Informal Learning: Approaching Chinese Language and Culture in Authentic Contexts

This chapter examines how international students learn the Chinese language and culture through informal learning and in context. As many international students want to experience adventure and try various informal learning activities, it is necessary to look at how they achieve enjoyable learning in informal and authentic learning environments. The researcher reviewed the definition of informal learning and discussed how informal learners took charge of their own learning tasks and maximized learner autonomy. Based on the current linear model of informal learning, the researcher proposes an integrated model of informal learning representing the dynamic, international and complex processes of informal learning environments. Using a qualitative method, the researcher will collect data from popular Chinese TV shows in which international students participated and told their stories about personal life and learning experiences in China while engaged in talk-in-interaction. The researcher coded and analyzed the data, and discussed emerging themes. The results show that international students are highly motivated to learn the Chinese language and culture effectively through participating in real-life activities and experiencing language and cultural learning curves, develop communicative competence in language use and cultural understanding. The implications of the study are discussed.