Full-time/ Part-time Cantonese Programmes
Programme Structure and Course Outline
全日制/ 兼讀制 廣東話／粵語課程
課程架構及大綱
With effect from Summer 2016
Part-time Regular Full-time Programmes
Programmes (12-15 credits / school term)
*can be taken on part-time basis at the advanced level
Level /
Awards Courses
School term
Advanced 高級
Advanced Graduation
Diploma Examination
高等文憑 畢業考試
Minimum 69 credits CCAN 45XX
~ 20 months study Level 5 and
12-15 credits/ CCAN4653
4-5 courses (HK PRINCH)
Level 4
12-15 credits/
4-5 courses CCAN 44XX
Intermediate中級
Diploma
文憑
Minimum 45 credits
~ 1 year study
Level 3
15 credits/
5 courses CCAN 3xxx
Certificate
證書
Minimum 30 credits
Level 2
~ 6 months study 15 credits/ CCAN 2XXX
5 courses
Elementary 初級
Foundation
Level 1
Certificate
15 credits/ CCAN 1XXX
基礎證書
5 courses
6 courses on the list
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
Programmes in Chinese as a Foreign/ Second Language (Cantonese)
對外漢語(粵語)課程
Normative Study hour/ credits Student Visa Continuing
Award-bearing Programmes study period
required sponsorship Education
Fund
Certificate Programme in Chinese as a Foreign/ 6 months/ 2 30 credits/ Yes -
Second Language (Cantonese) school terms
~ 330 hours
對外漢語(粵語)證書課程
QF Level : 3. QR Reg. : 15/002217/L3
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019
Diploma Programme in Chinese as a Foreign/ 1 year/ Admitted from Summer Yes -
Second Language (Cantonese) 3 school 2016 onward: 45 credits/
對外漢語(粵語)文憑課程
QF Level : 3. QR Reg. : 12/000913/3 terms ~495 hours.
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019 Admitted in programme
during Sep. 2012 and
Spring 2016: 42 credits/
~ 462 hours.
Advanced Diploma Programme in ~20 months Minimum 69 credits/ Yes -
Chinese as a Foreign/Second 5 school ~759 hours
Language(Cantonese) (a maximum of 24 credits can
對外漢語(粵語)高等文憑課程 terms
QF Level : 4. QR Reg. : 12/000909/4
be exempted for those who
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019 entered from the advanced
level)
Foundation Certificate Programme in Chinese as 4 months to 1 80 study hours No -
a Foreign/ Second Language (Cantonese) year (Offered in A different curriculum applies.
對外漢語(粵語)基礎證書課程 weekday evening/ Please visit
QF Level : 2. QR Reg. : 12/000915/2 weekend daytime www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/part-time for
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019 only.) details
Foundation Certificate Programme in 1 year/ 3 school ~100 study hours No
Chinese Characters terms Please visit
漢字基礎證書課程 www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/part-time for
24C073227
QF Level : 2. QR Reg. : 07/000904/2 details
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019
Foundation Certificate Programme in Chinese 1-3 school ~100 study hours No
Local Language and Culture (Cantonese) terms/ 3 Please visit
中國地方語言文化（粵語）基礎證書課程 months- 1 year www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/part-time for
24C073219
QF Level : 2. QR Reg. : 07/000911/2 details
Reg. Validity Period : 5 May 2008 - 31 Dec 2019
Note: (1) The Cert., Dip., and Adv. Dip. Programmes require the studying of at least 1 module of Chinese Reading. (2) Traditional Chinese is
used in the Chinese reading programme. (3) The above programme titles were previously known as follow respectively: “Certificate
Programme in Cantonese as a Foreign/ Second Language”, “Diploma Programme in Cantonese as a Foreign/ Second Language”, “Advanced
Diploma Programme in Cantonese as a Foreign/ Second Language” and “Foundation Certificate Programme in Cantonese for Non-native
Chinese Speakers”. They have been re-titled as above with effect from 1 September 2012.
Don’t miss the following unique features of the programmes!
PROGRAMME SUPPORT PEOPLE
Oral proficiency oriented Flexible entry level and school term Incomparable
While reading and writing courses are available and Any level from one to five and any teachers’ qualifications
listening is taught in lessons, our programmes emphasize school terms namely spring, summer Carefully selected and trained
on communicative ability in speaking. and fall. instructors based on CUHK and CLC
policies.
CUHK award-bearing programmes Placement available to Extensive student profile
Registered in accordance with the HKSAR Qualifications non- beginners Students from more than 70 countries
Framework and is the only unit in Hong Kong that offers To make sure students are placed to and all walks of life.
full-fledged award-bearing programmes in Chinese as a the right level.
foreign/ second language (Cantonese and Putonghua).
