A Brief Investigation Into Chinese Learning And Cultural Awareness In Philippine Chinese Schools

Through questionnaire survey on the students in Philippine Chinese schools, this paper studies their Chineselearning and cultural awareness in terms of the recognition of Chinese traditional festivals, Chinese concepts,famous Chinese people and Chinese typical arts by using the method of percentage analysis. Below is concluded:The study finds that the situation of keeping speaking Chinese is not good although their evaluations are highabout their Chinese level.The answers from the students show their Chinese learning is closely related to cultural awareness and culturalidentification.In general, their recognition of Chinese traditional festivals is enhanced with higher level of Chinese learning.Firstly, the awareness varies depending on different traditional festivals, though, the Spring Festival andMid-Autumn Festival are most recognized; Secondly, strong correlation is found between Chinese learning andeating dumplings and moon-cakes. Then comes receiving/offering red envelopes and watching the bright moon.Both regularity and variance are found in the awareness of famous Chinese people, Chinese typical arts andobjects and the concept of the Chinese race. Firstly, students in a higher grade know more about different kinds ofChinese cultures than those in a lower grade. However, there can be exception. For example, sophomores knowSun Zhongshan and the Great Wall better than seniors in high school. Secondly, the Great Wall, the importance offamily and the importance of education (over90%) are better known than the Terra-cotta Warrior, Chineseinstruments and focusing on personal connections (below85%) in both primary and high schools.Besides the regularity, a diversification is also found in their recognition of Chinese culture. Firstly, Chineselearning helps them recognize Chinese dances, Chinese traditional medicine, Made in China and Confucius,which are highly recognized. However, recognition is low in the relation between Chinese learning and Chinesepainting, modesty and focusing on personal connection. In these aspects, there is no obvious difference inrecognition between students in lower and higher grades. In addition, Chinese learning and the Great Wall andChinese songs are related, though, not so closely.