ZHOU, Yan

International Journal of Chinese Language Education; Jun 2021; Issue No. 9; p.147 - 178

Department of Chinese Language Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong

Chinese Language Program, Columbia University

Chung Hwa Book Co. (H.K.) Ltd.

This study examines the concept of linguistic diversity in Chinese-speaking regions, discusses how various accents affect the acquisition of Chinese as a second language (CSL) with a focus on listening comprehension, and recommends that students be exposed to non-standard Mandarin accents in the CSL classroom. This study especially highlights CSL speakers’ perspectives on this issue by conducting questionnaires and interviews, which are largely missing in existing research. In addition, three types of pedagogical strategies are proposed to promote exposure to accented Mandarin in the CSL classroom, including the cultivation of teachers’ awareness, curricula design, and authentic teaching materials.

linguistic diversity CSL listening skills accented Mandarin

English

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