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Experts doubt efficacy of new Mandarin test
Source: Xinhua |
September 27, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S new Mandarin test has triggered a public debate, with some experts doubting its effectiveness in enhancing native speakers' language abilities.
The National Education Examinations Authority, a body affiliated with the Ministry of Education, said in August that the Chinese Proficiency Test, which will debut after three years of preparation, is designed to promote people's interest and ability in their native language.
The test evaluates listening, speaking, and reading and writing abilities at six different levels. The test was conceived amid the perceived waning popularity of Chinese culture and language, as more and more Chinese people have rushed to English training classes instead of perfecting their native language, because better English can mean a higher salary.
A common worry stems from the fact that many youngsters cannot write Chinese characters properly because of their heavy use of computers and cell phones.
The new test follows a previous one initiated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security seven years ago, which failed to gain much credence.
Little help
Many experts say that to maintain and improve native speakers' skills requires favorable circumstances for studying, and a test will do little to help.
Xie Xiaoqing, a professor at Beijing Language and Culture University, said that the weakness of people's language skills resulted from inappropriate teaching methods that ruined children's curiosity.
Although students have to learn Chinese for 12 years up to high school, many college students still cannot properly use it, according to the Ministry of Education.
Pang Fei, who established the Yidan School, a non-profit NGO to advocate Chinese culture, has attempted to boost students' fondness for Mandarin through classical Chinese literature.
Pang believes the first step of rebuilding native-language abilities comes from rebuilding society's order, as the traditional Chinese lifestyle, manners, rituals, and philosophies are withering in the face of Western-oriented modernization. "Depending on a test is not enough," Pang said.
The National Education Examinations Authority, a body affiliated with the Ministry of Education, said in August that the Chinese Proficiency Test, which will debut after three years of preparation, is designed to promote people's interest and ability in their native language.
The test evaluates listening, speaking, and reading and writing abilities at six different levels. The test was conceived amid the perceived waning popularity of Chinese culture and language, as more and more Chinese people have rushed to English training classes instead of perfecting their native language, because better English can mean a higher salary.
A common worry stems from the fact that many youngsters cannot write Chinese characters properly because of their heavy use of computers and cell phones.
The new test follows a previous one initiated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security seven years ago, which failed to gain much credence.
Little help
Many experts say that to maintain and improve native speakers' skills requires favorable circumstances for studying, and a test will do little to help.
Xie Xiaoqing, a professor at Beijing Language and Culture University, said that the weakness of people's language skills resulted from inappropriate teaching methods that ruined children's curiosity.
Although students have to learn Chinese for 12 years up to high school, many college students still cannot properly use it, according to the Ministry of Education.
Pang Fei, who established the Yidan School, a non-profit NGO to advocate Chinese culture, has attempted to boost students' fondness for Mandarin through classical Chinese literature.
Pang believes the first step of rebuilding native-language abilities comes from rebuilding society's order, as the traditional Chinese lifestyle, manners, rituals, and philosophies are withering in the face of Western-oriented modernization. "Depending on a test is not enough," Pang said.
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