Outcome-based programme development Authentic teaching materials
The programmes have clear outcome statement for each Some of them are available for sale in bookstores and highly sought for by other
of elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. local institutions.
50 years experience in teaching Chinese as a foreign/ Wide spectrum of language activities and student support
second language Regular extra-curricular language and culture activities during school term to
Similar programmes have been taught to over 30000 nurture language environment and appropriateness of language use. Foreign
students, including CUHK undergraduate, postgraduate language speaking staff or student trainees are readily available to answer
and exchange students. students’ questions.
Cantonese test centre: the Centre’s established COPA Continuing Education Fund (CEF) applicable
(Computerized Oral Proficiency Assessment) is opened Some programmes have been registered with CEF and eligible students can make
to public for Cantonese assessment. the best use of it.
Beautiful campus
Enjoy the largest and greenest campus in Hong Kong
Last update: 12 May 2016 2
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
Level 1
It is designed for beginning students of Cantonese. These courses will focus on oral skills and listening
comprehension. Proficiency-oriented activities will be based on approximately 400 vocabulary items
and a wide variety of patterns and expressions.
A minimum of 15 credits (5 courses) per school term are required for this level and for student visa
sponsorship (if applicable).
*CCAN1113
Application of Vocabulary & Grammar I 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An elementary course designed to familiarize students with the use of basic vocabulary and grammar
points. Vocabulary introduced based on everyday conversations and daily usage. Focus will be on
appropriateness in application.
*CCAN1123
Oral Skills Practice I 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An elementary course focused on students’ fluency in communication with basic vocabulary and
grammar points through various kinds of speaking practice. Real life settings are introduced such as
shopping, introducing family members, asking directions etc.
*CCAN1133
Communication in Context I 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An elementary course designed to familiarize students with basic vocabulary and grammar points
through language tasks/activities and contextualized exercises. Real life settings are introduced such
as shopping, introducing family members, asking directions etc.
*CCAN1143
Listening Comprehension Skills I 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
This elementary course focuses on building up students’ listening ability in real life context. Everyday
settings are introduced such as shopping, introducing family members, asking directions etc.
*CCAN1153
Basic Presentation Skills & Daily Situations 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
This elementary course helps students to build up abilities in presenting basic ideas in real life
communication settings. Tasks like picture description, speaking topics and simple presentation will
be adopted to train students in presentation with various everyday settings.
* Mandatory course for that level.
All courses are subject to an enrolment threshold and some courses are offered on an irregular schedule. Students will be duly
notified.
Last update: 12 May 2016 3
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
Level 2
It is designed for students who have completed Elementary Cantonese or with equivalent competence in
Cantonese, emphasizing oral skills and listening comprehension, with more exposure to grammar
points. Students will be exposed to more terms and expressions in Cantonese based on approximately
400 additional vocabulary items and related patterns and expressions. Students will be trained to
have language proficiency at sentence level.
A minimum of 15 credits (5 courses) per school term are required for this level and for student visa
sponsorship (if applicable).
#CCAN2203
Chinese Reading I 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An intermediate course to introduce the use of Chinese characters with real life examples and
contextualized exercises. It focuses on the recognition of Chinese characters and readings at sentence
level. (This course is offered on weekday evening or Saturday daytime starting from Summer 2016).
*CCAN2213
Application of Vocabulary & Grammar II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An intermediate course designed to familiarize students with the use of more vocabulary and grammar
points. Vocabulary introduced based on everyday conversations and daily usage. Focus will be on
appropriateness in application.
*CCAN2223
Oral Skills Practice II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An intermediate course focused on students’ fluency in speaking practice in real life settings, such as
going to the airport, attending a wedding party, going to see movies, discussing travel plans, talking
about hobbies etc.
*CCAN2233
Communication in Context II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An intermediate course designed to familiarize students with newly acquired vocabulary and grammar
points through language tasks/activities and contextualized exercises in real life settings.
*CCAN2243
Listening Comprehension Skills II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An intermediate course focused on building up students’ listening ability. Real life settings are
introduced such as going to the airport, attending a wedding party, going to see movies, discussing
travel plans, talking about hobbies etc.
*CCAN2253
Basic Presentation Skills & Daily Situations II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
This intermediate course helps students to build up abilities in presenting basic ideas in real life
communication settings. Such training would be based on various sources including basic readings such
as menus, map, signage, as well as speaking and listening input such as situational videos,
announcements and instructions, etc. (This course is to be first offered in Summer 2016).
* Mandatory course for that level.
# Elective course for that level
All courses are subject to an enrolment threshold and some courses are offered on an irregular schedule. Students will be duly
notified.
