A Study of the Current State of Chinese Language Textbooks in Chinese Schools for Ethnic Chinese Students in Laos: Current Practices and Future Directions

Abstract

There are 11 Chinese schools in Laos that use 19 different Chinese language textbooks. Currently, the most commonly used textbook for Chinese education in primary and junior high school is "Chinese Language," while in senior high school, "Chinese Language and Literature" and "HSK Standard Course" are adopted most frequently. This study has conducted interviews and analyzed textbooks, discovering issues with contemporary Chinese language textbooks such as cultural misunderstanding caused by differences in culture and values, insufficient localization of textbooks, outdated information, and the absence of Lao language annotations. Based on the research findings, this article proposes solutions including textbooks localization, compiling strategies, and curriculum design to address these problems.