Chinese as a Second Language. The journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, USA - Volume 54, Issue 1, 2019

Abstract

This study investigates the co-teaching practices implemented in Chinese language teaching in middle schools and high schools in a school district in the Midwestern United States. With the overarching question of how co-teaching with a native speaker teacher and a language expert teacher enhances the teaching and learning process of Chinese, this study examines co-teachers’ past experiences, their roles and experiences in the co-taught Chinese classes, and their perceptions of student learning and of partner teachers’ experiences, as well as students’ motivational perceptions and classroom engagement. A mixed-methods approach is used. Results suggest that some of the challenges in the co-teaching program are due to insufficient previous co-teaching experience, Chinese co-teachers’ unfamiliarity with the U.S. classroom, and lack of clarity regarding the co-teachers’ responsibilities. The co-teaching approach used in this program is “one teach, one assist.”

Abstract

Previous research and data from learner corpora show that Chinese language learners have a hard time differentiating kǒngpà (恐怕) and pà (怕). However, there has been little research analyzing the differences between the two words. Therefore, this study aims to distinguish kǒngpà and pà when both words denote worry toward a probable event. Adopting the corpus-based analysis approach, the researchers explain the semantic and pragmatic differences between kǒngpà and pà. Based on the research findings, the researchers propose discovery-oriented activities and drill practice to guide students to use the two words correctly. The researchers further argue that research findings from corpora data should be included in textbooks and integrated into Chinese language instruction.

Abstract

Mandarin Chinese tones are known to be difficult for second language learners. A large body of research has examined non-native perception of tones, and may provide useful and interesting insights about the sources of tone learning difficulty for Chinese teachers and learners. However, much of the literature is in journals that may be difficult to access or written in technical language that may be hard for non-specialists to understand. This review article aims to summarize key findings from this research in an accessible fashion. I will draw on the research to answer five broad questions: (1) Why are tones more difficult for some learners than others? (2) Why are some tones more difficult than others? (3) Why are tones in words more difficult than in meaningless syllables? (4) Why are tones in context more difficult than in isolation? (5) What can we do about tone learning difficulties?

This article reviews Chinese Buddhist Texts: An Introductory Reader978-1138953338

This article reviews Reading Into a New China: Deciphering a Changing Society (Second Edition)97816229112579781622911264