Bridging Cultures, Teaching Spanish: Insights from Chinese Tutors on Spanish Language Learning in China

Description

This presentation explores the findings of a qualitative study investigating the perceptions of Chinese Spanish-language tutors regarding the challenges and dynamics of teaching Spanish within China’s University educational context. Drawing on phenomenological analysis of in-depth interviews, the study highlights key cultural and linguistic barriers—such as students’ reluctance to engage communicatively and the differences between Chinese and Western pedagogical traditions—that seem to having shaped the effectiveness of language instruction for years.
Central to the discussion are tutors’ reflections on adapting methodologies like the communicative approach to align with local learning preferences, and the strategies to navigate the structural disparities between Spanish and Chinese, among others. By amplifying Chinese educators’ voices, the presentation will put the focus on the need for a culturally sensitive, eclectic teaching framework that bridges Eastern and Western practices. The presentation will conclude with actionable insights aimed at fostering more engaging and effective Spanish language education in China, while advocating for further cross-disciplinary collaboration in this evolving field.

Period	25 Apr 2025
Event title	Whose East, Which West? Triangulating Culture in China, Spain and Latin America
Event type	Conference
Location	Shanghai, ChinaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National