Languages
Dutch Conversation (Friday, 1:00-3:00)
Leader: Rietta Osso
Capacity: 25
Location: WSUC Livingroom
We are a small group of Dutch heritage with various levels of Dutch language proficiency. We meet weekly in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to converse in Dutch. The ability to understand spoken Dutch is necessary. No Dutch instruction is provided but gentle assistance is offered if welcomed. Beginners are given an opportunity to practice speaking. Taking turns to speak and not interrupting is essential to the purpose and success of this group. Conversation topics are typically spontaneous and vary widely ranging from current affairs to Dutch culture and memories or a special interest topic. We take turns bringing a Dutch treat to nibble on while we drink tea or coffee. Participants are welcome to join at any point during the term. Regular attendance is not necessary. We accept everyone into this class therefore the Priority 4 is the only option to select.
French – Level 1 (Wednesday, 9:00-10:00)
Leader: Francine Larochelle
Capacity: 25
Location: WSUC Mezzanine
The introduction to French class has no prerequisites. If you want to learn French, you need a positive approach, patience and willingness to try something new. In this class, we learn vocabulary, we speak, read and write short sentences. We sing, we laugh and we have fun. As there is always room in this class, the priority is set to Priority 4 so that applicants do not have to make a choice.
French – Level 2 (Wednesday, 12:15-1:45)
Leader: Francine Larochelle
Capacity: 25
Location: WSUC Mezzanine
In this introductory course, students will develop basic French language skills by building a rapport with their instructor and classmates and becoming more at ease with a second language. Course content will include vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, simple conversation, basic writing and reading lessons. Such a varied exploration of the French language will allow each student to better understand and appreciate its virtues. Prerequisite: Limited understanding of the French language. Key to success: Being open to learning something new and experiencing the beauty of the language. Applicants who meet the prerequisite will be accepted. This class rarely fills completely therefore chances are high all who apply will be accepted. Priority can be set low.
French – Level 3 (Wednesday, 10:15-11:45)
Leader: Francine Larochelle
Capacity: 25
Location: WSUC Mezzanine
Created to help you speak, read and write in French, using practical strategies to improve any conversation. You will have input into the direction of the course to help answer your individual needs. This course will be based on the theory that in order to learn a language, you need to speak it, listen to it, read it, and revise it. Different tasks will come together and give you an effective learning experience, including mini grammar lessons and authentic conversational situations. Prerequisite: a good understanding and frequent use of the French language. Applicants who meet the prerequisite will be accepted into this activity. This class rarely fills completely therefore chances are high all who apply will be accepted. Priority can be set low.
French Conversation (Wednesday, 9:15-10:15)
Leader: Christine Molloy
Capacity: 15
Location: WSUC Livingroom
Improve your fluency by speaking French in a relaxed atmosphere that builds your vocabulary and conversational skills in an interactive setting that’s relaxed and fun! Conversational French includes both structured discussion such as current events as well as spontaneous conversation. Applicants who select a high priority on this activity will be considered first.
Sign Language (Thursday, 10:30-12:00)
Leader: Ruth Baxter
Capacity: 25
Location: WSUC Heritage Hall
This course focuses on building the basic foundation for communicating in ASL. This includes, learning numbers and the alphabet, proper use of gestures and expression in communication, a peek into Deaf culture, and essential signs. This activity is set to Priority 4 so that all applicants will be accepted.
Spanish Conversation Beginners (Thursday, 9:30-10:45)
Leader: Innes Ferguson
Capacity: 18
Location: WSUC Mezzanine
¡Saludos y bienvenidos! This activity will provide a gradual introduction to conversational Spanish and is geared towards travelers and anyone seeking some brain exercise. Learn the basics of pronunciation, exchange greetings, use dates and numbers, shop and order meals, navigate your way about town, ask and answer a variety of practical question. Participants will be encouraged to speak through role playing, games and group exercises. Expect to learn, laugh and make mistakes – it’s how we improve after all! Handouts will be provided for each topic. It will be helpful if participants have access to the internet to view short videos and explore various free tools and resources. A pen/pencil and a binder to keep notes are recommended. This class is designed for those with little or no existing experience in Spanish. Applicants will be selected based on meeting this criterion, along with the priority they assign to this activity, and the number of other activities they’re applying for. As a last resort, a lottery system will be used if the number of high priority applicants exceeds the number of places.
Spanish Conversation Intermediate (Thursday, 2:00-3:45)
Leader: Tom Beach
Capacity: 20
Location: WSUC Livingroom
Spanish Conversation is an opportunity to practice speaking, listening to and understanding Spanish. This is a peer support group with a leader, not a formal teacher. As peers we all provide guidance, assist with vocabulary and grammar and encourage members’ confidence and ability to speak and hear Spanish. We are about 20 people mostly at an intermediate level though people with a high beginner level also participate. While the class participant number is high, the informal structure enables people to participate as they can, which isn’t every week for some members. As a result, the group fluctuates in size between 10 to 20 people. As people arrive they have informal one on one or smaller group discussions in both English and Spanish, exchanging greetings and talking about their week and local events. We use a mix of methods during class to ensure that everyone takes a turn speaking. We have written questions the speaker reads and then answers and words which the speaker uses to spark a story they tell. These are often followed by questions from others in the group that turns it into a conversation. We have been fortunate to have people with Spanish as a first language join us and help us with pronunciation and understanding different terms and words. We invite you to join this group to gain confidence, improve your skills or refresh your Spanish. Participants will require some Spanish knowledge. The activity is set to Priority 4 to accept all who apply that meet the prerequisite.