World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology

*Yanning Guo, Pouline Chai Lin Koh and Tian Lan

ABSTRACT

Facing the varied proficiency levels in Simplified Character reading and writing among Ethnic Chinese student in Malaysia, as well as the potential of Oracle Bone Script in aiding Simplified Character learning, this study draws upon Visual Recognition Theory and Peirce Semiotic Theory to conduct a quantitative analysis of the Chinese reading and writing abilities of 391 students across four private universities in Malaysia, and their relationship with the ability tovisually recognize Oracle Bone Script. The objective is to determine whether their reading and writing abilities are associated with the capacity to visually recognize Oracle Bone Script. Through discussing the reading and writing abilities of Ethnic Chinese students, significant disparities between reading and writing abilities in Simplified Character were highlighted. Given Malaysia's robust Chinese education system and the frequent use of Chinese language in daily life, the majority of students demonstrated strong reading capabilities, yet far fewer exhibited a high level of writing proficiency. This discrepancy underscores the challenges in writing Chinese, as learners show insensitivity to the structural composition of characters. Furthermore, the study revealed a general difficulty among students in intuitively recognizing the similarities between Oracle Bone Script and Simplified Character, suggesting a divergence in character structure over time, as well as the abstract nature of Simplified Character. However, the research found a correlation between Simplified Character reading and writing abilities and visual recognition capabilities, indicating that enhancing visual recognition skills could aid in learning Simplified Character. Future research might further explore the application of Oracle Bone Script imagery in Simplified character training.

[Full Text Article] [Download Certificate]