Metaphor analysis: a comparative study of Chinese pre-school children’s attitude towards English learning in Shanghai and Mudanjiang

Hu Xiaoyan, Zhou Jing, Lixian Jin, Liu Huiping, Li Zhang

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study focuses on the experiences and feelings of pre-school children in two different regions about English learning to identify attitudinal differences in these attitudes between remote and urban areas. The research adopted the elicited metaphor analysis (EMA) to investigate the interest and preferences for English learning of 160 Chinese children, ages 4 to 6 (80 males and 80 females), in Shanghai (a major metropolitan city) and Mudanjiang (a small border city in north eastern China). The results showed that children in a remote area had a superior interest and attitude towards English learning than did their peers in an urban area. They gained perception by interacting with their surroundings and making full use of their senses and materials nearby. Moreover, children’s English learning is influenced by Chinese culture and reflects local cultural characteristics. This study suggests that children should be exposed to the English language environment to obtain the core experiences for future English learning, even though the environment may not be suitable. The findings relate directly to teacher training and textbook compilation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2120692
JournalCogent Education
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • English learning attitude
  • comparative study
  • elicited metaphor analysis
  • pre-school children
  • regional differences

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Metaphor analysis: a comparative study of Chinese pre-school children’s attitude towards English learning in Shanghai and Mudanjiang'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this