Integrating Positive Psychology into Chinese Language Education: A Micro-Analysis of Crossing the Silk Road, the UAE’s Country-Specific Textbook

In line with the Belt and Road Initiative’s emphasis on cultural-educational exchange, this study examines how positive psychological constructs are represented in the UAE Chinese textbook Crossing the Silk Road. Through lexical frequency analysis and theoretical mapping, it analyses the distribution of positive lexicons, their alignment with the six virtues and the PERMA framework, and their role in cross-cultural communication. The textbook contains 21 positive lexical items, totaling 191 occurrences, but their distribution across proficiency levels (L1–L4) is uneven. High-frequency terms dominate lower levels, while key terms like nǔ lì 努力 (effort) and píng hé 平和 (calm) appear too infrequently for effective retention. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on Humanity-related virtues, partial representation of Transcendence and Temperance, and limited development of Justice. These findings highlight gaps in integrating positive psychology into Chinese language education and suggest revisions to enhance linguistic proficiency, intercultural empathy, and alignment with Belt and Road educational goals.

Keywords

Positive Psychology, Six Virtues, PERMA Model, Cross-cultural Communication, Belt and Road

source

International Journal of Chinese Language Education; Dec 2025; Issue No. 18; p.95-140

Language

English