The teaching of “Chinese for Spanish Speakers” in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to give information of our experience on how our university, in close cooperation with the Department of Education of Madrid Community, is making the necessary adjustments to the learning, teaching and assessment of the Chinese, as “Chinese for Spanish Speakers”, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Although we are focusing on the linguistic goals we will try to provide teachers of CH/ LE with simple theoretical and methodological clues and tips for them to use with their students, so that these students should be able not only to use the linguistic code (the phonetic, morphological, and syntactic level) but also to communicate appropriately in different contexts. Bringing into the classroom socio-cultural factors and non-verbal communication (paralinguistic, kinesic, proxemic, chronemic) implies working with integrated skills which will provide students with the necessary tools and strategies to be able to analyze, compare, contrast and reflect on the diverse realities. This awareness will avoid coming into prejudices and will develop positive attitudes to face the cultural and linguistic pluralism in this international and global society.