The Role Reconstruction of Chinese Social Media in Informal Chinese Language Learning—A Case Study of Thai Chinese Language Learners

Abstract

With the rapid development and widespread application of digital technology at present, the international influence of Chinese social media has increased significantly. More and more foreign Chinese language learners have begun to use Chinese social media platforms for informal Chinese language learning. However, most current studies focus on the instrumental role of social media, but pay insufficient attention to how it reconstructs its own role, promotes learning communities, and expands the usage market of Chinese social media. This study aims to explore the current status of the role of Chinese social media in informal Chinese language learning, analyze its existing deficiencies, and explore possible paths for role reconstruction from different dimensions based on Situated Learning Theory. This study took 14 Thai Chinese language learners (8 high school students and 6 university students) studying in China as the research objects, adopted focus group interviews as the research method, and supplemented the survey data with questionnaires (9 of whom completed the questionnaires). The analysis was carried out by combining the interview results, 9 valid questionnaires and the three dimensions of Situated Learning Theory. The study found that Chinese social media plays an effective auxiliary role in informal Chinese language learning, but there are still deficiencies in terms of translation functions, content planning, systematic practice mechanisms and the promotion of learning communities. Based on this finding, this study puts forward three reasonable improvement path suggestions according to the obtained data samples: First, improve translation functions, enhance translation accuracy and lower the participation threshold; Second, establish systematic practice and feedback mechanisms to enhance foreign learners' interest and confidence in Chinese language learning; Third, update software service communities, integrate social and learning functions, promote deeper communication, facilitate the formation of learning communities, and drive positive changes and improvements for both parties. The goal of this study is to provide new influence paths for Chinese social media, offer clearer learning methods for foreign Chinese language learners, make up for the deficiencies in previous traditional studies, and promote the common progress of both Chinese social media and foreign Chinese language learners.