Presentation Schedule
Advantages and Disadvantages of Native and Non-Native Mandarin Chinese Instructors: Student Perceptions at the University of Botswana (94153)
Session Chair: Sujin Kim
Saturday, 12 July 2025 14:55
Session: Session 3
Room: UCL Torrington, B17 (Basement Floor)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
The teaching of Mandarin Chinese at the University of Botswana has been ongoing for over a decade. Initially, it was predominantly taught by native Mandarin Chinese instructors, but in recent years, local Mandarin Chinese instructors have also taken on this role. Despite this shift, limited research exists on student perceptions of both native and non-native Mandarin Chinese instructors. This qualitative study investigates these perceptions, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of learning Mandarin Chinese from each type of instructor. Data were gathered through questionnaires administered to sixteen students enrolled in Mandarin Chinese courses at the University of Botswana. Using content analysis, key themes were identified and categorised. The findings highlight several perceived advantages of local Mandarin Chinese instructors, including their ability to use students’ native language to explain complex concepts, adapt teaching styles to suit students’ learning needs, offer clear explanations with relatable examples and understand students’ challenges due to shared cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Conversely, native Mandarin Chinese instructors are perceived as advantageous in their ability to provide accurate pronunciation and tonal instruction, and impart deep cultural knowledge and authentic language usage. However, the disadvantages of one group often align with the advantages of the other. The study has significant implications for classroom practices and teacher professional development, suggesting that a balanced approach incorporating strengths from both native and non-native Mandarin Chinese instructors may optimise the learning experience.
Authors:
Duna Raletsatsi, University of Botswana, Botswana
About the Presenter(s)
Ms Duna Raletsatsi is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of Botswana in Botswana
See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule
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