Cultural transmission through language teaching

The recent rise of China has led to a phenomenon known as “Mandarin Fever” globally, particularly in Southeast Asia. With the emergence of the Chinese language, this chapter analyses communicative language teaching and cultural transmission that take place simultaneously in Mandarin classes. It examines the extent to which instructional designs and pedagogical tools support Mandarin communicative competencies and the ways in which Chinese cultural values are transmitted in and beyond Mandarin classrooms. Using data collected from participant observation in two of the largest local Chinese schools in Brunei Darussalam, instructional designs and pedagogical styles are enquired through the research data set. The results underscore communicative language teaching in Mandarin classes in these private schools but also show evidence of the transmission of cultural values and knowledge. In view of the rise of Mandarin language and China’s emergence as a global superpower, this study carries implications for Mandarin teaching beyond China.