African, Asian and European Languages - Course Detail

This section will give you more information on:

• the tuition options available;
• the languages courses in the African, Asian and European languages area;
• the structure of the AAE language courses;
• the content and outcomes of each course;
• course start dates and lesson times; and
• general information such as admission requirements.

African, Asian and European Languages - Tuition Options

1. Public courses are offered at Wits Language School in a group setting. Students come from a variety of backgrounds with a shared interest in learning a new language. These courses are offered five times a year:
   • Intake 1: February to May
   • Intake 2: April to June
     
   • Intake 3: May to August
   • Intake 4: July to October
   • Intake 5: September to November
2. Corporate courses are aimed at organisations and companies in the private and public sector that need to train staff in specific languages and often for specific needs. These courses are offered at the clients’ premises or at Wits Language School. Corporate courses are offered on a demand basis. (see Corporate Language Solutions for more information)
3. Small groups are arranged for the general public or for corporate clients when regular group classes cannot be arranged. These are particularly suitable for students at higher levels. (see structure of our language courses).
4. Private tuition classes can be arranged for students unable to join regular public or corporate classes or who have specific language needs not easily accommodated in other teaching settings.

African, Asian and European Languages – Language Courses

Our languages are in 3 broad groups:

1. European Languages – we offer courses in Italian, French, German, Greek, Spanish and Portuguese.
2. Asian and Middle-Eastern Languages – we offer courses in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.
3. South African Languages – we offer courses in Afrikaans, IsiZulu and Sesotho. You can also learn South African Sign Language, which we do in collaboration with the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies.

African, Asian and European Languages  – Course Structure

African, Asian and European Languages  - Course Content and Outcomes

LEVEL ONE - Entry Level or Beginner Course

On completion, you will be able to interact (speak and listen) at a basic level on areas of immediate need using rehearsed phrases and simple vocabulary. You will use key phrases and structures in response to typical scenarios and rely heavily on the native speaker for assistance. You will also listen, read and write at a basic level and have learnt the grammar necessary for this level of communication. If you learn Arabic, Mandarin or Japanese you will be expected to write only selected characters, but you will read and transcribe selected texts.

1 - Notional hours include lesson times and self-study (homework and additional practice)
2 - Contact hours for classes of between 6 and 9 learners
3 - Contact hours for classes of more than 9 learners

LEVEL TWO - Elementary Course

This level is if you have some prior knowledge and foundation in the language. On completion, you will be able to speak, listen, read and write at a basic level but with greater extension of vocabulary than before. You will still rely on pre-rehearsed and selected structures in order to communicate. You will handle very short social exchanges though still rely on the native speaker for assistance. You will not yet maintain extended conversation independently but will have an increased vocabulary compared to Level One.

Outcomes and Certification	Contact Hrs/Module	Contact Hrs/Level	Notional Hrs/Level1
MODULE A
Learners achieve only some of the outcomes at Level 2. Learners who attend 80% of the course are issued with a Certificate of Attendance.	36 2 - 48 3	96	200
MODULE B
Learners achieve all the outcomes at Level 2. Learners complete assessments towards a Certificate of Competence. Learners who do not achieve competency at this level are issued Certificates of Attendance. Learners cannot move to the next level without a Certificate of Competence for Module B.	36 2 - 48 3

1 - Notional hours include lesson times and self-study (homework and additional practice)
2 - Contact hours for classes of between 6 and 9 learners
3 - Contact hours for classes of more than 9 learners

LEVEL THREE - Intermediate Course

On completion you will understand the main points of clear standard speech (and written texts) dealing with familiar and frequently discussed topics (work, leisure, social interests). You will deal with most interactions in a limited but independent manner. You will be able to pick out key points from newspapers or TV programmes aimed at native speakers.

Outcomes and Certification	Contact Hrs/Module	Contact Hrs/Level	Notional Hrs/Level1
MODULE A
Learners achieve only some of the outcomes at Level 3. Learners who attend 80% of the course are issued with a Certificate of Attendance.	36 2 - 48 3	96	200
MODULE B
Learners achieve all the outcomes at Level 3. Learners complete assessments towards a Certificate of Competence. Learners who do not achieve competency at this level are issued Certificates of Attendance. Learners cannot move to the next level without a Certificate of Competence for Module B.	36 2 - 48 3

1 - Notional hours include lesson times and self-study (homework and additional practice)
2 - Contact hours for classes of between 6 and 9 learners
3 - Contact hours for classes of more than 9 learners