Integration of Chinese, Business, and Cultural Elements in Teaching Business Chinese as a Foreign Language: An Empirical Study Based on Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Thailand

Abstract

Chinese, as the most spoken language globally, is becoming increasingly prominent in terms of importance and status. The teaching of Business Chinese as a foreign language has become more significant as China's economy continues to grow, and the demand for social and economic exchanges between Thailand and China highlights the crucial role of Business Chinese teaching in Thailand. As a specialized language instruction for specific purposes, teaching Business Chinese to foreign learners has its own target professional audience and learning needs. This paper is based on the teaching practices and survey analysis of Business Chinese at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University in Thailand. Through extensive reading of literature and previous research findings, it explores the integration of the three elements: "Chinese, Business, and Culture" in Business Chinese teaching, examines the shortcomings of theory through practical results, and identifies issues from the perspectives of the institution, teachers, teaching materials, and teaching practice. Suggestions are proposed to serve as a reference for future research and teaching. This paper explores theoretical aspects related to Business Chinese teaching as a foreign language, such as teaching objects, methods, content, curriculum design, textbooks, syllabus, teacher development, and teaching evaluation.