龙飞凤舞:全身心气力打好汉字功底

 “Like Dragons Flying and Phoenixes Dancing”: 

Mastering Chinese Characters Writing with Mind, Body, Spirit and Energy

 

Frances Yufen Lee Mehta

 

Cornell University

 

Compared to methodology of pronunciation, lexicon, syntax, teaching Chinese characters has not been as successful despite its being a significant component in teaching Chinese as a foreign language.  Teaching Chinese characters not only involves the application of traditional orthographical theories but also comprehension of the general developmental process of character acquisition of CFL learners.  To obtain maximum efficacy of teaching and learning, it is crucial that the teacher design learning activities that engage students to incorporate multiple senses simultaneously.  The harmony of this method will ensure that learners automate the learning process with ongoing motivation.    

 

This presentation provides a hands-on guidance for teaching Chinese characters from the beginning to mastering basic skills.  It will explore an innovative method of teaching Chinese characters that helps define basic orthography, familiarize fundamental stroke order, master flow of energy, promote muscle memory and reinforce learning characters holistically in a very healthy and friendly learning environment.  In the era of computerization, as the outcry for applying the word processor grows louder, this method has proved helpful for improving performance in Chinese character handwriting.  

 

Like Dragons Flying and Phoenixes Dancing: Mastering Basic Skills of Chinese Characters with Mind, Body, Spirit and Energy was first presented at CLTA-GNY conference in 2007.  It was very well received and stimulated lots of discussions afterwards.  Many teachers adapted the concept and methodology and suggested that I continue promoting to a wider audience.  This presentation will expand and build on the previous one.