Language

This course in Mandarin introduces students to the spoken language. Initially members will learn vocabulary relating to everyday life and travel, while also learning about China, her people, and culture. As with learning any language, to achieve some skill those enrolling need to be prepared to participate over an extended period. To join this course would require consultation with the tutor and a willingness to "catch up". Having completed the Beginners course of having previous experience members can progress to the Continuing course. Monday

This course is based on courses of recordings which give an introduction to the French language with other related vocabulary and will give the traveller to France the ability to ask for what they want and to understand some of the language used among the hospitality industry. All phrases and sentences are backed up with recordings to enable the learner to pronounce the French words accurately. This course is suitable for people who have never learnt French or learnt a small amount at school a long time ago. It is essential to join at the beginning of the year as the course is thoroughly planned and sequential. To join at any other times would require a great deal of catch-up and consultation with the tutor. Members need to have a loose leaf folder, pens and pencils, a notebook for vocabulary words and a dictionary. (Collins Pocket Dictionary is recommended.) This is a good course to lead on to French Conversation class. Monday

This class is designed as a sequential follow-on from the French Beginners course. To enrol in this class would require members to have just completed at least 12 months of beginners French. Members wishing to enrol in this class who did not do the tutor’s beginners course need to consult with the tutor. Students are encourged to be in a French Conversational class as well. Monday

This class is designed as a a sequential follow-on from the French Intermediate course. Any member wishing to enrol in this class who has not completed the previous 2 years with the tutor would need to consult with her to assess suitability. It is suggested that students attend a French Conversation class in conjunction with this course. Monday

For the French Conversation class someone intending to join the group needs to be able to speak French in a variety of situations and on a wide range of topics, presenting ideas and opinions as a basis for group discussion. The tutor and others in the group may help with vocabulary and sentence structure (in French) but essentially the objective is not to speak English for the duration of the lesson. Mistakes in vocabulary, grammar are not seen as the focus of the class. Ideas are more important ! Monday

This course is for members who are interested in speaking simple, everyday French. Some prior experience of French is desirable. Friday

Whilst most enrolling in this course are intending to travel to France, others enrol specifically to study the language. Although the course has a definite structure, class meetings are conducted in a stress free and happy atmosphere. There is generally a concentration on: (a) survival French to enable travellers to get around France and be understood when requiring products and services and (b) the challenge of learning basic French grammar skills to enable travellers to read and understand notices, advertisements, tourist information etc. Activities are conducted in a fun environment and include written and oral exercises, games and discussions. A background in French is preferred but not essential. Members are asked to provide a sense of humour, a notebook, a pen and a French/English dictionary. Monday

This Indonesian course is for beginners and introduces students to Bahasa Indonesian. It covers pronunciation, basic grammar and sentence structure with a focus on preparing people for travel conversation. The pace is easy and ideal for travellers wishing to learn basic words and phrases. There is no previous experience required and members may be asked to purchase a basic Indonesian dictionary. A notebook and pen would be useful. Tuesday

Here is an opportunity for all those fluent in Italian to get together and enjoy general discussion on variety of current issues and topics. The tutor is a native speaker who places a strong emphasis on classroom conversation in Italian in conjunction with Italian grammar. Monday

This course runs for 4 terms and is based on the BBC Talk Italian Complete set plus additional material provided on an as required basis by U3A tutors. At the time of enrolment participants are expected to have little or no knowledge of Italian. Incorporating some grammar, the course is primarily aimed at developing language skills at a basic functional level. It is particularly useful for those interested in travelling to Italy. Students who wish to join mid-course will need to consult with the tutor first and come initially for a one class visit. This is to determine if they have the skills necessary to join the course and catch up without either disrupting the current class or putting themselves under undue pressure. Thursday

Pre-requisites: Successful completion and competency in Italian for Travellers, Level 1. Copy of the BBC Talk Italian Complete (boxed set) is required. This course is for members who have part completed Level 2 and wish to complete this level. This course runs for 4 terms and builds on the learning gained in Italian for Travellers, Level 1 and then aims to improve student use of functional language through exposure to a greater variety of situations. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of Italian and are familiar with the BBC resource. It is particularly helpful for people interested in gaining a wider understanding of language and culture for travelling to Italy. Students who wish to join mid-course, will need to consult with the tutor first and come in initially for a one class visit. This is to determine if they have the skills necessary to join the course and successfully catch up without either disrupting the current course or, putting themselves under undue pressure. Monday

This one term course is designed with practical English usage and covers all the major aspects of English but while some basic grammar of a practical nature is examined, the program does not rely heavily on English Grammar. The following topics will be examined each week: *Reading and understanding a text * Punctuations, Correct Word Use and Quick-thinking exercises *Investigating a text *Proof-reading, Common Expressions *Evaluating and screening texts *Spelling, general vocabulary, basic grammar Thursday

This is an introductory course to the Spanish language. It is designed to cater for beginners or near beginners. The course begins with the basics of the language and hopes to establish a strong foundation to promote future success in Spanish learning for years to come. The course materials will provide practice on all the vocabulary and grammatical items introduced in this course. The detailed practice and accompanying drills will help develop the four essential skills of learning Spanish: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. This course features some interesting activities, both in listening as well as reading and writing. It will be fun mixed in with some work. Thursday

This course is aimed at those who have some competency in Spanish. The course looks at various everyday experiences to extend vocabulary and fluency. Grammatical aspects of the language is also covered throughout the course. Spanish...Level 2 is a year long course and aims to build on skills. There are no determined text books at present but a quality dictionary and a good verb book are vital, together with a notebook and pen. Thursday