Cantonese is spoken by more than 73 million people worldwide. It is widely used in Guangdong and parts of Guangxi in mainland China, and is the main spoken language in Hong Kong and Macau.
More than 280,000 people speak Cantonese in Australia, making it one of the country’s most widely spoken languages other than English. Historically, it was the language of many of Australia’s earliest Chinese immigrants and remains an important community and heritage language for Chinese communities around the world.
Cantonese is more than a means of communication. It plays an important role in expressing identity, preserving cultural traditions and shaping how communities connect. It also remains valuable in international trade and commerce, particularly in Chinese-speaking markets.
Learning Cantonese can complement studies in commerce, international relations, social sciences, history, linguistics, cultural studies and education.
Overview
Cantonese at ANU is the only university-based offering of its kind in Australia. It develops students’ communication skills, with a particular focus on speaking and listening proficiency. Students also build valuable translation and interpreting skills between Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese, which can be applied in professional and business settings.
Language learning is placed within its broader cultural and social context, encouraging students to use their skills to explore issues central to Cantonese-speaking societies and challenge common stereotypes. Students learn not only about regions where Cantonese is traditionally spoken, but also about Cantonese communities worldwide and the language’s role in multilingual and multicultural settings.
Study options
Cantonese at ANU uses an interactive and immersive approach, with a flexible mix of in-person and online learning. Each course includes a two-hour weekly lecture delivered on campus with live online participation, as well as a one-hour tutorial that students can attend either in person or online.
Students can continue learning outside the classroom through supplementary resources. Teaching materials are drawn from high-quality textbooks and specially developed content tailored to each class theme. Songs, films and literary works are also used to bring the language and culture to life.
Assessments are designed to encourage active participation and critical thinking, and may include vlogs, debates, group projects, essays, and cultural or social case studies. Cantonese courses can also contribute towards the requirements of a Chinese language major or minor.
Undergraduate courses include Cantonese 1 and Cantonese 2.
Visit ANU Programs and Courses for study options.
The School of Culture, History and Language places a unique emphasis on in-country experience. For more information on exchange programs and in-country language opportunities, visit the ANU global programs or enquire cap.student@anu.edu.au.
ANU Students:
- Counts towards Chinese major, minor and specialisation
- Learn on Campus
- Can be incorporated into Bachelors and/or Masters programs as electives
Non-ANU Students:
- Learn on Campus as a Non Award Student