Chinese Folk Songs Can Facilitate Chinese Language Learning - A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Second Language Acquisition
• Applied Linguistics
• Ethnomusicology

Background:

• Previous research highlights pop music's benefits for foreign language learning.
• Limited studies explore Chinese folk songs' impact on Mandarin acquisition.
• This research addresses the gap by investigating folk songs for Mandarin learners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a Chinese folk song-based curriculum enhances Mandarin learning outcomes for foreign speakers.
• To assess the impact on overall Mandarin proficiency, particularly listening comprehension.

Main Methods:

• An intervention study was conducted with international students in Beijing.
• Participants were divided into an intervention group (folk song curriculum) and a control group.
• Mandarin proficiency was measured using the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) test over two semesters, analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE).

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher HSK listening scores compared to the control group (adjusted β = 7.86, p = 0.015).
• No significant differences were noted in other proficiency areas within this study's scope.
• Analysis included 16 students (8 intervention, 8 control).

Conclusions:

• A curriculum incorporating Chinese folk songs shows potential for enhancing Mandarin listening comprehension among foreign learners.
• Folk songs offer a culturally relevant and engaging method for language acquisition.
• Further research could explore the effects on other language skills and different learner populations.