Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
Y.R. Chao’s Teaching Tradition and New Developments in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
This talk discusses basic principles and practices of teaching Chinese as a foreign language (TCFL) in the United States, based on the pedagogical model developed by Y. R. Chao in the 40's, and the Declarative/Procedural model discovered recently by Ullman (2001).
Where
It is shown that Y.R. Chao's teaching principles are solidly confirmed by recent studies of neurosciences and that Practice Effects must be taken as an ultimate criterion, by which all L2 theories and practices are examined and evaluated not only for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language but also for L2 teaching of all human languages. More specifically, I will elaborate on some important issues in the field, including (1) the northern American tradition of Direct Method established by Professor Yuen Ren Chao, (2) the Neuroscience-based evidence for Yuenren Tradition, and (3) some empirical principles and results derived from the “structural-function approach” developed recently. Finally, it is argued that no matter how the L2 theories are formed, drilling always goes first.
Featured Articles
We note the passing of many prominent individuals who played some role in U.S.-China affairs, whether in politics, economics or in helping people in one place understand the other.
Events
Ying Zhu looks at new developments for Chinese and global streaming services.
David Zweig examines China's talent recruitment efforts, particularly towards those scientists and engineers who left China for further study. U.S. universities, labs and companies have long brought in talent from China. Are such people still welcome?