Penn Language Center

Commercial Chinese is a one-year advanced language course for business purposes. It is for students with intermediate level proficiency who have studied Chinese for three years in a regular college program. Commercial Chinese (I) focuses on international trade, and it will provide students practical language skills that are used in actual business transactions within Chinese-speaking communities. Class materials will include readings based on particular themes in the business transaction cycle, introducing characteristic words or phrases used in those business contexts. Followed by most readings, students will be guided into simulations of real-life business activities within the theme. Useful patterns and model dialogues will be provided and drilled before these activities. Students will also be trained to read and write/create business letters and documents. To enhance students' general language abilities and understandings of modern China, the weekly news will be posted on the instructor’s home page and will be discussed in class every week. For similar purposes, students will also watch TV series based on the journals that are assigned each week. Class will be conducted primarily in Chinese.

By the end of the semester, students are expected to (a) enhance their cultural awareness about China and the Chinese business world, (b) be equipped with basic knowledge and language skills to participate in real business transactions, and (c) learn to use Chinese software for specific business purposes.