“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
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.