An Analysis of the Promotion of Chinese Culture within an L3 Language Experience at the P5-7 Stages in Selected Scottish Primary Schools

Dr. David Roxburgh, PhD, SFHEA, a Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, has recently shared his research with SCEN on ‘the Promotion of Chinese Culture within an L3 Language Experience at the P5-7 Stages in Selected Scottish Primary Schools’.

“The results highlight classroom practices promoting Chinese language and culture (CLC) that can construe China, its culture and values through a traditional lens, emphasising ‘large culture’ or national narratives at the expense of exposure to ‘small cultures’ that may help exemplify everyday life and better balance pupils’ experiences. The L3 model in operation is almost entirely dependent on Hanban teachers with very few Scottish counterparts engaging due to a lack of confidence and training, which potentially distorts cross-cultural understanding, content and potential collaboration. Though worthwhile classroom practices certainly exist for expansion, curriculum delivery issues can impact on pupils’ progressive understanding and awareness of Chinese culture across the Primary 5-7 continuum and, at times, their attitudinal development.”