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Course

Cantonese for Communication V

LACH-40028

Over 120 million people around the world speak Cantonese. It is the third most widely spoken language in China and commonly used among overseas Chinese communities. This three-credit course is aimed at heritage Cantonese speakers, Mandarin speakers, and non-Chinese learners who are interested in exploring the Cantonese language and culture. In this fifth-level Cantonese class, students will practice Cantonese phonetics, pronunciation, and intonation consistently throughout the course.

The curriculum revisits familiar everyday topics and deepens cultural understanding through various media, including popular Cantonese songs, films, slang, and proverbs. Additionally, students will explore unique cultural subjects such as Cantonese opera, poetry, and wedding customs.

To further develop speaking and listening skills, learners will engage in oral presentations, discussions on current news, and watch authentic Cantonese TV shows. By expanding their knowledge of Cantonese characters, grammar, and sentence structures, students will work toward reading and understanding written Cantonese with greater proficiency.

Course Information

Live Online
3.00 units
$395.00

Course sessions

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Section ID:

194999

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

Modern Cantonese Book 1: A textbook for global learners 1st
by Siu-lun Lee

ISBN / ASIN: 9780367539092

You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/8/2026
  • 1st no meeting date: 1/19/2026
  • 2nd no meeting date: 2/16/2026

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
1/5/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/7/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/12/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/14/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/21/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/26/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
1/28/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/2/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/4/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/9/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/11/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/18/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/23/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
2/25/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/2/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/4/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/9/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/11/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/16/2026 Mon 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
3/18/2026 Wed 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
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Instructor: Areana Chen

Areana Chen
Areana Chen is a native of China with over 31 years of experience teaching Chinese language and culture to non-heritage students of all ages at different institutions, both in USA and Canada. Areana earned her MD in China and MSc in Canada. She’s been teaching at SDSU and UCSD for over ten years. In addition to her teaching experience, Areana is also a professional translator and interpreter who works for CDE (California Department of Education), CABE (California Association for Bilingual Education), SDCOE (San Diego County of Education), and SBSD school district.  She is also a reviewer for one of the most popular Chinese series textbooks “Zhen Bang”. Areana develops her curriculum and teaching plan with the goal of students’ learning and advancement. She ensures learners will understand that in an era of global community, learning about the language and culture of those who are different than us is essential.
At UCSD extended studies she teaches Cantonese for Communication I and Cantonese for Communication II. Cantonese Chinese is the third largest spoken language in China and over 85.5 million people speak Cantonese worldwide. Areana wishes that more people would have the opportunity to explore Cantonese language and culture.  
 
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