Problems faced by non-Chinese students in learning the Chinese language: A preliminary study

• Main Author: Wong, S.L.
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: LB Theory and practice of education
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/9378/1/problem_faced.pdf; http://eprints.um.edu.my/9378/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

This research aimed at investigating the problems faced and causes of errors made by non-Chinese students in learning the Chinese language. In addition, the views held by the students on learning Chinese were sought. The respondents comprised 100 Form One to Form Five students from two secondary schools. Data were collected via the administration of questionnaire and interviews. The findings revealed that the students faced problems in learning the literary component of the Chinese language and in the mastery of classical Chinese, among others. The major cause of problems is the low frequency of using the Chinese language. However, these students were very much encouraged by their parents to learn Chinese. They themselves realized the importance of the Chinese language in the present globalization era. They said that knowing Chinese language would increase their competitiveness in the job market in the future.