Exploring the Challenges of Learning and Teaching Chinese/Mandarin Language at Higher Education Institutes: Voices from Non-Chinese Speaker Teachers and Learners

Chinese/Mandarin language teaching to undergraduate students from non-Chinese speaker countries has garnered significant attention due to China's pivotal role in global political and economic transformations. Mandarin, spoken by 70% of the Chinese population, is not only taught within China but also in several other countries. However, similar to teaching any second or foreign language, instructing Mandarin comes with its share of challenges, which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been thoroughly explored. To delve into these issues, we employed a qualitative (phenomenological) research approach. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers and 20 Mandarin language learners, selected using theoretical sampling. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed into text files and analyzed utilizing qualitative data analysis software, MAXQDA. The challenges and problems identified were categorized into four primary themes: linguistic, educational, psychological, and social/political. The findings hold potential implications for Chinese/Mandarin language policymakers, educators, curriculum developers, and learners.