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Language
guides Want to learn a new language? In Sri Lanka apart from Sinhala, Tamil and English, there are a host of other languages that can be learnt. The uses of learning a language are great, the reasons for doing so can range from needing to study it as a subject in school to learning it for a job to even something as simple as wanting to have some fun. For most of us who have passed through the local education system it is rare that one would learn a foreign language and it is most likely that if you did learn a language like French, German or Japanese, you would most probably have concentrated on getting through your A/L examination. Going beyond the school curriculum, if you would like to learn a language, then a few questions would probably arise… What languages can you learn and where can you learn them? In Sri Lanka how far can you go if you spend your time and energy learning a language? What are the uses in learning another language? If some of your options are – French, German, Hindi, Russian, Korean, Italian or even Sinhala or Tamil, the following information may come in handy. French
connection Language proficiency examinations are also conducted by Alliance. These are international examinations and are useful for migration purposes. One can follow the whole course here or follow the course partially and complete the rest abroad. Students are required to sit a placement test before the beginning of the course. Exams are conducted for those following regular classes. Why learn French? Well, it is an internationally recognised language. In addition, one can learn the language to show language proficiency. The reasons why people would choose to follow French can vary. It can be for pleasure or examinations. French is the second language in many international schools, therefore one would opt to follow classes as well. Apart from academic reasons, those in the travel trade, those working in airlines and the hospitality industry would also find it useful. German
experience The courses are available in two levels: the Beginner’s level and the Intermediate level. The Beginner’s level consists of four terms of 120 periods of 45 minutes each. The intermediate level consists of three terms also of 120 periods of 45 minutes each. Students who complete the fourth term (480 periods) can register for ZD and students completing the seventh term can register for ZMP, which are internationally recognised certificates. The course schedule consists of standard/weekday courses, weekend courses and intensive courses. The cost for the three courses are Rs.10,000 and Rs.11,000 for the latter two courses, respectively. The registration fee for new entrants and the course material costs Rs.1000 each. The institute also conducts special courses on request for the tourism and hospitality industry, tour guides, German businesses, A/L and O/L preparation, children and young learners and individuals and groups. German products and technology are sought after throughout the world and it is the most widely spoken language by native speakers. These are good reasons to learn German. In addition studying German can increase the chances of study success in tourism, ecology, conflict management, product management, engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, physics, electronics and applied arts, to name a few. Many established German companies operate in Sri Lanka, in the fields of tourism, manufacture of garments, machines, tools and chemicals. It will also be useful if you are involved in trade for products like cars, machinery and chemicals. Germany is the third largest importer of Sri Lankan goods and is one of the largest trading partners. NGOs are actively involved in development and training in Sri Lanka as well. It is interesting to note, that German is closely related to English, in fact the alphabets are identical and most words in both languages have a common origin. At the Goethe Institut apart from grammar, reading, writing and listening they emphasise on German as a spoken language and conversation in day-to-day situations. They use modern teaching methods, which ensure rapid progress for analytical and intuitive learners. Interested
in Hindi? Students and children studying Hindi in school can also make use of the courses offered here. A major plus point is that the courses are free. One only has to register with a payment of Rs. 150 and follow the courses. Hindi
language courses are offered in the following manner: Russian
value Focusing on aviation, many Russian models are used in the field; therefore it would certainly help to learn the language in order to know how to use the equipment, etc. Russian technology is also used in the free-trade zone; therefore one will most likely have to deal with Russian engineers. Here again, the language will come in handy. Group and individual classes are conducted twice a week. A month will consist of eight lessons. The time of the classes vary according to the members of the group. The course fees are as follows: group classes are Rs.1000 per month and individual classes are Rs.2000 per month. ‘Open’
options The Tamil language course is offered for a beginner’s knowledge in Tamil. The Sinhala language course is divided into two sections: beginner’s Sinhala and basic Sinhala. A test is conducted to grade students into the two levels. These two courses are offered in the Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna regional centres of the Open University. The duration of the course is six months. The Italian and Korean language courses are divided into two sections, respectively, namely Beginner and Intermediate. Italian and Korean are offered only at the Colombo regional centre. The duration of the course is four months. The
focus is on speech, reading and writing. The system of study includes
continuous assessments, the final examination and an oral test.
The costs for the courses vary and advertisements are placed in
the papers regarding enrolment. So if you want to study a few extra
languages, these are some options! |
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