EdUHK Establishes Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education
EdUHK Establishes Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education
To facilitate research and knowledge transfer in Chinese linguistics studies and Chinese Language education, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) announced the establishment of the Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education (CRCLE). The inauguration ceremony was held today (26 July) on the occasion of “The Fifth International Conference on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language”.
The newly established Centre will focus on three research areas: Chinese linguistics, language in Education, and acquisition and teaching of Chinese as a Second Language. By integrating the University’s resources more effectively, CRCLE will strive to achieve synergies within the University and foster knowledge transfer activities and international collaboration, with the goal of transforming EdUHK into a major hub for Chinese language education in the region.
Professor Zhu Qingzhi, Chair Professor of the Department of Chinese Language Studies (CHL) and Director of CRCLE, said, ‘Established against the backdrop of the increasing popularity of Chinese language around the world, and the unique biliteracy and trilingualism language policy in Hong Kong, CRCLE will become a research-drive platform for EdUHK scholars and postgraduates in related fields to undertake high-level, quality research to better inform Chinese learning and teaching. Through systematic research, reciprocal visits, organising international conferences and seminars, and publishing academic journals, we aim to bring together experts from different backgrounds to embark on a splendid new chapter of Chinese linguistics and Chinese language education.
Professor Si Chung-mou, Head of CHL said, ‘EdUHK has long been committed to promoting Chinese language education and research. By linking up scholars, experts and teachers in Hong Kong, Greater China and the world, we hope the newly established Centre will have a positive impact on academia.’
Meanwhile, “The Fifth International Conference on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language” commenced today. Organised by the Department of Chinese Language Studies and the Faculty of Humanities at EdUHK, and co-organised by Princeton University, Swarthmore College, National Taiwan Normal University and The University of Hong Kong, the conference attracted over 170 experts and teachers from around the world.
Among the keynote speakers were Professor Lu Jianming, from Peking University, Professor Yuan Boping, from the University of Cambridge, Professor Chou Chih-p'ing, from Princeton University, Professor Joël Bellassen, from Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales, and Professor Chew Cheng-hai, from National University of Singapore.
Conference attendees presented 114 papers, addressing issues on IB curriculum design, the development of TCSL materials and pedagogical approaches, cross-cultural studies, testing and assessment, training and professional development for teachers, computer-assisted language learning, second language acquisition theory, and interdisciplinary teaching of Chinese language.
