Mandarin is the first language of more than one billion people and is the most spoken language in the world. China has a 5,000-year history and culture and boasts the fastest-growing economy worldwide. Cultural and economic exchange between China and its neighbours is continually increasing and Chinese language skills are now in great demand. The Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students major is for students who have no prior knowledge of the language, or of Chinese characters. At UOW, you will study Mandarin language, grammar, culture and history. You will learn Mandarin from the comparative linguistic perspective and be able to express yourself clearly and accurately in spoken and written Mandarin in a wide range of situations including social and the global business market. You will learn to recognise and respond personally to differences between Chinese culture and your own cultural heritage by analysing film, poetry and other cultural products. What you will study: Core subjects will teach you to speak Mandarin for social situations before moving on to speaking advanced Mandarin, and learning about Chinese heritage, modern Chinese history and contemporary China. As well as your Mandarin major, you must elect a minor or a second major from the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts.

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