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Article published In: Linguistic Landscape
Vol. 7:3 (2021) ► pp.285–313

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The linguistic landscape and materials development

Learning Chinese in Auckland

 | The University of Auckland
ORCiD logo with link | The University of Auckland
Published online: 11 March 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/ll.20016.buc
Abstract
Despite the wide acceptance of the contributions of linguistic landscape (LL) research to sociolinguistic analyses, models of how the LL can be exploited to practise specific features of the language system have been lacking. In this study we focus on Mandarin Chinese, an important community language, to document the development of LL-based materials to practise language-specific elements of the linguistic system (such as understanding the hierarchical organisation of characters, decoding characters, identifying tones, and distinguishing different writing systems), in addition to cultural elements. Beginning with extensive local fieldwork to compile a dataset of Chinese-language signs, materials were developed using the content of signs considered to be representative for this context. Employing a MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning) approach, materials were piloted with learners of Chinese. The results of this practical engagement are discussed, and we end with key recommendations for educationalists concerning the use of the LL as a resource for language acquisition.
摘要
虽然语言景观(LL)研究对社会语言学的贡献已被广泛接受，然而目前仍缺乏将LL运用到实践语言系统特定功能的模型。
本研究以普通话（一个重要的社区语言）为研究对象，记录基于LL的语料开发，并运用到实践语言系统的特定语言要素（例如，理解汉字的层次结构、解码汉字、识别声调、以及辨别不同书写系统）和文化元素。
我们从广泛的田野调查以汇编一个中文标牌数据库为起始，然后挑选出最能代表当地的中文标牌用作语言学习材料开发。本文采用MALL方法，邀请中文学习者对材料进行测试。我们就实际参与的结果进行了讨论。
最后，本研究为考虑将LL作为语言习得资源的教育工作者提供了重要建议。
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The Linguistic Landscape as a pedagogical resource
  • 3.Learning Chinese characters
  • 4.Materials design for mobile learning with the Linguistic Landscape
  • 5.Methods
    • 5.1Guiding objectives
    • 5.2Stages of materials design
      • Stage 1: Selection of fieldwork locations for Activity 1
      • Stage 2: Development of materials for Activity 1
      • Stage 3: Selection of the fieldwork location and development of materials for Activity 2
      • Stage 4: Review of materials
      • Stage 5: Piloting of the materials
  • 6.Discussion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
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