中文快到了

Trinity-Pawling School Program in
Mandarin Chinese Language and Cultural Studies

Hello 21st Century 二十一世紀, 你好

As China assumes an increasingly important role in worldwide politics and economics, Trinity-Pawling School is proud to announce a modern addition to the School's foreign language program. Beginning in September 2009, Trinity-Pawling School will begin a program of instruction in Mandarin Chinese Language and Cultural Studies.

A Commitment to Characters 對字體的堅持

Designed to meet the needs of beginning and intermediate language learners, the program taps very small student/teacher ratios and intense classroom instruction to foster students' proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin.

The program begins by introducing students to the tones at the heart of the language, the production of characters and written text. In its upper-level phases, the program exposes students to the literature and culture of China, with an eye toward preparing them for an immersion experience.

Course Offerings:

Chinese I
This course introduces motivated students to the basics of Mandarin Chinese. The workload is intense, and students must be prepared to adapt to an unfamiliar set of characters and intonations. Students develop fundamental writing and pronunciation skills. Lessons topics covered are: greetings, family, dates and time, hobbies.  Daily instruction includes drilling in the four target skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

Chinese II
This course continues to enhance the fundamental writing and speaking skills of the first year, and further broaden students’ knowledge of Chinese culture. Students are actively engaged in oral exercises to improve their pronunciation, and continue to build on their foundation of characters. Lesson topics covered are: visiting friends, making appointments, school life, shopping, transportation, and giving directions. Instruction is solely in Chinese.

Chinese III
Rigorous practice of spoken and written Chinese in more complex communication activities are complemented by intensive drills to fine-tune pronunciation, expand vocabulary, and internalize more complex grammatical constructions. Short stories and other supplementary reading materials are employed. Special emphasis is given to developing a greater fluidity and flexibility in expression and response based on various situations.  Students continue to expand their understanding of Chinese culture.  Instruction is solely in Chinese.

Advanced Placement Chinese
Rigorous practice of spoken and written Chinese in more complex communication activities will be complemented by intensive drills to fine-tune pronunciation, expand vocabulary, and internalize more complex grammatical constructions. Basic writing skills are developed and practiced. Supplementary reading materials such as short stories are employed. Special emphasis is given to developing a greater fluidity and flexibility in expression and response.

A Critical Advantage 關鍵的優勢

Trinity-Pawling is committed to preparing its students for the challenges of a global future. Having an understanding of Mandarin -- the most widely spoken language in the world -- and Chinese culture gives our boys a critical advantage as they prime themselves to join an increasingly diverse and competitive world.

To read our brochure, please click here.