SVCC - Languages + Levels

Languages + Levels

Click the tab to check out what sessions SVCC offers and what you will learn in each level!

Special Message from our Lead Mentors

"At SVCC, our sessions aims to provide participants with an opportunity to experience language in a discussion-like setting, integrate volunteer activities as a part of everyday student life at the University, develop cooperative learning between participants through peer-education, introduce members of the community to a diverse range of cultures. By focusing on language education, we aim also to encourage multiculturalism and respect for the variety of cultures in Canada."

English

Beginner: For anyone with little to no prior knowledge of English. The focus is on building a strong foundation in basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Sessions are structured with an emphasis on repetition and reinforcement of the language, with activities such as simple conversation exercises and basic reading and writing exercises.

Intermediate: For anyone that has a basic understanding of English but still require more practice and refinement. The focus is on improving vocabulary, speaking, listening and reading skills. Sessions begin with an ice breaker question with the remaining time focused on a topic with activities to encourage practice, participation and discussion.

Advanced: For anyone who have a good command of the English language but wish to further improve their skills. The focus is on developing fluency, accuracy, and confidence in using the language with an emphasis on speaking and pronunciation skills. A typical session would consist of an icebreaker in the beginning, review of vocabulary, then a grammar lesson and a topic. When discussing the topics, the participants are given a chance to read sentences and discussion questions are given to prompt conversations either within small groups or with the whole group.

French/Français

Beginner: prepared for those with no prior exposure or experience with French. No judgment and no expectations. For learners who wish to start and understand the fundamentals and basics.

Intermediate: prepared for those who have the basics down and want to build off the fundamentals they know. Mentors may speak primarily French and you should understand the general idea of what they're saying, and when they say it again in English you can complete the whole idea. The expectation is that you have a basic understanding of preliminary French but are still making common mistakes and are confident enough to start a conversation but not carry a conversation. For learners who want to develop their confidence in French grammar rules and expand their vocabulary, so that they can carry a conversation.

Advanced: Sessions are prepared in a complete immersion format. For learners who have a confident grasp of French and can carry a conversation. The sessions are less a place of instruction and more of participation to practice and expand vocabulary.

Spanish/Español

Beginner: This level goes over the basics like vocabulary and simple conjugations. It is more grammar and activity based.

Intermediate: In this level, participants come in already knowing basic conjugation and how to form simple sentences. The focus will be on going over more advanced conjugations, listening, reading and conversational skills for casual conversations.

Advanced: A good grasp of the language is expected. Participants coming into the level know how to have casual conversations and know how to structure sentences in different tenses. Depending on the needs of the participant group, previous material can be reviewed, but it is conversational based. The focus will be to hone conversational and listening skills.

Cantonese/廣東話/广东话

Beginner: focuses on basic grammar and simple sentence structure in daily Cantonese usage. We also teach participants phrases and vocabularies that are commonly used in Cantonese conversations each session by giving them different scenarios to practice.

Mandarin Chinese/漢語/汉语

Beginner: designed for participants with little to no knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. Throughout the session, participants will learn Hanyu Pinyin, the phonetic symbols or romanization system of Standard Mandarin Chinese, basic vocabulary and sentence structure, and Chinese cultures. By the end of the course, students will have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese and be able to communicate with basic vocabulary and grammar.

*Writing and reading Chinese characters are not included in the content of this session and will only be introduced very briefly. Also, in order to maximize the benefits of this session, participants are expected to review the covered content outside the session

Intermediate: designed for participants who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese and are looking to expand their knowledge in vocabulary, new phrasal and grammatical usage. The session will start with an exercise-based review focusing on Hanyu Pinyin and basic vocabularies and sentence structures, followed by the introduction of new content. A reading exercise will commence towards the end of the sessions where participants will read a section of a friction book.

To attend the intermediate-level Mandarin Chinese sessions, the participants are expected to have basic conversation skills in Mandarin Chinese. Hanyu Pinyin is a prerequisite. Writing and reading Chinese characters are not required to attend this session but may be introduced during the session. Access to the textbook ( Colloquial Chinese, 2nd edition) is highly recommended but not required.

Advanced: designed for participants who have a strong command of the language and are looking to enhance their language skills even more. Depending on the participants' language level, the course will vary but mainly focus on reading short stories and conversations. The difficulties of the sessions will be similar to HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) level 5.

To attend advanced-level Mandarin Chinese, knowing Hanyu Pinyin is a requirement. The participants are expected to know frequently used Chinese Characters as well, as most of the texts in the sessions are without Hanyu Pinyin. However, Hanyu Pinyin can be provided for participants depending on their language level.

Japanese/日本語/にほんご

Beginner: is suitable for participants with little prior knowledge of Japanese. The session is discussion-based with an emphasis on Japanese speaking skills. Participants will learn fundamental Japanese grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure throughout the session while providing insight into Japanese culture. By the end of the session, participants will have acquired a basic understanding of the Japanese language, allowing them to communicate with basic vocabulary and grammar.

*Please note that participants are expected to understand the table of Hiragana and Katakana before the session. Writing Japanese characters (such as Kanji) is not included in the content of this session.

Korean/한국어

Beginner: Prepared to help you practice and learn Hangul (Korean alphabet), basic sentences, and tenses

Intermediate: Prepared to help you practice more complex grammar and enter into conversations

Advanced: Prepared to help you confidently use complex sentence structures and grammar, with a focus on discussion practice based on a topic

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