Last update: 12 May 2016 4
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
Level 3
It is designed for students who have completed Intermediate Cantonese I or with equivalent competence
in Cantonese. This course is designed to improve students' language skills with emphasis on
communicative ability. Students will be exposed to a wide range of expressions based on approximately
400 additional vocabulary items with related patterns and expressions. Students will be able to present
ideas at paragraph level and to do short speeches.
(Prior to Fall Term 2016) A minimum of 12 credits (4 courses) per school term are required for this
level and for student visa sponsorship (if applicable).
(On or after Fall Term 2016) A minimum of 15 credits (5 courses) per school term are required for
this level and for student visa sponsorship (if applicable).
#CCAN3303
Chinese Reading II 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An upper intermediate course to introduce the use of Chinese characters with real life examples and
contextualized exercises. It will focus on recognition of Chinese characters and readings at paragraph
level. (This course is offered on weekday evening or Saturday daytime starting from Summer 2016).
*CCAN3313
Application of Vocabulary & Grammar III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An upper intermediate course designed to familiarize students with the use of newly acquired
vocabulary and grammar points. Focus will be on appropriateness in application. Real life settings are
introduced such as buying a computer, going to the doctor, renting a flat, moving to a new home etc.
*CCAN3323
Oral Skills Practice III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An upper intermediate course focused on students’ fluency in speaking practice with newly acquired
vocabulary and grammar points. Real life settings are introduced such as buying a computer, going to
the doctor, renting a flat, moving to a new home etc.
*CCAN3333
Communication in Context III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An upper intermediate course designed to familiarize students with newly acquired vocabulary and
grammar points through language tasks/activities and contextualized exercises. Real life settings are
introduced such as buying a computer, going to the doctor, renting a flat, moving to a new home etc.
*CCAN3343
Listening Comprehension Skills III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An upper intermediate course focused on building up students’ listening ability. Real life settings are
introduced such as buying a computer, going to the doctor, renting a flat, moving to a new home etc.
* CCAN3353 Basic Presentation Skills & Daily Situations III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
This upper intermediate course helps students to build up abilities in presenting basic ideas in real life
communication settings. Such training would be based on various sources including reading materials
such as notice, email, as well as speaking and listening input such as situational videos, discussions, etc.
(This course is to be first offered in Fall 2016).
#CCAN4653 A/B/C
Communication in Context – Cantonese PRINCH (Advanced Level) A/B/C
3 credits; 3 hrs/week, Fall term only
This is a compulsory course offered in Fall Term for Advanced Diploma students and an elective course
to students targeting other level award.
Last update: 12 May 2016 5
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
“PRINCH” allows intermediate and advanced Cantonese learners to practice what they have learned in
class through a variety of activities in the target culture, an approach that has been recognized by
professionals and highly recommended as a most effective means to cultivate pragmatic competence of
language learners. Students will be assigned to small groups led by trained teaching assistants to
explore different themes in Hong Kong by visit on alternate weeks. Themes may include arts and
culture, history and traditions, government & policies, contemporary and folk culture etc. Students are
expected to prepare and give oral presentation related to the visit on the weeks following the visit which
will then be assessed by the teaching assistants and/ or the lecturer. An activity fee will be charged
together with the tuition fee in this programme to provide for small group counseling and visit
activities.
Note: PRINCH is a compulsory "capstone" course for Advanced Diploma programme. If students with
some strong reasons want to excuse from taking PRINCH must forward written justification to the
Division Head, and in replacement, to take 3 more electives to fulfill the graduation requirement. More
PRINCH information at www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/princh
* Mandatory course for that level.
# elective course for that level
All courses are subject to an enrolment threshold and some courses are offered on an irregular schedule. Students will be duly
notified.
Last update: 12 May 2016 6
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
Level 4- the Advanced Level
Level 4 marks the start of the advanced level. The courses are designed for students who have completed
Intermediate Cantonese II or with equivalent competence in Cantonese. In the first school term of the
advanced level, this course is designed to improve students' language skills with emphasis on
communicative ability in advanced and professional settings. Students will be exposed to a wide range of
expressions based on approximately 500 additional vocabulary items with related patterns and
expressions. Students will be able to present ideas at discourse level and to do short presentation,
speeches and discussion on some cultural issues
In the second school term of the advanced level, the course is designed to improve students' language
skills with emphasis on communicative ability in formal and professional settings. Students will be
exposed to a wide range of expressions based on approximately 500-700 additional vocabulary items
with related patterns and expressions. Students will be able to present ideas at an extended discourse
level and be able to do formal speeches, presentations and discussion in formal settings.
Student at the advanced level can enjoy a free combination of 3 credits (1 course) to 15 credits (5
courses). A minimum of 12 credits per school term are required for student visa sponsorship.
Please refer to the study scheme for advanced level students to learn about the course combination in
each school term.
CCAN4403
Chinese Reading III 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course to introduce the use of Chinese characters with real life examples and
contextualized exercises in a wide variety of settings. It will focus on recognition of Chinese
characters and readings at discourse level.
