Bachelor of Arts (Mandarin for Character Background Students)

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. This UOW degree is for students who already know Chinese characters, but who either speak a Chinese dialect such as Shanghainese, Cantonese or Taiwanese and do not speak Mandarin, or wish to improve their Mandarin skills.

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 in social situations before moving on to speaking advanced Mandarin, and learning about Chinese heritage, modern Chinese history and contemporary China.

In addition to the Mandarin major you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.