EDB 813

Cognitive Studies in Chinese as a Foreign Language

This course introduces the theoretical basis of language cognition, elaborating on the neural physiological basis of human cognition, the information flow of learning and memory, and the internal psychological mechanisms of language cognition. In this course, we will discuss the cognitive modes involved in learning Chinese as a Foreign Language. Using the principles of language cognition and the theory of cognitive modes, we will examine and discuss the auditory perception mode, visual perception mode, memory mode, Lenovo mode, deductive mode, inductive mode, integration mode and meta-cognitive mode of learning Chinese as a foreign language. After the discussion of authentic examples, we will give each cognitive mode of Chinese learning a specific analytic interpretation. Our purpose is to understand the mental mechanisms of learning Chinese as a foreign language through this study of cognitive modes. On the basis of this analysis of cognitive modes, we will conduct an in-depth analytic discussion about the different cognitive characteristics of Chinese language learning for different forms of teaching - group teaching, individual teaching, and teaching at a distance. We will then further explore the connection between learning strategies and cognitive styles of learning Chinese as a foreign language. We will also carry out a comprehensive analysis and comparison between the strategies of learning Chinese as a foreign language and learning English as a foreign language.

Units: 3.0