“Don’t ditch the dialect”: Incorporating Learners’ Chinese Heritage Language Backgrounds in University Mandarin Classrooms
Date
2024
Authors
Guan, Mina
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Although research on heritage language (HL) in language classrooms is rich in the K-12 context, limited studies relate HL to additional language learning in university, a context with transformative potential for HL learners (re-)connecting to their heritage. This project considers the unique experiences of HL speakers of Chinese varieties as learning tools in post-secondary Mandarin classrooms using a qualitative research method. Three Mandarin teachers and four Chinese heritage language learners (CHLLs) from BC post-secondary institutions were interviewed about attitudes, practices, and challenges related to incorporating learners’ CHL backgrounds in university classrooms. Interview transcripts were then verified and inductively coded. The key findings highlight the importance of learning from CHLL perspectives and experiences, reflecting on linguistic backgrounds as teachers, and acknowledging the multi-faceted aspects of CHLL motivation, identities, and needs. Insights from the analysis offer pedagogical recommendations and inform practices for post-secondary Mandarin teachers with CHLLs.
Description
Keywords
Chinese, heritage language teaching, post-secondary context, critical language pedagogy, identity, culture