The Value of Calligraphy in the Study of Chinese Characters for International Students: An Exquisite Blend of Clarity and Fusion

Abstract

Chinese characters, as the symbol carriers and communication tools of the Chinese language, hold significant aesthetic and communicative value. However, the challenges of recognizing, reading, and writing Chinese characters have persistently hindered the effective teaching of these characters to foreign students. In this regard, calligraphy, being an artistic form of Chinese characters, can play a dual role in teaching Chinese characters to foreign students. Firstly, it supplements the understanding of the character’s “form”, and secondly, it enhances the comprehension of its “meaning.” This two-way interaction between the structural form and connotation of calligraphy facilitates the learning process of foreign students and enables them to grasp the essence of Chinese characters. Consequently, international students can not only acquire proficiency in Chinese characters but also gain insights into traditional Chinese culture and appreciate the beauty of these characters. This paper focuses on the current challenges faced by international students in learning Chinese characters and aims to analyze the practical value of calligraphy teaching in overcoming these difficulties. It proposes an integrated approach to incorporate calligraphy teaching into Chinese character classrooms for international students, with the objective of breaking down the barriers to their Chinese character learning and contributing to the sustainable and positive development of Chinese language education on the global stage.