Bengali Pre-Intermediate Course

This course aims to develop the skills of students who have completed up to Bengali Elementary 3 at the Language Centre (or those who have gained equivalent experience elsewhere).

A strong emphasis will be given to the consolidation of previous grammar and vocabulary, alongside the regular introduction of new structures and topics. This level sees a particular focus on speaking and listening, with teaching primarily in the target language and regular transcription tasks.

By the end of the course students will be able to express themselves in all of the Bengali tenses, and read, write and speak on a number of themes, including those of present and historical importance in Bangladesh and West Bengal. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.

Method

This course is taught primarily in Bengali, with coverage of the four key skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). You will participate in frequent pair work and be encouraged to contribute to class conversation and exercises in the target language. Learning will be reinforced by weekly homework and blended learning tasks. You are expected to attend regularly, participate in class and complete the homework and tasks regularly to ensure learning progress.

The course aim will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning per term: 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher, supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material.

Material

The course will be based on the textbook: Radice, William (2016) Complete Bengali (5th Ed.): London: Hodder and Stoughton. Additional own devised material will be provided by the tutor to help foster a more contemporary context.

The textbook is not included in the fee. We strongly recommend waiting until your course is confirmed before purchasing the textbook.

Entry requirements and progression route

Some previous knowledge of the language is necessary to join Bengali Pre-Intermediate— participants will have completed Bengali Elementary at the SOAS Language Centre, or gained equivalent experience elsewhere.

If you wish to join Pre-Intermediate 2 or 3, you should have completed Pre-Intermediate 1 or 2 respectively at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent number of guided learning hours (20 hours blended learning per sub-level). The progression route from Bengali Pre-Intermediate 1 is to Bengali Pre-Intermediate 2, and from Pre-Intermediate 2 to Pre-Intermediate 3. Upon successful completion of Pre-Intermediate 3 you will be advised by the tutor.

Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.

For course dates and information, please see our timetables.