Prof. KE Sihui, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies

Researching the relationship between metalinguistic knowledge and reading development in Chinese as a second language: Past, present and future. Symposium on Research Methods and Interdisciplinary Research in International Chinese Language Education. Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, 6-7 July 2024.

Abstract
This presentation aims to provide insights into cutting-edge research on reading Chinese as a second language. It begins with a review of theories that support the intricate relationship between metalinguistic knowledge and the development of reading skills in Chinese as a second language. Following the theoretical foundation, the presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research methodologies in this field over the past two decades, highlighting recent trends that have emerged. Emphasizing the need for the field to move beyond merely decoding character codes, the presentation advocates for more diverse approaches toward understanding reading development. To conclude, practical recommendations will be provided for rising junior scholars, guiding them in contributing to this area of research. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how metalinguistic knowledge can enhance the teaching and learning of Chinese reading, and how future research can continue to evolve.