Mandarin Chinese at the Superior Level

Understand Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is multi-faceted and there are multiple ways to understand this construct. One way to understand it is that it refers to "one's ability to use language for real-world purposes to accomplish real-world linguistic tasks across a wide range of topics and settings." (Language Testing International, n.d.)

Superior Language Proficiency

If we understand language proficiency as one's ability to use language for real-world purposes, we need to have a set of standards and assessment methods in order to such demonstrate and compare such ability for various purposes. The Proficiency Guidelines developed by the American Councils on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) are one of the currently available standards to categorize one's proficiency. The guidelines categorize language proficiency along a continuum (see the image on the right of the page). 

One of the goals of the Chinese Flagship Program at the University of Washington is to help students achieve the Superior Level. According to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, some of the skills speakers at this level demonstrate include: 

  • Able to communicate with accuracy and fluency in order to participate fully and effectively in conversations on a variety of topics in formal and informal settings from both concrete and abstract perspectives.
  • Can discuss their interests and special fields of competence, explain complex matters in detail, and provide lengthy and coherent narrations, all with ease, fluency, and accuracy.
  • Can use extended discourse without unnaturally lengthy hesitation to make their point, even when engaged in abstract elaborations.
  • Can employ a variety of interactive and discourse strategies, such as turn-taking and separating main ideas from supporting information through the use of syntactic, lexical, and phonetic devices.

How do we get there?

The Chinese Flagship Program helps students achieve Superior level language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese through both curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which integrate in-class, group learning, small group tutoring, immersive study abroad, internship to enrich students' experiences at the University of Washington and beyond: 

  • Articulated curriculum

    • Domestic Curriculum
    • Summer Language Study
    • Capstone Year
  • Co-curricular activities:

    • Chinese extensive reading club (in collaboration with the Tateuchi East Asia Library)
    • Small group tutoring
    • Global Living and Learning Community (TBD)
  • Extra-curricular activities:

    • Chinese Film Club
    • Chinese Karaoke 
    • Culinary exploration of Seattle 
    • (More to come)

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