A Survey on Chinese Sign Language Recognition:From Traditional Methods to Artificial Intelligence

Research on Chinese Sign Language(CSL)provides convenience and support for individuals with hearing impairments to communicate and integrate into society.This article reviews the relevant literature on Chinese Sign Language Recognition(CSLR)in the past 20 years.Hidden Markov Models(HMM),Support Vector Machines(SVM),and Dynamic Time Warping(DTW)were found to be the most commonly employed technologies among traditional identificationmethods.Benefiting from the rapid development of computer vision and artificial intelligence technology,Convolutional Neural Networks(CNN),3D-CNN,YOLO,Capsule Network(CapsNet)and various deep neural networks have sprung up.Deep Neural Networks(DNNs)and their derived models are integral tomodern artificial intelligence recognitionmethods.In addition,technologies thatwerewidely used in the early days have also been integrated and applied to specific hybrid models and customized identification methods.Sign language data collection includes acquiring data from data gloves,data sensors(such as Kinect,LeapMotion,etc.),and high-definition photography.Meanwhile,facial expression recognition,complex background processing,and 3D sign language recognition have also attracted research interests among scholars.Due to the uniqueness and complexity of Chinese sign language,accuracy,robustness,real-time performance,and user independence are significant challenges for future sign language recognition research.Additionally,suitable datasets and evaluation criteria are also worth pursuing.

Integrating Chinese Culture Into Language Curriculum:Teaching Chinese Culture to International Students in China

This paper explores the integration of Chinese culture into language education for German students at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology(USST).Focusing on USST’s Chinese curriculum and pedagogical strategies,the study emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion,experiential learning,and authentic materials.Drawing on Byram’s Intercultural Communicative Competence(ICC)model,the Cultural Studies Approach,and Task-Based Language Teaching(TBLT),the paper presents a case study on incorporating Chinese calligraphy into regular classes.This hands-on approach not only enriches cultural understanding but also enhances language skills.The findings stress the need for tailored,multifaceted pedagogical approaches to prepare international students for cross-cultural interactions in a globalized context.

Knowledge Graph Analysis of International Chinese Language Textbooks Based on CiteSpace

Drawing upon relevant papers from Chinese core journals and CSSCI source journals in the CNKI China Academic Journals Full-Text Database spanning from 1992 to 2023,this study utilizes CiteSpace as a research tool to visually analyze the knowledge graph structure of research on international Chinese language textbooks in China.The study maps out the publication timeline,authors,institutions,collaborative networks,and keywords pertaining to research on international Chinese language textbooks.The findings indicate that research on international Chinese language textbooks commenced early and continues to maintain a certain level of research interest,yet lacks sufficient research output.Research institutions predominantly reside in universities and publishing groups specializing in language or education,with collaboration between institutions being relatively scarce.High-frequency keywords in recent research on international Chinese language textbooks include“Chinese language textbooks for the Foreigners,”“Chinese language textbooks,”“Teaching Chinese Language for the Foreigners,”“Textbook compilation,”“International Chinese Language Education and Localization,”which reflect a diversified research perspective with interdisciplinary trends.Future research priorities encompass research on localization,customization of textbooks,and evaluation of textbooks which represent forefront directions of research.

A Study on the Pedagogical Application of Chinese New Year Culture in International Chinese Language Education

Culture teaching is an inseparable part of International Chinese Language Education,and it has great significance in international Chinese language teaching.Students can enhance their interest in Chinese language learning and improve their learning effect through understanding the excellent traditional Chinese culture,at the same time,culture teaching can help to disseminate the Chinese culture and promote the development of a multicultural world.Taking the teaching of Chinese New Year culture as an example,we analyze the current teaching materials involving Chinese New Year culture with high popularity and acceptance,put forward effective teaching methods matching the feasibility of teaching Chinese New Year culture,and then present the specific teaching design of Chinese New Year culture,in order to provide references for the teaching of culture in International Chinese Language Education.

