亚省教育厅开设中文课程的理论基础 （英文材料）

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The Rationale for Learning the Chinese Language (Mandarin) in the Province of Alberta
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The value for Canadian society as a whole of learning the Chinese language is significant and can be summarized as follows:
        •         increased awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity
        •         improved potential in the Canadian and global marketplace and workplace
. a2 @, |' d, x' z% u( V/ O        •         enhanced role in the international community.

' t; N& s+ ^! f" v  _Apart from the common advantages related to the learning of an international language, the learning of Chinese permits an insight into the rich and varied cultures developed in the Chinese-speaking world and bestows more opportunity to communicate directly with its people.  The learning of Chinese, as any other language, develops awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.  In addition to preserving cultural identity, it is also a means of cultural enrichment and is the best means of fostering understanding and respect among peoples and countries.
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Furthermore, it gives the opportunity to identify, question and challenge one’s own cultural assumptions, values and perspectives and contribute positively to society. These are benefits that can be gained by all students of Chinese, regardless of their backgrounds or heritage.
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! j8 D6 M. a! r) sFor those students who already have some knowledge of the Chinese language or a family connection to the culture, learning Chinese offers an opportunity to renew contact with their language and culture.  For some, it may contribute to maintaining and developing literacy.
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There is significant evidence to suggest that learning another language contributes to the development of first language skills and enhances cognitive functioning. Learning a second language increases the ability to conceptualize, to think abstractly, and it fosters more cognitive flexibility, greater divergent thinking, creativity and metalinguistic competence.
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In today’s global world, the knowledge of a second language and culture in general, and Chinese in particular, is an economic advantage for the individual, providing language skills that enable people to communicate and interact effectively in the global society.

/ e. Q, G9 x" GChinese is also commonly referred to as:  Guoyu, Hanyu, Huayu, Mandarin, Putonghua, Zhongwen.