Course Catalogue

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Estonian is the native language of about one million people living mainly in the Republic of Estonia, situated in the northern part of Europe, on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland.

The Estonian language belongs to the Finno-Ugric group of languages (together with Hungarian and Finnish). It is written in the Latin alphabet and its spelling system is very consistent and regular. Estonian, being a morphologically complex language differs a lot from the Indo-European languages.

Estonian is also one of the official languages in the EU.

This course gives a basic knowledge of the Estonian language.

2 x 2-hour classes per week. Timetable is arranged to suit.

None

Coursework (30%) 

1) Average of Assessed Written Language work weighted at ½

2) Average of Spoken Language marks awarded weighted at ½

End of semester class test specifically for early exit students (70%)

1) Written component - weighted at ½

2) Oral - weighted at ½ )

■ To introduce the students to the basic grammar and syntax of the Estonian language

■ To help the students acquire an initial basic vocabulary and build on it

■ To enable the students to use the language in reading, writing, hearing and speaking

■ To help the students to extend their capacity for independent learning using a variety of sources (computer assisted language exercises, DVD and video recordings, newspapers etc.)

■ To help them develop their ability appropriately to seek help and clarification and their capacity for problem solving and self-evaluation

■ To help them develop a positive attitude towards the speaking of Estonian and in particular develop the confidence to communicate in Estonian without the fear of making mistakes

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Show an understanding of basic Estonian spoken at normal speed

■ Analyse basic linguistic structures

■ Demonstrate an appropriate command of Estonian vocabulary and structures in oral exam

■ Demonstrate a sufficient command of Estonian vocabulary and grammatical structure in the context of written exercises and translations of appropriate level

None