An Integrative Approach To Classical Chinese Teaching And Learning Language Rules, Texts, Literature And Culture

There still exist some widespread drawbacks in the Classical Chinese teaching practice, which is taught through mere precise word to word translation of Classical Chinese text into Modern Chinese or by totally interpreting and appreciating Classical Chinese writings with no explanation of the language. It is quite frequently quoted that the Classical Chinese teaching and learning will either come to a halt in pursuit of exact syntactic and semantic analysis of ancient Chinese texts or be cast aside midway with empty political criticism by scholars. Grounded on a thorough exploration of representative Classical Chinese teaching samples by teachers nationwide of a special classification in Chinese teaching and learning, the essay advocates the idea that Classical Chinese teaching and learning should be conducted with the purpose of integrating into the teaching and learning process the acquisition of the Classical Chinese language, the interpretation of Classical Chinese writings, the cultivation of the students' capabilities to appreciate literature works, and developing the students' cultural awareness. Thereupon, Classical Chinese can be taught and learned in two basic approaches: to teach the Classical Chinese language rules by interpreting and appreciating Classical Chinese texts or to explain the Classical Chinese language rules to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Classical Chinese texts. Additionally, two appropriate adaptations can be made, that is, we can just temporally interpret the texts without explaining the language rules or merely focus on the language, temporally putting aside the interpretation and appreciation of the texts. Different approaches will be adopted by different teachers at different stages, which depends on their teaching contents, teaching objects and their personal teaching styles. Nevertheless, whatever approach is used is supposed to be based on the teaching contents and serve the purpose of integrating the understanding of the Classical Chinese language, the interpretation of Classical Chinese writings, the cultivation of the students' capabilities to appreciate literature works, and developing the students' cultural awareness into the teaching and learning process.