Chinese This programme gives knowledge of Chinese language and culture is increasingly important as China becomes a bigger global player, economically and politically. China currently has the largest population in the world and the world's second largest economy. Studying Chinese will provide you with an insight into the development of China's rich history, culture and literature. You will learn Mandarin Chinese and learn to read and write Classical and Modern Standard Chinese. Linguistics Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning. It also studies the uses of language in everyday life, the ways in which it varies across society and evolves over time, and how it is mastered by children.