Literary and Colloquial Variations: A Study on the Acquisition of Cantonese by Mandarin-speaking Students in Hong Kong Tertiary Institutions
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Date
2024-11
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Publisher
Ohio State University. Libraries
Abstract
This study adopts a sociocultural theory framework and targets Mandarin-speaking Cantonese second language learners in Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Using surveys and in-depth interviews, it contrasts the use of literary and colloquial readings between native Mandarin and Cantonese speakers when reading the “List of Hong Kong Cantonese Literary and Colloquial Readings.” The findings indicate that native Cantonese speakers tend to maintain colloquial readings, while Mandarin speakers struggle with distinguishing literary and colloquial readings and face challenges in acquiring different vowel lengths. Besides, native Mandarin speakers often use dual readings for the same word but are better at literary readings. This paper recommends integrating teachings on literary and colloquial readings into current Cantonese second language curriculum design, using phased and situational communicative teaching methods to aid Mandarin speakers in mastering these distinctions.
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Keywords
Hong Kong Cantonese, Literary and colloquial variations, Native Mandarin speakers, L2 acquisition, Teaching strategy
Citation
Li, Chenxi and Leung, Wai-mun. "Literary and Colloquial Variations: A Study on the Acquisition of Cantonese by Mandarin-speaking Students in Hong Kong Tertiary Institutions." Buckeye East Asian Linguistics, vol. 9 (November 2024), p. 144-162.