Exploring a meaning based task system and its effects on oral Chinese development : an exploratory study

This study explores two under-researched areas in the literature: task systems and Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT) in Chinese as a Second Language (CSL). A meaning-based task system was developed followed by an investigation into its impact on Chinese oral development. The task system follows the assumption that language exists to reflect the external world (Vygotsky, 1978, p. 28), structured around diverse meanings in life. The investigation examined the oral development of 21 CSL intermediate-level learners in terms of complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) over four months. Results revealed the system’s effectiveness, offering a new perspective on task design. They also revealed positive effects on oral Chinese acquisition, with significant gains in four of five CAF metrics. These findings highlight the key role of meaning in TBLT and underscore the need for further research. The article concludes with implications for future meaning-based studies and CSL teaching practices.