Chinese level self-assessment
2011
Conversational Mandarin for Lawyers CML 101 COURSE SYLLABUS
Listening/Speaking Skills –focus
Course Description:
Basic Mandarin in Listening/Speaking Skills with a focus in Business Chinese
Prerequisites: none, but a knowledge of Pinyin and some basic Mandarin or other Chinese
dialects is preferrable
This is a beginner-level listening/speaking course that is required of all students. This is a
course includes simple conversations about basic topics such as how to say "Hello" and "Thank
you" and moving up to other basic topics like promoting a product and attending a
meeting/conference. All topics are fundamental and practical. Each lesson will introduce
around 25-30 new words.
In-Class Learning Activities Routine
We will spend roughly 2.5 hours on each lesson.
Each lesson will be taught through the following activities
1) Dialogue performance– memorize dialogue, practice pronunciation
2) New vocabulary (depends on the students' need, at this point - very little on grammar,
character practice)
3) Expansion on dialogue: pattern practice, communicative oral activities
4) Listening comprehension activities
5) Discussion of Chinese business culture topics (if time allows or questions raised by students)
6) Quote of the day - the most well known Chinese quotes
7) Understanding a joke or brain twister questions in Mandarin (depends how much time is left
after finishing all the necessary)
8) Take home assignments - review and drill practice
Week 1
To introduce yourself (casually);
to ask someone's name politely and ask for permisson;
to ask the age and birthplace of others and learn the days, weeks, months and years;
to ask a person's occupation and nationality, as well as to introduce friends, family and others;
and to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 2
To introduce yourself (professionally) & I can speak a little Chinese;
© Law Courts Centre 2011. This is for educational purposes only.
Chinese level self-assessment
2011
to introduce yourself in a more professional way; ask whether something is allowed and
indicate your ability to accomplish tasks; and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 3
To set an appointment to meet e.g. at the restaurant, coffee shop, in the office etc.;
to learn how to count in Chinese and ask questions related to numbers, time, date, and amount;
and to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 4
To express what I want e.g. at the restaurant, when shopping or requesting information from
clients;
to make suggestions, how to accept or decline suggestions, and how to make comments;
to make complaints and apologies; and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 5
To explain your expertise or your strategies;
to briefly explain the area you practice and the strategies you will use in your client's case and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 6
To set up a meeting / to attend a meeting or conference;
to ask for direction; to set up a meeting (time, venue, logistics, contacting attendees);
to express your opinions in a meeting; and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 7
To negotiate professional fees and services;
to provide a quote to customers;
to bargain; to decline a suggestion;
and to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 8
© Law Courts Centre 2011. This is for educational purposes only.
Chinese level self-assessment
2011
To prepare for a business trip
to rent lodgings;
to ask for help and invite people for a visit; and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 9
To receive guests warmly;
to send regards on someone's behalf, to ask how a friend is getting along; to host a party; and
to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
Week 10
Guanxi - An Important Chinese Business Element & Final presentations
to make connections with people we know and maintain the network; culture tips and taboos;
and to review and practice Pinyin spelling rules throughout the lesson.
© Law Courts Centre 2011. This is for educational purposes only.
Chinese level self-assessment
2011
Please choose those that apply to you:
1. How would you describe ability to speak Mandarin or any other Chinese dialects (e.g.
Cantonese):
o
o
o
o
o
None
Beginner
Medium
Intermediate
Advanced
2. Your knowledge of Pinyin:
o
o
o
o
I do not know Pinyin;
I know the basic rules , especially those share similar spelling rules as English;
I know the spelling rules but have difficulties with the 4 intonations;
I am very comfortable using Pinyin
3. I know how to give a brief introduction of myself about:
o I do not know;
o My name;
o Where I live and come from (location, places);
o My profession;
o My hobbies or abilities;
o I can give a very detailed introduction of myself fluently
4. I know how to show appreciation and apology:
o I do not know how;
o I only know the most basic forms;
o I know a number of different ways to express “thank you “ and “sorry”;
o I know how to properly express different levels of “thank you” and “sorry” in different
situations
5. I know how to count:
o I do not know how;
o I know how to count from 1 to 10;
o I know how to count from 1 to 10,000.
6. I know how to describe time and date:
o I know the days of the week;
o I know the dates of the year;
o I know the time of the day;
7. I know how to express like, dislike and concerns:
o I do not know how;
o I know simple ways to express like, dislike and concerns;
o I know a number of different ways to express like, dislike and concerns in
appropriate situations
© Law Courts Centre 2011. This is for educational purposes only.
Chinese level self-assessment
© Law Courts Centre 2011. This is for educational purposes only.
2011