recommended).

Monolingual dictionaries available at gongjushu.cnki.net through Almastart (the list of free dictionaries will be posted on Virtuale).

Office hours

See the website of Tommaso Pellin