Chinese teachers address common errors by English-speaking pupils
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Researchers in Singapore identified common mistakes that English-speaking primary school pupils make when learning Chinese. SCCL lecturer Gong Cheng studied 672 first-grade students from 2023 to 2024 and found five types of errors, including confusing characters that look or sound alike. For example, students sometimes mistake the characters for “mum” and “horse”.
The Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) published a book presenting these findings and offering teaching strategies to help educators prevent these misunderstandings.
The publication, Studies In Teaching And Learning Chinese As A Second Language, shares research on Chinese-language teaching and aims to improve lessons. SCCL also held an international conference attended by over 600 scholars and educators from several countries including China, Japan, and Vietnam. The research coincides with efforts by Singapore’s Ministry of Education to strengthen mother tongue language learning through programs like extended lessons at kindergartens and the “Fly With Books” reading program.
Anderson Serangoon Junior College will introduce a Chinese Language Elective Programme in 2027. Gong Cheng believes her work will help teachers tailor lessons to address specific errors, like having students write the strokes of similar characters to highlight their differences. Minister for Education Desmond Lee spoke at the conference, stating that bilingualism supports students’ identity as Singaporeans and prepares them for global opportunities.
SCCL’s executive director, Foo Suan Fong, emphasized the need for educators to adapt to changes in education driven by artificial intelligence.
