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Mandarin

Mandarin is becoming one of the fastest growing languages across the globe with nearly a billion speakers.

Our part-time Mandarin courses focus on teaching you how to communicate in real-life situations. We introduce you gradually to new language and ensure that your speaking and reading skills develop through practice and reinforcement.  We also address grammar in the course as understanding the grammar of a language is important in understanding its structures Minimal English is used during lessons to maximise your exposure to Mandarin. Our teachers will make sure that you feel at ease in class while still ensuring you are actively involved.

Course Fee

The course costs R7 500.

Classes are subject to a minimum of 8 students. We reserve the right not to run a particular course in an intake if there is insufficient demand. 

Duration

Each module runs for 10 weeks (40 hours). There are six modules in total.

Qualification

Beginner Module A: Certificate of Attendance and Progress Report
Beginner Module B – Pre-intermediate Module B: Certificate of Competence (Assessed)

Programme Overview

We offer courses at three levels:

- Level 1 (Beginner)
- Level 2 (Elementary)
- Level 3 (Pre-intermediate)

Each level consists of two 40-hour modules. Completing the Beginner level therefore takes 80 hours in total. Module A of the Beginner level provides a Certificate of Attendance only, provided you attend at least 80% of the course. From Beginner Module B, you will receive a Certificate of Competence at the end of each module, provided you achieve at least 60% overall in the module. A detailed progress report is provided at the end of each module.


*A minimum of 5 students is needed to run classes for a module.*

Entry Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements when applying for the course: 

  • 18 years or older
  • Matric certificate or equivalent
  • Placement tests are available for applicants who have previous experience of the language. (Assessment is conducted on registration) 
Application Process

Step 1: Complete the WLS Application Form  

Step 2: Certify a copy of your ID. 

Step 3: Email your completed Application form and certified copy of ID to wls@wits.ac.za 

Step 4: Upon receiving your invoice and confirmation of registration on the course, please send us the proof of payment.

*Note that the course must be paid upfront as we do not offer payment installments.*

Career Opportunities

With approximately 935 million mother-tongue speakers (14% of the world’s population), Mandarin is the world’s most spoken mother tongue. Given China’s rise as a world power and its role in the world economy, business ties between China and South Africa are developing rapidly. An understanding of Mandarin is now essential for success in commercial ventures in China.

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