Singapore University of Social Sciences

Chinese Language in Singapore from Social Perspectives (社会视角下的新加坡华语)

Chinese Language in Singapore from Social Perspectives (社会视角下的新加坡华语) (CHS211)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: Modular Undergraduate Course

Language: Chinese

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Linguistics and Languages

Schemes: Alumni Continuing Education (ACE)

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences


Synopsis

CHS211 studies the use of the Chinese language in Singapore from social perspectives, with particular reference to Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Linguistic phenomena, characteristics, and development of the varieties of Chinese used in these countries are examined. Students will gain a better understanding of the relationship between language and society, and the linguistic and social factors affecting the use of the Chinese language as a communicative tool in society.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

  • The social nature of language and its characteristics
  • The relationship between language evolution and social evolution
  • Overview of the Chinese language in Singapore
  • Characteristics of the Chinese language in Singapore
  • The relationship between the Chinese language in Singapore and in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
  • Differences in vocabulary between the Chinese language in Singapore and in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
  • The influence of the Chinese dialects, English and Malay on the Chinese language in Singapore
  • Unique regional new words in the Chinese language in Singapore
  • “Same words but different meaning and same meaning but different words”: Difference between the Chinese Language in Singapore and in other Chinese-speaking regions
  • Differences between the grammar of the Chinese language in Singapore and modern standard Chinese language grammar
  • The impact of language policies on the Chinese language in Singapore
  • The current situation and prospects of Chinese language in Singapore

Learning Outcome

  • Appraise the societal characteristics and development of the Chinese language.
  • Describe the development trends, characteristics and usage of the Chinese language in Singapore from the social development perspective.
  • Develop an understanding of the influence of social factors on language use and development, and the relationship between society and language.
  • Interpret the societal characteristics and developmental factors of the Chinese language.
  • Analyse the usage, characteristics, and development of the Chinese language in Singapore.
  • Demonstrate how social factors (such as social psychology, development, communication) influence the use of Chinese language in Singapore.
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