Computer‐assisted learning of Chinese idioms

Abstract Chinese idioms play an important role in Chinese vocabulary learning as well as having cultural and social functions. However, researchers found that Hong Kong students seldom use idioms. Not only are students writing characters incorrectly, they are using the idioms both incorrectly and inappropriately. A survey was conducted to examine the attitudes of Hong Kong students and teachers to learning Chinese idioms. According to the survey, primary teachers believed that computers can assist students in learning Chinese idioms more effectively than an idiom dictionary. Consequently, an experimental program for learning Chinese idioms was designed for students between 9 and 11 years old. As an evaluation, usability tests were carried out by interview and by survey. Both evaluations produced positive responses from the dependent and independent group of subjects which is an encouraging first step.