Abstract
Chinese characters are one of the most representative components of Chinese language. However, due to its complexity, the teaching of the language has become an important research topic. With the expansion of this language, it is important to analyze and reconsider approaches to inspire and guide students with different cultural backgrounds, languages and learning habits, and highlight their advantages and disadvantages. Based on two beginner level groups of Chinese in Mexico, this report analyzes teaching strategies, pedagogical activities and students’ attitudes towards two professors, a local Mexican teacher and a Chinese teacher. After observing both classes we found significant differences on their approaches to teach Chinese characters. The Chinese teacher emphasized the importance of characters as a communication tool and therefore tried to develop accuracy and efficiency, while the Mexican teacher focused on knowledge about characters, the association with students’ own experiences and self-directed learning techniques. We conclude with making remarks about which of these teaching approaches are more suitable for the teaching context of Chinese language in Latin American countries like Mexico.
Highlights
The writing system of Chinese characters is one of the most complicated writing systems in the world and probably the richest one in historical and cultural content
This article presents a descriptive analysis of different methods in teaching characters to beginners based on two case studies of Chinese Mandarin courses in Mexico, and discusses different pedagogical approaches that can be implemented during the teaching of Chinese characters in Latin American countries which have an education system and culture different from that of China and other countries such as the United States
It is easy to observe that there are great differences in the teaching approaches, which are highlighted by the educational customs and are worth discussing
Summary
The writing system of Chinese characters is one of the most complicated writing systems in the world and probably the richest one in historical and cultural content. It is a strong impetus for students globally who decide to learn Mandarin Chinese with the goal to come to read and write the language. This article presents a descriptive analysis of different methods in teaching characters to beginners based on two case studies of Chinese Mandarin courses in Mexico, and discusses different pedagogical approaches that can be implemented during the teaching of Chinese characters in Latin American countries which have an education system and culture different from that of China and other countries such as the United States
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
