Center for Linguistic Exploration
La Salle College Preparatory offers a Mandarin Language Program for Future Diplomats and Business Leaders
The Center for Linguistic Explorations is dedicated to helping students achieve professional proficiency in Mandarin, aligning with the rigorous standards of the Flagship Language Program. Through an immersive curriculum that combines intensive language study with cultural experiences, students are prepared to navigate complex linguistic environments with confidence. The program offers a challenging learning environment where students practice and apply their skills in real-world contexts. By meeting the high proficiency standards set by the Flagship Program, students can qualify for scholarships that support their continued language studies in college. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are fluent in Mandarin and equipped with the cultural and professional insights needed to excel in global careers.
Why Join the Center for Linguistic Exploration :
Explore Diverse Career Opportunities: Gain insights into various career paths within international relations.
Travel abroad to Different Countries: Travel to Mandarin-speaking countries to immerse yourself in the culture and language.
Attain Essential Skills: Learn foundational skills necessary for success and fluency in the Mandarin language.
Engage with Industry Professionals: Benefit from asking questions and learn directly from experts in the field.
What Will I Study:
The coursework emphasizes mastering tones, expanding advanced vocabulary, and developing strong listening, reading, writing, and cultural awareness skills, allowing students to communicate effortlessly and confidently with native speakers.
Language Learning Apps that offer engaging and interactive learning methods, such as Mandarin podcasts, Language Exchange Partners for daily interaction, Vocabulary Games, and Mandarin TV Shows and Movies, allow students to see and hear words used in context. Social media in Mandarin exposes students to contemporary language use and cultural experiences like cooking Chinese dishes, participating in traditional celebrations, and visiting Mandarin-speaking communities to immerse themselves in the language and culture. Virtual Reality (VR) Language Learning engages students in virtual environments.
- Chinese History & Society
- Modern Chinese Literature & Film
- Healthcare Professionals, Business and Communication
- Chinese Art & Caligraphy
Additional Certifications of Achievement
Colleges and universities typically encourage language certifications demonstrating a high proficiency level in Mandarin Chinese. While specific preferences may vary from one institution to another, our well-recognized Mandarin language program will offer students the best certificates and proficiency exams that can bolster student college admission application, including the following:
The Global Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained a certain level of proficiency in two or more languages. It is a powerful honor that will help you earn college scholarships, receive admittance into study abroad programs, and access significant career opportunities.
Chinese Proficiency Test-HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) & YCT (Youth Chinese Test): The HSK is a standardized test of Chinese language proficiency recognized worldwide. Colleges often look favorably upon high HSK scores. YCT, an international standardized test for Chinese language proficiency, assesses primary and secondary school students’ abilities to use Chinese as a second language in their daily and academic life.
ACTFL OPIc (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages - Oral Proficiency Interview Computer): The ACTFL OPIc assesses a student's spoken language skills in Mandarin. Colleges consider your OPIc score as evidence of oral proficiency.
Learning Abroad (TBD)
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) Chinese Flagship Program will offer a ten-day Mandarin Immersion Program and Experience in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Students will live in on-campus housing and be taught by UHM Chinese faculty. This will be an unforgettable, immersed experience full of learning and cultural exploration. Pending receipt of funding, students will pay only for airfare and food; housing and tuition will be subsidized. Students will attend this workshop as part of the final requirements for the program certificate. Participation is limited to 15 students/year, with priority given to 11/12th graders.
Semester Learning Abroad—Study in a country where Mandarin is the primary language; Live with a host family, and use Edgenuity (Lasalle's online platform) to keep current with LSCP courses that aren't taught in the target country. (Cost to be determined.)
- Other Potential Summer Mandarin Immersion Experiences
Chinese Language Institute (Taipei, Taiwan)
Concordia Language Villages (Minnesota, USA): Offers Chinese language immersion programs in a summer camp setting.
Cord at Graduation— Additional Recognition After Completion of Certificate Requirements:
- Students can enroll in the Chinese Medical Terminology course taught at the CARLOW Center to earn additional recognition for both the Medical and Linguistics Exploration pathways. This would qualify the student for having completed the equivalent of a capstone project (see below).
Completion of Capstone Project: Students can design a project in consultation with the faculty of the Center, and upon satisfactory completion of the project and presentation of their work, earn the additional recognition of the cord at graduation.
Mandarin Flagship Partnership Universities:
(College Scholarships are available for Highly Proficient Students.)
- Arizona State University
- Hunter College
- Indiana University
- University of Mississippi
- University of Minnesota
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Prospective La Salle College Preparatory students contact the La Salle Admissions Office at admissions@lasallehs.org for additional information.
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La Salle College Preparatory was founded in 1956. Today, we are the only truly diverse and co-educational Catholic high school in Pasadena.