What does the Future Hold for Chinese Teaching & Learning? Interview with Hacking Chinese Founder Olle Linge
Jan 4, 2024
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Olle Linge, founder of Hacking Chinese, shares insights on learning tones, criticisms of traditional teaching methods, and the future of self-directed online language learning. The podcast also touches on the challenges faced in Chinese language education, the origins of the Hacking Chinese blog, the misteaching of the third tone, the decline in enrollment for Chinese studies courses, and the drawbacks of proficiency tests in formal education.
Traditional classroom settings often fall short in developing effective communication skills in language learning.
Independent and self-directed online language learning can supplement formal education and offer more flexibility and tailored approaches.
Proficiency tests are not always aligned with practical language use and should be viewed as just one component of language learning, rather than the ultimate measure of language ability.
Deep dives
Oli Linga's Mandarin Journey and Insight into Language Learning Methods
Oli Linga, founder of the blog Hacking Chinese, shares his extensive experience learning and teaching Mandarin. He discusses his journey into learning Chinese, highlighting the challenges faced during his first few years. Linga emphasizes the importance of effective communication and how traditional classroom settings often fall short in developing this skill. As a result, Linga started his blog to address the flaws in conventional teaching methods and provide more efficient and practical language learning advice. He delves into specific topics such as the misconception of the third tone pronunciation and the controversial debate surrounding the importance of tones in language learning. Finally, Linga discusses the decline in enrollment in Chinese studies courses at universities and the role of independent and self-directed online language learning in filling this gap.
The Role of Structure and Independent Learning in Mandarin Acquisition
Linga emphasizes the significance of structure in language learning and acknowledges the need for a balance between formal education and independent learning. While formal education provides important structure and resources, Linga highlights the importance of independent learning and taking responsibility for one's own progress. He suggests that online resources and methods can supplement formal education, offering learners more flexibility and tailored approaches. Linga also addresses the challenges of gaining proficiency in a language and the misconception that proficiency tests are the ultimate measure of language ability. He argues that proficiency tests are not always aligned with practical language use and that a well-rounded language skill set extends beyond exam-oriented learning.
The Flaws of Traditional Teaching Methods and the Evolution of Language Education
Linga discusses the flaws inherited from traditional teaching methods in language education. He argues that many misconceptions and inefficient teaching practices continue due to a lack of awareness, limited training of teachers in phonetics, and the perpetuation of existing techniques. Linga also emphasizes the importance of focusing on real-world communication and creating authentic communicative situations in language courses. He highlights the need for teachers to have a deep understanding of the language's phonetics and pronunciation to effectively guide and support learners. Linga suggests that language education should focus on practical language use, individualized learning, and integrating new methodologies to better serve the needs of learners.
The Role of Structure and Independent Learning in Mandarin Acquisition
Linga discusses the significance of structure in language learning and the balance between formal education and independent learning. He emphasizes that structure provides necessary guidance and resources for learners, enabling them to progress effectively. Linga acknowledges the benefits of online resources and methods in offering learners additional tools to supplement their learning. He remarks on the importance of learners taking responsibility for their own learning and seeking out resources beyond the classroom. Linga argues that learners should adopt independent learning strategies alongside their formal education to maximize their language acquisition and proficiency.
The Importance and Limitations of Proficiency Testing
Linga shares his perspective on the value and limitations of proficiency testing in language education. He highlights that proficiency tests can serve as benchmarks for learners but should only be required when necessary to prove proficiency to external parties. Linga criticizes the overemphasis on proficiency tests and the misconception that high test scores equate to true language proficiency. He emphasizes that tests often focus on specific task-based questions that may not align with practical language use or overall language competency. Linga encourages learners to prioritize practical language skills and to view proficiency tests as just one component of language learning rather than the ultimate measure of language ability.
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In today’s episode I interview one of my most hotly anticipated guests, the Mandarin educator, blogger and teacher, Olle Linge.
Olle is well known for being the founder of the blog Hacking Chinese. For over a decade, Olle has been drawing on his extensive experience of learning and teaching Chinese to offer tips and advice for other learners. If you’ve ever googled anything related to learning Mandarin, it’s likely you’ll have encountered his blog towards the top of the search results.
His own Mandarin journey began all the way back in 2007 when he studied Chinese at university. This was followed by two years studying in Taiwan, after which he completed a Master of Education in his native Sweden, focusing on teaching Chinese and English.
Olle returned to Taiwan in 2012 for a two-years master’s program for teaching Chinese as a second language. And since returning to Sweden in 2014, he’s been working mostly at university teaching Chinese and professional development for language teachers.
In the interview we had a wide ranging discussion covering his insights into learning tones, criticisms of conventional teaching methods and thoughts on the future of self-directed online language learning at a time when the numbers of people registering on formal Chinese studies courses are in decline globally.
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