问题：主流中文班与中文为第二语言（CSL）课程有何区别？

亚省中文学校为不同中文基础的学生提供两类课程：主流中文班和中文为第二语言（CSL）班。这两类课程在教学目标和内容设置上各有侧重，家长可根据孩子的语言基础选择合适的课程。

  • 主流中文班
    • 专为具备一定中文基础的学生设计——无论是通过家庭环境接触中文口语，还是曾系统学习过中文。课程在强化听说能力的同时，系统培养读写技能，重点拓展词汇量并全面提升学生在日常交际与学术场景中的语言应用能力。
  • 中文为第二语言班（CSL）班
    • 面向零基础或家庭无中文语言环境的学习者。课程着重培养生活中实用的听说技能，通过趣味活动建立基础词汇体系，采用互动的文化沉浸式教学。汉字读写教学循序渐进，从基本笔画、偏旁部首入门以理解字形字义，普通话CSL班级初期会借助拼音辅助发音与阅读训练。
  • 选课建议
    • 若孩子是零基础或接触中文有限，建议从CSL课程起步
    • 若已具备基本中文交流能力并能认读简单汉字，可选择主流中文班
    • 请注意：CSL课程仅于下午1:00-4:00时段开设

Question: What’s the difference between Mainstream and CSL (Chinese as a Second Language)?

At The Chinese Academy, we offer two streams of Chinese classes: Mainstream and Chinese as a Second Language (CSL).

  • Mainstream Chinese Classes at The Chinese Academy are designed for students who have some prior exposure to the Chinese language—either through speaking and understanding it at home or through previous Chinese language study. These classes aim to further strengthen students’ listening and speaking abilities while systematically developing their reading and writing skills. A key focus is placed on expanding vocabulary and enhancing overall language proficiency in both conversational and academic contexts.
  • CSL (Chinese as a Second Language) classes are designed for students who are new to the language or do not have opportunities to use the language at home. CSL classes place a strong emphasis on developing practical listening and speaking skills.The goal is to help students build confidence and communication ability in everyday interactions. Foundational vocabulary is introduced through engaging activities and lessons are designed to be interactive and culturally relevant. Reading and writing in Chinese characters are introduced at a slower pace. Students start with learning basic strokes and radicals to help them understand character structure and meaning. Pinyin (in Mandarin CSL classes) is used extensively in the early stages to support pronunciation and reading. 
  • Generally, if your child is new to the language or has limited exposure, we recommend starting with CSL. If they are already comfortable speaking the language and can recognize or write some characters, then the Mainstream program may be a better fit.
  • Please note that CSL classes are only available in the afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.