The influence of cultural diplomacy on motivation to learn Mandarin

the case of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34624/ro.v0i5.40510

Keywords:

Mandarin, Motivation, Learning, university, Cultural diplomacy, Online Mandarin course.

Abstract

With the rise of China's national power, its influence in the world is growing, not only in terms of economic influence, but also in terms of cultural influence. As a non-intellectual factor, motivation becomes uniquely important for the teaching of Mandarin in Brazilian universities. Building on previous research, this paper will explore the influence of cultural diplomacy on motivation to learn Mandarin, using interviews to investigate student motivation in the online Mandarin course at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). Depending on teaching practices and students’ characteristics, the role played by cultural diplomacy in learning motivation is analysed, with the aim of better promoting the development of Mandarin in Brazilian universities, increasing students’ interest in learning Mandarin and providing some reference for deeper cooperation in Mandarin teaching between Chinese and Brazilian universities.

Author Biography

  • Jingwen Zhang, Faculdade de Línguas Estrangeiras da Universidade de Hubei

    Jingwen Zhang é docente de Português na Faculdade de Línguas Estrangeiras da Universidade de Hubei, doutora em Estudos Culturais pela Universidade de Aveiro e atualmente investigadora de pós-doutoramento na Universidade de Hubei.

References

China Daily. (2005, abril 22). President Hu calls for Asia-Africa partnership. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/22/content_436559.htm.

Cummings, M. C. (2003). Cultural diplomacy and the United States government: A survey. Center for Arts and Culture. https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/MCCpaper.pdf.

Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.

Fleck, A. (2023, abril 13). Brazil's Rare Trade Surplus With China. Statista. https://www.statista.com/chart/29718/brazil-china-bilateral-trade/

Gardner, R.C. & Lawrence, W. E. (1959) Motivation Variables in Second-Language Acquisition. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 12.

Nassif, T. & Nunes, A. (2023, abril 2). Operações comerciais entre Brasil e China sem uso de dólar devem ter início em julho. CNN Brasil. https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/economia/operacoes-comerciais-entre-brasil-e-china-sem-uso-de-dolar-devem-ter-inicio-em-julho/.

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Issue

No. 5 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Authors retain copyright.

Creative Commons License: Attribution 4.0 International.