CHINESE

Why Chinese?

Of all the 6 thousand languages spoken in the world, the Chinese language is the one used by the greatest number of speakers. Chinese people have lived next to ancient Turkic states for about 5 thousand years and maintained their close relation. Chinese travellers, historians and writers of the time wrote many books on such Turkic tribes as the Hun, Yüsün and Uygur. Today, the importance of these Chinese sources becomes more evident when one studies the history of ancient Turks.

In the last decade, the Peoples Republic of China has developed in all fields and appears to be determined to maintain its pace of development. Political, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and China, especially, have also gradually increased in volume. It is a must that one should learn Chinese so that much more effective results can be obtained in relations with China.

Lessons

In TÖMER, all classrooms are furnished with a “U-type” seating system so that learners can communicate with the teacher as well as their peers comfortably. Each class features modern, electronic teaching equipment; in accordance with international language learning standards, each class can hold 5 to 16 learners. Language teachers at TÖMER are members of Ankara University. The medium of instruction is Chinese, as a result of which learners are exposed to the foreign language itself from the very start. 

Courses for General Purposes

Bulgarian courses consist of 12 levels: 6 basic levels, 4 intermediate levels, 2 advanced levels. In order to be successful at the final test given at the end of each term, learners need to prove proficient in each language skill tested (reading, listening, speaking, writing). If a learner fails to get a pass mark in any one of these skills, he or she is asked to take a second test for this skill only.

Coursebooks include Ji Chu Han Yu and Han Yu; there are also exercise books, listening and video material, and supplementary material designed by TÖMER Chinese Unit. In addition to all these, selected texts from various story books are studied and translation of current news items into Turkish is carried out.

Courses for Specific Purposes

Courses for specific purposes include test preparation classes and classes for translation-interpretation tests given by the Ministry of Culture for those who would like to become tourist guides. The course content includes grammar activities as well as test and translation techniques.

Speaking Classes

Upon demand, speaking courses are organised for learners currently attending TÖMER Greek courses free of charge.

Final Tests

Normal courses cover 40 class hours and intensive courses cover 48 class hours; at the end of each semester, learners sit for a final test that includes sections on four basic language skills. Grading criterion is presented below. If a learner fails to meet the pass mark required for a skill, a second test is given for the skill concerned only. Yet, learners who fail in more than one skill are asked to repeat the level.