Special Programs - Languages
American Sign Language
The World Language Department at North Middlesex offers American Sign Language I through ASL III. Students learn sign language and, because students do not use voice, they experience deaf culture. Students learn cultural behaviors native to Deaf people and how to negotiate a signing environment. They learn finger spelling, read ASL gloss, use ASL grammar, formulate questions, use proper facial expression, and acquire ASL story telling skills.
NMRHS is fortunate to have an instructor educated at the premier deaf institution in the United States, Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Mandarin Chinese
你好
(hello)
Chinese I through IV are offered in NMRHS with an expectation of adding an Advanced Placement Chinese. This courses introduce students to the Mandarin dialect of the Chinese language which is the official dialect of both the PRC and Taiwan. In addition, students study the culture and language of China. Students are drawn to the simple grammatical structure of Mandarin. Students who complete all four levels will be able to recognize approximately 1000 characters and will be half way to literacy in Mandarin. Also, they will be comfortable with both traditional and simplified character forms. Students who complete level four will be able to transition comfortably into a second year Mandarin Chinese course at the college level.
With China emerging as an economic powerhouse, Mandarin speakers are in demand more and more. Students are finding that the Mandarin language gives them a competitive edge as they pursue higher education.
謝謝
(thank you)