This course serves as an introduction to the field of Chinese linguistics. A range of Chinese varieties will be studied, with respect to the sound system, lexicon and sentence structure, cultural meanings and the writing system. Students will have the opportunity to work with natural (spoken and written) data to gain a critical understanding of the similarities and differences across these varieties. We will also consider some of the more unusual features of Chinese languages within the areal perspective of East and Southeast Asia. While this course may be of particular interest with students who have prior knowledge of Chinese, such knowledge is not required.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate a deep understanding of the field of Chinese linguistics;
- apply analytical techniques to describe more complex features of a variety of Chinese language based on natural data; and
- critically evaluate an aspect of Sinitic languages.
Indicative Assessment
- A sketch of some major linguistic features of a Sinitic language (3 pages) (30) [LO 1,2]
- A mini research project (1, 200 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- An in-depth analysis of one aspect of a Sinitic language (1,500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed textbooks. Readings will be available on Wattle.
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of Chinese language is desirable, but not essential.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3547 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
