Challenges and Strategies in Learning Chinese as a Second Language: A Study on Non-Chinese Speaking Students in a Private School in Kuala Lumpur

Abstrak

Learning Chinese as a second language (CSL) presents unique challenges for non-native speakers, particularly in non-Sinophone regions like Malaysia. This study explores the attitudes, challenges, and learning strategies of non-Chinese-speaking students in acquiring Chinese. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semistructured interviews with 20 students from a private school in Kuala Lumpur. The findings indicate that major challenges include character memorization, pronunciation difficulties, and limited exposure to the language outside the classroom. However, students employ diverse strategies, such as gamification, rote memorization, and technology-assisted learning, to enhance their proficiency. The study highlights the influence of social learning and motivation in language acquisition. Furthermore, it identifies gaps in current research, particularly the integration of traditional and digital learning methods. The findings provide practical implications for educators and policymakers in developing more effective CSL instructional strategies.