A survey on traditional Chinese characters learning needs of learners of Chinese as a second language

Abstract

This paper aims to study through a questionnaire survey the needs of learners of Chinese as a second language for learning traditional Chinese characters. To achieve the aim, analysis was conducted from various perspectives such as the learners’ background, Chinese proficiency, Chinese instruction, exposure to traditional Chinese characters and attitudes towards traditional Chinese characters. Factors that influenced the participants’ learning needs and motivations were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results showed that the participants had a moderate level of traditional Chinese characters learning needs, and that reading and appreciating arts were two most significant motivations for learning traditional Chinese characters.