A study at UOW College Hong Kong has shown that with the right methodology and improved teaching ability of teachers, minority students in primary schools can learn Putonghua more effectively and be more included in the local community. The study, entitled “Language attitude of Hong Kong ethnic minority primary school students towards Putonghua and its implications for designing a tailor-made Putonghua pedagogy for such students”, was funded by a research grant from the Research and Development Project of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR). Headed by Dr Chin Fong, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UOW College Hong Kong, the two-year study has shown that despite their positive attitude, minority students’ learning of Putonghua is hampered by the lack of social milieu, family support, and suitable teaching materials. “We recommend that the Government and educational institutions work together to offer minorities more opportunities to use the language, more training for teachers, and make adaptations of other interesting elements that will enhance the learning experience of minority students,” said Dr Chin. “By making learning Putonghua more effective for minorities, it would make Hong Kong a more inclusive place,” she added.