CCAN4413
Communication in Professional Settings 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to help students communicate with extended vocabulary in advanced
settings through real life language tasks/activities and contextualized exercises. Topics include social
issues in Hong Kong, environmental issues, Chinese custom and religion etc.
CCAN4423
Advanced Situations & Discussions on Cultural Issues 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to improve students’ fluency in real life communication settings through
various language activities and discussion practice. Topics for discussion include social issues in
Hong Kong, environmental issues, Chinese custom and religion etc.
CCAN4443
Advanced Listening Comprehension Skills 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course focused on building up students’ listening ability in advanced context and
presenting students with multi-media authentic materials. Topics for discussion include social issues in
Hong Kong, environmental issues, Chinese custom and religion etc.
CCAN4503
Advanced Chinese Reading 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course to introduce the use of Chinese characters with authentic materials and
contextualized exercises in professional settings. Readings will be based on materials such as prose,
argumentative essays, descriptive essays, drama scripts, etc.
Last update: 12 May 2016 7
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
CCAN4513 A/B
Topical Communication (HK Issues A/B) 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to build up the students’ confidence in using a variety of vocabulary in
formal settings through specific topics and contextualized exercises. Topics include various local &
international news and issues related to our society, such as education system, economy and
immigration.
CCAN4523 A/B
Professional Topics & Discussions on Societal Issues (HK Issues A/B)3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to further improve students’ fluency in professional communication
settings through language activities, role playing and discussion practice. Topics for discussion
include various local & international news and issues related to our society, such as education system,
economy and immigration.
CCAN4543 A/B
Listening Comprehension Skills in Professional Settings (A/B) 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course focused on building up students’ listening ability in professional context and
presenting students with multi-media authentic materials. Topics for discussion include various local &
international news and issues related to our society, such as education system, economy and
immigration.
CCAN4603 A/B/C
Chinese Writing & Chinese Literature (China Issues A/B/C) 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to familiarize students with some Chinese literature and writing. Students
will be exposed to selected classical Chinese stories. It will focus on reading ability and exposure to
Chinese culture.
CCAN4613 A/B/C
Cantonese Colloquialism (A/B/C) 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to introduce Cantonese colloquialism used in various settings in Hong
Kong. In less formal settings, lot of colloquial expressions can be found in discourse. This course
helps students to understand and be able to use common colloquial expressions in real life.
CCAN4633
Newspaper Reading 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
An advanced course designed to improve students' language ability through the reading and discussion
of selections from newspapers in standard written Chinese. Topics include international relations,
political news, crime, economic news, accidents, etc.
CCAN4643 A/B/C
Sector Specific Training in Cantonese A/B/C 3 credits; 3 hrs/week
Courses designed for different kinds of working professionals, such as businesspersons, bankers,
financial consultants, education specialists, religious and social workers, etc. Sector specific trainings
are designed to cater for advanced students’ needs. e.g. the Cantonese for religious workers course
provides training on Bible reading, Sunday liturgy and Mass liturgy.
CCAN4653 A/B/C
Communication in Context – Cantonese PRINCH (Advanced Level) A/B/C
3 credits; 3 hrs/week, Fall term only
This is a compulsory course offered in Fall Term for Advanced Diploma students and an elective course
to students targeting other level award.
“PRINCH” allows intermediate and advanced Cantonese learners to practice what they have learned in
class through a variety of activities in the target culture, an approach that has been recognized by
professionals and highly recommended as a most effective means to cultivate pragmatic competence of
language learners. Students will be assigned to small groups led by trained teaching assistants to
explore different themes in Hong Kong by visit on alternate weeks. Themes may include arts and
Last update: 12 May 2016 8
Chinese as a FSL (Cantonese) curriculum, Yale-China Chinese Language Centre, CUHK
culture, history and traditions, government & policies, contemporary and folk culture etc. Students are
expected to prepare and give oral presentation related to the visit on the weeks following the visit which
will then be assessed by the teaching assistants and/ or the lecturer. An activity fee will be charged
together with the tuition fee in this programme to provide for small group counseling and visit
activities.
Note: PRINCH is a compulsory "capstone" course for Advanced Diploma programme. If students with
some strong reasons want to excuse from taking PRINCH must forward written justification to the
Division Head, and in replacement, to take 3 more electives to fulfill the graduation requirement. More
PRINCH information at www.cuhk.edu.hk/clc/princh
Notes:
(1) Some courses offer different versions (A to D) at the same level, with comparable content and a different set of
materials. Students studying the same course of a different version will still receive the credits
(2) All courses are subject to an enrolment threshold and some courses are offered on an irregular schedule.
Students will be duly notified.
Last update: 12 May 2016 9