“Chineseness”:A Discussion on Cases Related to Tulou in Contemporary Chinese Architecture

The article delves into the concept of“Chineseness”in contemporary Chinese architecture,a strategic tool for creating distinctive styles rooted in Chinese identity.It serves not only to distinguish projects from market-driven trends but also to establish a pivotal position in the global architectural landscape.“Chineseness”among 24 identified keywords represents a practical strategy embraced by many young architects with international exposure.The traditional Chinese dwelling,a symbol of familial and cultural essence,particularly in the context of home culture,is a primary inspiration for contemporary architects.The research adopts a case study approach,focusing on Tulou-related cases from the last fifteen years,encompassing various building types.The Tulou,a mountain-dwelling with rich cultural connotations,is introduced,reflecting ancient Chinese philosophies in its architectural principles.The case studies,including URBANUS’s“Tulou Collective Housing 2008”and Chengdu’s“Tulou Theater,”demonstrate how Tulou prototypes can be creatively adapted.These designs not only replicate forms but also capture the communal spirit inherent in traditional dwellings.“Stepped Courtyards”by OPEN Architecture reinterprets Tulou typology for a staff dormitory,emphasizing community awareness.In conclusion,the concept of“Chineseness”emerges as a prominent topic,showcasing the dynamic and adaptable nature of traditional Chinese culture and modern architectural expressions.The cases illustrate the evolving intersection between traditional Chinese culture and modern architecture,offering insights into the future trajectory of Chinese architectural culture.The interrelated keywords highlight the nuanced and evolving nature of“Chineseness”in architectural practices.

A review of functional MRI application for brain research of Chinese language processing

As one of the most widely used languages in the world,Chinese language is distinct from most western languages in many properties,thus providing a unique opportunity for understanding the brain basis of human language and cognition.In recent years,non-invasive neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)blaze a new trail to comprehensively study specific neural correlates of Chinese language processing and Chinese speakers.We reviewed the application of functional MRI(fMRI)in such studies and some essential findings on brain systems in processing Chinese.Specifically,for example,the application of task fMRI and resting-state fMRI in observing the process of reading and writing the logographic characters and producing or listening to the tonal speech.Elementary cognitive neuroscience and several potential research directions around brain and Chinese language were discussed,which may be informative for future research.

Promoting the International Dissemination of Chinese Culture Through International Chinese Language Education: A Case Study of Chinese-English Idiomatic Equivalence

One major task of our improvement of China’s international communication capabilities is to tell China’s stories well and make China’s voice heard to communicate a comprehensive,multi-dimensional view of China in the international arena.International Chinese language education bears the dual responsibility of spreading the Chinese language and promoting the Chinese culture.How to shape global narratives for telling China’s stories and improve China’s international communication capabilities has become an important issue that concerns international Chinese language education.Chinese idioms,which are hidden treasures of the Chinese language,can play a unique role in this regard.It is therefore necessary to review the content and methods of including idioms in international Chinese language education.In this paper,instruction in idioms is approached by making a corpus-based comparative analysis from the theoretical perspectives of equivalence,cognitive metaphor,and second language acquisition.Qualitative and quantitative methods are combined to analyze idioms to be added to the vocabulary of international Chinese language education in three dimensions:word frequency,semantic transparency,and functional equivalence.This paper aims to explore a new approach to the dissemination of Chinese culture through instruction in idioms in international Chinese language education.

Research on the Application of Chinese-Style Songs in the Field of Chinese Second Language Teaching

In recent years,traditional Chinese culture has been continuously revived,integrated into the times and entered people’s daily lives.Chinese-style songs,as a combination of traditional cultural connotations and emerging song forms,have gradually emerged on the music stage in China and even around the world.In the field of teaching Chinese as a second language,the research on teaching Chinese songs has received increasing attention.This article combines the theory of the association between music and language to summarize the research results of Chinese-style songs and their application in the field of teaching Chinese as a second language in the past 30 years.The current research problems are discussed,and suggestions are proposed in order to provide some reference value for teaching Chinese as a second language.

