The Hungarian Helicon Society offers Hungarian Language classes for adults. The courses focus on grammar, vocabulary expansion and conversation, but also include some reading and writing in Hungarian.

Please note that this is a not an accredited program and academic credit will not be awarded upon completion of our language courses. Our courses focus on providing language skills for students who have a genuine interest in learning the language to communicate with friends or family.

Each new course begins in the Fall and consists of classes held across three semesters (Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer). In order to progress and build on one’s knowledge, it is expected that students will continue the courses each semester. Three semesters are held each year (Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer).

2009/2010 Session

We are offering the following courses this session:

Level 1: The Level 1 course is intended for those learners who have no or very little prior knowledge of the Hungarian language. This course will be an introduction to the mechanism of Hungarian in terms of its phonetics (speech sounds), alphabet system, morphology (the forms and rules of how to build words), and basic syntax (how to put together words to form sentences). Beside laying the foundation, a great emphasis will be placed on the unique features of Hungarian due to its origin. Also, a consistent comparison will be made with English highlighting the striking differences and certain commonalities between the two languages. This course will teach 80-100 Hungarian words used in everyday communication.

Schedule: Summer 2010 Session - Level 1C: Saturdays ~ 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ~ Summer Semester classes begin June 12, 2010. (semester comprises 12 weeks of class*). This class is a continuation of the Level 1B course that was offered in the Winter 2010 Session. Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, school building - 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, just west of Bayview Avenue. Map. Instructor: Katalin Bagi Course Fee: $245.00 per semester (includes course materials fee)**

Level 2: The Level 2 course is for learners who can understand simple directions (how to get from X to Y), simple questions and instructions (addressed carefully and slowly), numbers, prices and times; ask people simple questions about where they live etc. This course includes the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing with a balance between communicative activities and grammar practice. Emphasis will be placed on thorough grammar coverage and essential vocabulary; ability to communicate in simple situations.

Schedule: Summer 2010 Session - Level 2C: Saturdays ~ 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ~ Summer Semester classes begin June 12th, 2010. (semester comprises 12 weeks of class*). This class is a continuation of the Level 2B course that was offered in the Winter 2010 Session. Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, school building - 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, just west of Bayview Avenue. Map. Instructor: Ilona Sándor Course Fee: $245.00 per semester (includes course materials fee)**

Level 3: The Level 3 course is for students who can already form basic sentences in Hungarian regarding introducing themselves, expressing their feelings, likes-dislikes, requests, etc. in everyday contexts. Also, students can read short texts on familiar topics, e.g, family, occupation, food, spare time, and they can write well-rehearsed words and sentences on these topics. The course targets language learning based on learner-centered communicative approach. Although grammar teaching constitutes a vital part of the lessons, emphasis will also be placed on oral communication practicing everyday used expressions. This course will offer a variety of topics relevant to the learners' lives.

Schedule: Summer 2010 Session - Level 3C: Tuesdays ~ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ~ Summer Semester classes begin June 8th, 2010. (semester comprises 12 weeks of class*). This class is a continuation of the Level 3B course that was offered in the Winter 2010 Session. Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, school building - 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, just west of Bayview Avenue. Map. Instructor: Katalin Bagi Course Fee: $245.00 per semester (includes course materials fee)**

Level 4: The Level 4 course is for learners who can understand phrases; read short, simple texts; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics; use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms the family, other people, living conditions, educational background etc. Although grammar teaching constitutes a vital part of the lessons, greater emphasis will be placed on oral communication practicing everyday used expressions. The course will also provide the learners with some background information about Hungary and the Hungarians.

Schedule: Summer 2010 Session - Level 4C: Saturdays ~ 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ~ Summer Semester classes begin June 12th, 2010. (semester comprises 12 weeks of class*). This class is a continuation of the Level 4B course that was offered in the Winter 2010 Session. Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, school building - 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, just west of Bayview Avenue. Map. Instructor: Katalin Bagi Course Fee: $245.00 per semester (includes course materials fee)**

* Classes are held once a week for a 2-hour session. Each course runs for three semesters. The Fall semester is from September to December; the Winter semester runs from January to early April, and the Spring/Summer runs May through the end of July. Each semester comprises of 12 weeks of classes.

** The course fee is $245 per semester, for a total of $735 per course for all three semesters in the academic year. This fee includes the handouts and other course material provided by the instructors. The fee does not include any textbooks, if applicable, or dictionaries that the students may find useful to have, which may be purchased independently from local bookstores.

Summer 2010 Semester Registration:

Please complete the course registration form and mail it in with your payment to the address shown on the form: Registration Form. Registration deadline: June 1, 2010.

For more information, please contact Education@HeliconSociety.com or by telephone at (416) 561-6423.