What is SNFL Cantonese conversation? 

• This is a coaching, and instructional program, where attendees would hear the library staff who are Cantonese native speakers and follow along with jyu ping romanized Cantonese conversation. Library staff will listen and the purpose of this class is to practice enunciation and have comprehension of spoken Cantonese conversation.  

What is the background to the library staff in this conversation program?

• Winson Lau is a Hong Kong native speaker and Linda Yau is an American Born Chinese with Cantonese as her first spoken language.

What is Cantonese? Is this the same as Mandarin?

• • Cantonese is a Chinese verbal language also known as a dialect, spoken primarily in the southern part of China, as well as by many of the Chinese diaspora. The Chinese diaspora are ethnic Chinese, but reside in non-Chinese territory. Cantonese is not the same as Mandarin. Grammatically and pronunciation are very different between the two dialects. 

What is jyu ping? 

• Jyu ping is a romanized pronunciation system that relies on numbers to denote tones. 

How many tones are there in Cantonese and how many tones does Mandarin have? 

• According to Jyu ping there are six tones. Mandarin has four tones.  But other systems had said that there are more tones in Cantonese than in Mandarin. 

What level of proficiency do I have to be to take Cantonese conversation?

• This is a mixed level conversation program. There have been speakers of beginning level up to near native proficiency. You can still come and listen. We may or may not try to get you to say Cantonese as well.    

Do we teach written Chinese? 

• We do not teach written Chinese, but we use it as a tool for the teachers and attendees who attend the course and may speak Mandarin and can read written Chinese. 

How do I register for SNFL Cantonese conversation? 

• You can register through the New York Public Library website at https://www.nypl.org/events/calendar.  In the "SEARCH EVENTS" box type the word Cantonese. All the sessions of SNFL Cantonese will be displayed. You will need to register for each individual date you wish to attend. The registration is to ensure that there is continued interest in this program.  

What do I need to register for SNFL Cantonese conversation. 

• We only need name and e-mail address. 

What age do I have to be to attend this class? 

• This is a program for adults. We currently do not offer in person programs to children and teens at this branch. 

What is Mango and Transparent? How do I get access? 

• With your New York Public Library card, there are two language resources you can use to practice Cantonese. This is Mango and Transparent. You would gain full access with your library card, and to remember your progression, both databases require you to have a Profile with the webpage. Both Mango and Transparent also has mobile apps so you can learn on the go. 

Do I have to pay for this conversation program? 

• No, this is a free library program. 

Do you take walk ins? 

• While we do allow walk-ins, we encourage registration to ensure the limited seats we have is filled first with registered participants. If there is a walk in situation, we expect adult patrons to sit, observe and follow along. 

What happens if I miss  a class?

• Cantonese Conversation is generally progressive, and while we recommend that people do attend all sessions, if you miss a class, you can attend and follow along. 

What happens if I am late or early? 

• It is good if people are early as it allows people to settle and we try to open the door 10-15 minutes early. If late, there will be the issue of missing a majority of information that we share in the limited time of our lesson and causes disruption to other students who were on time. 
  
  

Where should I sit? 

• Seating is first come first serve, but we would appreciate if people start sitting closer to the front of the class to hear instructors and next to others in the class so that there can be opportunity for speaking partners opportunities.