Promoting the Learners’Motivation in Learning Chinese as a Second Language:From Demotivation to Motivational Strategies

Motivation is a key factor that influences the outcome of second language(L2)learning.Chinese as a second language(CSL)learners,however,may experience demotivation in their Chinese learning process which will,more often than not,reduce their learning interest and eventually affect their learning effect,therefore,it is necessary to enhance the learners’motivation level.This article first reviews the research literature in motivation in general,then discusses the CSL learners’demotivation in their Chinses learning process studying in China.Finally,it introduces motivational strategies to activate CSL learners’motivation in learning Chinese.

Task-based Language Teaching in the Chinese Classroom

This article discusses Task-based Language Teaching(TBLT)implemented in the Chinese classroom.TBLT involves a three-phase pedagogical sequence,including pre-task,on-task,and post-task.Different task-based learning activities are designed to promote learners’language acquisition through the performance of tasks.Learners are engaged in interactive and collaborative communication to accomplish meaningful and relevant real life tasks.This article explores the application of one TBLT unit in Chinese for learners’language development in terms of both fluency and accuracy.

Development of International Chinese Language Education in Iran:An Analysis in the Context of Iran’s Foreign Language Policy Characteristics

This paper focuses on examining the relevant policies concerning Chinese language education within Iran’s foreign language education policy framework from the perspective of its historical context.By analyzing the characteristics of Iran’s foreign language policy and the current situation of Chinese language teaching in Iran,this paper studies the future development of international Chinese language education in Iran.

Intercultural Language Education and the Challenges Chinese College English Teachers Face

Currently,intercultural language education is a topic which receives much interest due to the rise of globalization,but theories and practice in this field are on the preliminary stage of development in China.To understand ILE better,its background,theory basis,goals,related researches are reviewed and analyzed.Since ILE is relatively new in China,language teachers are facing new challenges in developing intercultural teaching competence to achieve the success of language education.Such challenges consist of understanding the language itself,the difficulty in understanding and teaching culture,designing practical classroom activities and selecting content.

Muslim Identity in Contemporary China Through the Lens of Chinese Nationalism

This article focuses on the concept of Chinese nationalism as a building and unifying tool of the nation.The Uyghurs are taken as a Muslim representative ethnic group in China as its forced Sinicization is the focus of global discussion,and the contention between the Uyghurs and the China state has become an international problem and a political headache for Beijing.This primarily Muslim group is one of the most numerous ethnic minorities in China,and has been affected by the assimilation policies adopted by the Chinese authorities with the purpose of strengthening the Chinese nation-state.The rise of national spirit in Chinese youth is unquestionable.Nation building has succeeded in almost all provinces.Only in a few of them does the state have to launch special educational and ideological programs,and sometimes resort to coercion to be successful.The aim of this article is to demonstrate that the Chinese nation building project is not complete despite the great efforts of the authorities.

Critical Pedagogy and Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Chinese College Context

In the field of second language acquisition(SLA),weight has been increasingly attached to the role that a problem-pos ing model of education plays in English as second/foreign language(ES/FL)teaching and learning.By exploring various concepts of the problem-posing approach,also known as critical pedagogy,and its implications for English language teaching(ELT)in the Chinese postsecondary EFL context,the paper makes a tentative attempt to acknowledge the future directions of implementing critical pedagogy in the EFL context.Therefore,the paper is inspired by the ever-increasing popularity of the critical pedagogical approach in the ESL context.The application of critical orientation in language education derives from critical theories of the Frankfurt School,which centers on Marxist societal beliefs of struggling against social inequalities.With the concept of critical pedagogy drawing increasing attention from language educators and teachers alike in English-speaking countries;non-native English teachers who teach in the EFL context has also begun to focus their attention on the educational philosophy as a means to help transform traditional oppressed status of the Chinese EFL learners.From this perspective,this paper,by investigating the multi-dimensional implied meanings of implementing critical pedagogy in the EFL context,unraveling how it works as a way of"doing"in second language(L2)teaching and learning,identifying the probable contexts of critical pedagogy and the contesta tions surrounding critical pedagogy,aims to address the significance of implementing critical pedagogy as an effective way of re forming the ailing English education condition in China.

