Limited environment

The main point that affects learners¡¯ improvement is that there is a lack of language environment in our country and there is little opportunity for them to practice their oral Chinese.

In most countries, Chinese is learned as a foreign language instead of as a second language, that learners often lack the informal linguistic environment. So they have little chance to use the target language in daily life and have to depend entirely on activities. For example, most learners can¡¯t communicate with their parents in Chinese in families because their parents don¡¯t know or know little Chinese. Even though learners can create chances to approach Chinese through various means (e.g. Chinese Corner, oral Chinese classes and Chinese Club). There are still most learners who cannot regularly attend such activities. Therefore, the time for approaching Chinese is also limited, so it is necessary for learners of Chinese to establish Chinese language environment of a more native way by which there is an appropriate climate for Chinese learning.

Less attention on cultural differences

Language is closely related to culture. They coexist through the entire history of man. Neither of them can exist without the other. There are many differences between China and outer Chinese-speaking countries due to historical factors, political factors, economic factors, ethnic factors, and ways of life. Reflected in the language, these cultural differences are all tough barriers for language learners to overcome, for they will be harmful for people to get mutual understanding in communication and add difficulties in two-way translation. For example, when people from different countries talk to each other, they will unconsciously use their present communicative strategies. However, if a language learner insist on applying his native culture in the communication with foreigners, it is very likely that he will put himself in a dilemma.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide cultural information in Chinese learning.