Learning Chinese poetry
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of teaching our children Chinese poetry, both classical and modern.
After grammar, many children, and adults alike, find poetry to be the next horrible thing they are forced to learn. Why then, in the pursuit of Chinese literacy, should we consider introducing Chinese poetry to our children?
Cultural literacy
As we have mentioned previously, there is more to fluency than knowledge of words and grammar. Cultural literacy is just as important for communication and finding common ground with others. Part of it is knowing the key cultural touchstones of a people. It becomes a sort of shorthand for conveying ideas and main points.
For example, in Western culture (at least, until recently), cursory knowledge of the Bible or Shakespeare was vital to understanding and interpreting much of English literature. Most educated people would be able to identify famous snippets of sonnets such as
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
– William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18
In a similar vein, almost every single Chinese person can recite 靜夜思 by 李白.
床前明月光
疑是地上霜
舉頭望明月
低頭思故鄉
A means to become more aware of Chinese words
Poetry provides a means for our children to become more aware of Chinese words.
Through poetry, children will hear repetition, alliteration, rhythm, meter, and rhyme. This is another way for our children to be exposed to the musicality of the Chinese language. They will learn new Chinese words and phrases and unconsciously pick up the rise and falls of the language.
Similar to how songs and music help children memorize and remember lyrics, the rhyme and meter of poems help them memorize the words. Thus, it is another way to drum the cadence of Chinese into their muscle memory.
Develop creative language skills
Classical Chinese poetry were written to specific structures or forms. You could teach your child how to write and fit their ideas into literary strictures. This encourages children to consider why they would choose a particular word over another, taking into account rhyme, meaning, and expression.
Furthermore, having children write and compose their own poems will encourage creativity, expand their vocabulary, and teach them how to incorporate a non-literal understanding of language. They ideally can learn new ways to express themselves in Chinese as well as increase a specific writing skill, giving our children a more agile command over the Chinese language.
Appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language
All languages have their unique beauty. Poetry can show children the wit, melancholy, and range of both the Chinese language and its people.
When our children learn to appreciate Chinese through poetry, they can see the richness of our culture and history and thus be encouraged to pursue Chinese more so on their own.
LANGUAGE LEARNING TIPS
Combine nature and language learning.
Take your child on a nature walk, and take photos of various things that you find outdoors, such as rocks, trees, animals, insects, park benches and anything that you see while outdoors on your adventure.
When you get home, have your child name the items in both English and Chinese.
This is a great way to help your child learn and memorize new vocabulary.
我們會經常為大家探討漢字和語文的課題。
要是你有特別的相關課題希望我們探討，歡迎您告訴我們。
We discuss Chinese language and culture related topics on a regular basis.
If you would like us to discuss certain topics about Chinese, please let us know.
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Many parents are already part of our Facebook Group. If you’d like to take advantage of the collective wisdom of your fellow parents, please join us.
We’d love to hear from you.
Sagebooks Hongkong promotes independent reading and life-long learning by nurturing the child’s confidence, autonomy and self-teaching abilities. Since 2006. Find out more About Us.
© 2020 Sagebooks Hongkong. All rights reserved.
Sagebooks Hongkong promotes independent reading and life-long learning by nurturing the child’s confidence, autonomy and self-teaching abilities. Since 2006. Find out more About Us.
© 2020 Sagebooks Hongkong. All rights reserved.
Sagebooks Hongkong promotes independent reading and life-long learning by nurturing the child’s confidence, autonomy and self-teaching abilities. Since 2006. Find out more About Us.
© 2020 Sagebooks Hongkong. All rights reserved.