Incorporating Linguistic Rules in Statistical Chinese Language Model for Pinyin-to-character Conversion

An N-gram Chinese language model incorporating linguistic rules is presented. By constructing elements lattice, rules information is incorporated in statistical frame. To facilitate the hybrid modeling, novel methods such as MI-based rule evaluating, weighted rule quantification and element-based n-gram probability approximation are presented. Dynamic Viterbi algorithm is adopted to search the best path in lattice. To strengthen the model, transformation-based error-driven rules learning is adopted. Applying proposed model to Chinese Pinyin-to-character conversion, high performance has been achieved in accuracy, flexibility and robustness simultaneously. Tests show correct rate achieves 94.81% instead of 90.53% using bi-gram Markov model alone. Many long-distance dependency and recursion in language can be processed effectively.

An Optimized Convolutional Neural Network with Combination Blocks for Chinese Sign Language Identification

(Aim)Chinese sign language is an essential tool for hearing-impaired to live,learn and communicate in deaf communities.Moreover,Chinese sign language plays a significant role in speech therapy and rehabilitation.Chinese sign language identification can provide convenience for those hearing impaired people and eliminate the communication barrier between the deaf community and the rest of society.Similar to the research of many biomedical image processing(such as automatic chest radiograph processing,diagnosis of chest radiological images,etc.),with the rapid development of artificial intelligence,especially deep learning technologies and algorithms,sign language image recognition ushered in the spring.This study aims to propose a novel sign language image recognition method based on an optimized convolutional neural network.(Method)Three different combinations of blocks:Conv-BN-ReLU-Pooling,Conv-BN-ReLU,Conv-BN-ReLU-BN were employed,including some advanced technologies such as batch normalization,dropout,and Leaky ReLU.We proposed an optimized convolutional neural network to identify 1320 sign language images,which was called as CNN-CB method.Totally ten runs were implemented with the hold-out randomly set for each run.(Results)The results indicate that our CNN-CB method gained an overall accuracy of 94.88±0.99%.(Conclusion)Our CNN-CB method is superior to thirteen state-of-the-art methods:eight traditional machine learning approaches and five modern convolutional neural network approaches.

International Chinese Language Education and Building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind

Human society is now confronted with a variety of threats.Given that,the idea and initiative of building a community of shared future for mankind is positively echoed by people around the world.Accordingly,international Chinese language education should play an active role in building a community of shared future for mankind,which is determined by the mission and nature of this educational cause.The idea of building a community of shared future for mankind points a right way for the development of international Chinese language education,injects new vigor to this cause,and also creates a more friendly and favorable external environment.International Chinese language education should help facilitate the building of a community of shared future for mankind and contribute Chinese wisdom to the common progress of mankind in the new era.

The Perceptions of Chinese ELT Stakeholders on the Employment of Foreign English Language Teachers

This article reports on part of the findings of an investigation into the perceptions of Chinese English as a foreign language(EFL)education stakeholders on native-speakerism.Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 26 students,14 teachers and eight EFL program administrators from six Chinese universities.The analysis of data reveals that the three groups of participants as an entirety expected their universities to hire native English speaker teachers(NESTs),particularly those from Britain and/or America and a certain proportion of them expressed preference for white native English speaker(NES)teachers.The vast majority of the students and teachers were also found to be unaware of workplace inequalities between NNESTs and local Chinese EFL teachers,contending that NESTs deserve better treatment.Although many administrators displayed critical awareness on this issue,they argued that the inequalities need tolerating for the well-being of their EFL programs.All these findings are indicative of the persistence of native-speakerism among Chinese ELT stakeholders and by extension the tenacity of this chauvinistic ideology across the terrain of EFL education in China.

Twitter Application to Chinese Language Learning:Lessons and Suggestions

本行动研究将推特对140字符的要求和中初级中文二语学习者在宽松环境中进行语言输出的需求联系起来,把推特引入大学中文二语课堂。基于学生推特行为的描述性统计数据和学生对期末调查问卷的反馈,本文反思和总结了此次教学探索的经验教训。作者提出,把推特这样的社交应用用作教育工具,任务性学习或项目性学习方面的教学结构设计仍然是必要的。作者也探讨了如何利用推特的社交功能建设中文二语学习者和教育者的学习社区。