Using Chinese in China - challenges and opportunities : a case study of three Finnish sojourners

Abstract

Despite the growing attention on interaction between language learners/sojourners and host community, there has been little research on second language (L2) using experience by adopting case study approach, by which each individual’s voice is valued. Grounded in sociocultural theory (SCT), the present study explores challenges and opportunities of international sojourners when they use Chinese in China by investigating three Finnish sojourners’ experiences in using Chinese. Coleman’s concentric circles model is adopted to illustrate sojourners’ different language choices and reasons with compatriots, international people and host community. Narratives and interview data are analyzed and discussed by applying qualitative content analysis. This study argues contextual factors have significant influence on sojourners’ language choices and their experiences of using Chinese in China. It also reveals the active play of sojourners’ agency in their process of using Chinese as L2. In residence abroad context, host community as well as the relationships between sojourners and host community are suggested to be crucial social aspects of sojourners’ language use and sojourners’ intercultural competences appear to be essential elements as well.