Module manager: Xiujing Liang
Email: X.Liang@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Native or near-native fluency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. Students whose native language is not Mandarin Chinese must consult with the module leader to assess their suitability for this module. The module is for people who have no previous knowledge of Cantonese. If you already have CEFR A1 or above then this module is not for you. It is not possible to take this module if you are enrolled on a single or joint honours degree programme in Chinese. For information about the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) see https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale).
EAST2182
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module is approved as a skills discovery module
This module is designed for fluent Chinese speakers who want to learn how to communicate in oral Cantonese. Cantonese is spoken by millions of people in Hong Kong, Macau, China (Guangdong Province) and diaspora communities around the world. The module starts at A1 level and progresses to A2 level of the CEFR. If this module runs in both semesters, you can take it in either semester 1 or semester 2 but not both. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Through this module you study the basic Cantonese language needed to conduct basic conversations about yourself and in everyday social and practical contexts, through topics such as personal details, your home and family, your hobbies and interests, your studies, your daily and weekly routine, your appearance, the weather, travel and transport, shopping and eating out, answering the phone and making an appointment and visiting someone’s home. You will learn relevant vocabulary, become familiar with the sounds of the language, and gain a good basic knowledge of Cantonese grammar in the present, past and future tenses.
Through the Cantonese you hear in class you will become familiar with classroom language. Class activities include conversation, role-play, and learning from audiotapes.
You are expected to self study between classes as well as preparing for the assessment. You are encouraged to make use of resources through the Language Zone (https://students.leeds.ac.uk/languagezone), use digital resources, and engage in other opportunities to put language skills into practice outside the taught sessions.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Use spoken Cantonese to communicate about yourself and in everyday social and practical contexts with sufficient clarity to be understood by a proficient Cantonese user
2. Use frequently used Cantonese expressions and simple descriptions in the present, past and future tenses, being aware of the fundamental differences between Cantonese and Mandarin grammar and vocabulary
3. Identify and persevere with opportunities by adopting appropriate learning strategies
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Feedback in class on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Feedback on aural (listening) tests.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Exam / OSCE | 0.0 Hrs 20 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 11/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team