The Learning and Teaching of Cantonese as a Second Language

The Learning and Teaching of Cantonese as a Second Language brings together contributions on Cantonese textbooks, linguistic description, literacy and tone acquisition, supplemented by case studies from the Netherlands and Japan. The term 'Cantonese' refers to the language varieties of immigrants who came to the territory from Guangdong province, and is also used to refer to the entire Yue subgroup of Chinese, with about 70 million Cantonese speakers in the world. This volume is of direct relevance to educators, language teachers, linguists, and all those concerned with the learning of Cantonese as a second language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Learning and Teaching of Cantonese as a Second Language is a comprehensive collection of essays that delve into various aspects of this language,including Cantonese textbooks,linguistic description,literacy and tone acquisition,and supplemented by case studies from the Netherlands and Japan. This symposium, held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in October 2019, brought together renowned experts in the field, fostering a collaborative environment for exchanging ideas and advancing knowledge in teaching Cantonese as a second language.

In the Hong Kong context, Cantonese refers to the language varieties spoken by immigrants from Guangdong province, including Macau, Panyu, Taishan, Xinhui, and Zhongshan. Over time, these diverse dialects have merged to form the contemporary Cantonese used in Hong Kong today. Cantonese is also used to denote the entire Yue subgroup of Chinese languages, which encompasses Cantonese variations spoken in southern China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, and among overseas Chinese communities in Australia, Europe, and North America. It is estimated that there are approximately 70 million Cantonese speakers worldwide.

This volume is of immense importance to educators, language teachers, linguists, and anyone interested in learning Cantonese as a second language. It offers valuable insights into the development of Cantonese textbooks, linguistic analysis, literacy and tone acquisition, and provides practical examples from both the Netherlands and Japan. The case studies presented in this book shed light on the challenges and strategies involved in teaching Cantonese to students with different backgrounds and proficiency levels.

By exploring these topics, The Learning and Teaching of Cantonese as a Second Language contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the field and provides valuable resources for language educators, teachers, and learners alike. It serves as a testament to the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity in today's globalized world and highlights the significance of promoting language learning and teaching to foster understanding and communication across different cultures.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516321