Center for Linguistic Exploration

The following credit-bearing courses are available for participants in the program.

• CHIN 001-002 Elementary Chinese (mandarin) - level 1 & 2 - 5 units each course

• CHIN 003-004 Intermediate Chinese (mandarin) - level 1 & 2 - 5 units each course

• CHIN 005 advanced Chinese Reading and Composition - level 3 & AP - 3 units

P.S.: 5 unit courses = 3.5 hours x 2 day/ wk (7 hours/week for 16 weeks = 112 total hours)

3 unit courses = 1 hour 25 minutes x 2/wk

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.

• 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 in which 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.

• 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.

Pinyin is a system that spells Chinese names and words with the Latin alphabet based on pronunciation. In Mandarin Chinese, it means 'spell sound'. It can be a really useful tool to help you learn the correct pronunciation of Mandarin words. By learning Pinyin, students will pronounce words correctly, essential for speaking and writing.

In Mandarin Chinese, tones distinguish words from each other in the same way that consonant and vowel combinations are in English. One is an important aspect of the Chinese language because it can change the meaning of a word or phrase. In Chinese, words are made up of characters, and they are pronounced differently depending on the tone used. There are four main tones in Chinese: the first tone, the second tone, the third tone, and the fourth tone. Each of these tones has a different pitch and intonation, which can change the meaning of a word.

Developing a solid base in vocabulary and grammar within an immersive educational setting is imperative for achieving proficiency in Mandarin. Regular study sessions, persistent practice, and regular exposure to the language contribute significantly to students' linguistic competence. It is vital to comprehend distinctive sentence structures, word arrangement, and grammatical principles, while simultaneously contrasting them with one's native tongue in order to facilitate effective communication. This groundwork enhances linguistic aptitude and fosters a deeper appreciation of the culture, thereby enabling more profound and meaningful interactions in Mandarin.

Developing proficient listening skills in Mandarin is crucial for achieving language fluency. Consistently engaging with native speakers through a variety of resources, including podcasts, videos, apps, and virtual reality, enhances comprehension and familiarizes students with the genuine flow of the language. This not only enhances their listening capabilities but also enhances their cultural awareness. Acquiring mastery over the rhythm and subtleties of spoken Mandarin is essential for effective communication and a genuine appreciation of the culture.

The comprehension of written text is a fundamental aspect of language proficiency, particularly in the context of acquiring proficiency in Mandarin. This process entails a gradual progression from simpler texts to more intricate ones. Additionally, the refinement of writing skills is an essential component of Mandarin language acquisition. This process commences with the mastery of basic strokes, enabling students to construct the fundamental components of Chinese characters. Beginning with familiar characters, learners advance towards more intricate ones, progressively cultivating the ability to accurately form each character and comprehend its significance.

Cultural awareness is a fundamental component in acquiring Mandarin language proficiency, as it enhances one's comprehension of Chinese traditions and protocols. This augments linguistic abilities, enabling learners better to understand contextual cues and subtle nuances within conversations. Moreover, it cultivates an environment of respectful and productive communication with native speakers, mitigating the risk of cultural misinterpretations and fostering cross-cultural appreciation.