Cynthia H. Shen
African and Asian Languages & Literatures, CLAS
Chengyu for Heritage Chinese Learners
Chinese for Heritage Learners II (CHI2341) is a standard Mandarin Chinese course designed for students with some background in Chinese listening and speaking skills. Upon completion of this course, students should be equipped with adequate language abilities to communicate in the Chinese-speaking areas.
Chengyu are “set phrases” or short sayings that usually consist of four Chinese characters. They are also known as “idioms”. The meaning of a chengyu typically goes beyond the literal interpretation carried by the four characters, because they are mostly derived from Chinese literature, historical facts and stories. They express Chinese wisdom and tradition, and are integral parts of Chinese culture. One would use or hear chengyu frequently in daily conversation, or read about them in newspapers and magazines. Facility in comprehending and producing chengyu becomes a powerful way to communicate with Chinese people. It has been pointed out that a deeper knowledge of idiomatic expression will help anyone to become more eloquent in Chinese.
This new chengyu segment is to supplement CHI2341 and will be taught once a week. One major chengyu along with two or three others that contain similar meanings will be presented to students as a group. The materials will be delivered through reading materials, animated visual aids of the origin, video files of real life usage, and online exercises.
The goals of this segment are to further strengthen student’s ability in reading, to empower student’s communication in Chinese Mandarin, and to build a connection to student’s root of Chinese culture.