Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Abstract
This case study examined to the extent that participation in a Mandarin language and Chinese culture immersion program enabled the participants to increase their Mandarin language proficiency, acquire culture content knowledge, and influence their self-transformation. Descriptive qualitative and quantitative data were collected using the application form, reflective journals, content and language surveys, structured interviews, and language and culture tests. The findings indicated that: 1) Participants in the immersion program learned new target language through language and culture content-based instruction, and interactions. 2) Immersion in the target language and culture resulted in participants’ culture content knowledge and understanding gains. 3) The program provided an opportunity for participants to engage in critical consciousness and identity construction. The study concluded that language and culture immersion is beneficial to participants. The study implies that study abroad experiences help students develop new worldviews, gain cross-cultural understanding, and expand their teaching. Future research studies will benefit from a larger sample of participants.
Recommended Citation
Malave, Lilliam, "Language and Culture Immersion: A Case Study of Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture Immersion" (2024). NERA Conference Proceedings 2024. 3.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/nera-2024/3
