Cross-Cultural Education Studies

Publisher Name Change Notice: Starting in 2026, all journals and manuscripts will be published under the new publisher name Nature and Information Engineering Publishing Sdn. Bhd.

Study on the Influence of a Digital-Intelligent Language Partner Model on Chinese Culture Acquisition among International Students

Authors

  • Boyan Cai

    School of Foreign Studies, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China

    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63385/cces.v1i2.382

Keywords:

Digital-Intelligent Language Partner Models, AI Chinese, International Students, Chinese Culture Cognition, Usage Duration, Cultural Identity

Abstract

The global wave of digitalization and smart technology is changing how culture is shared. This study looks at how using a digital language companion, “AI Chinese”, affects the learning of Chinese culture by international students in Guangzhou. It is hard to measure short-term results in culture teaching. The study observed 30 students for one month. It checked how long they used “AI Chinese” each day and compared their scores on culture tests before and after. It also looked at changes in their sense of cultural identity. Results showed that more time using the tool led to bigger improvements in culture knowledge. This link was stronger for local Guangzhou culture than for general Chinese culture. Students who used it a lot (1.5 h or more per day) improved their scores much more and felt stronger cultural identity than those who used it less. Interviews showed that heavy users went through a step-by-step process in building cultural identity: first they learned, then they felt, then they acted. The findings show that digital tools can help spread culture. For short-term teaching in universities, using such a tool 1 to 1.5 h per day is a practical suggestion.

References

[1] Zhang, H., Chen, C., 2019. International Chinese Language Education and Cultural Communication in the “Internet+” Context. Applied Linguistics. 2, 30–38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16499/j.cnki.1003-5397.2019.02.005 (in Chinese)

[2] Lam, S.-F., Yim, P.-S., Law, J.S.F., et al., 2004. The effects of competition on achievement motivation in Chinese classrooms. British Journal of Educational Psychology. 74(Pt 2), 281–296.

[3] Arasaratnam, L.A., 2015. Research in intercultural communication: Reviewing the past decade. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. 8(4), 290–310.

[4] Piller, I., 2012. Intercultural communication: An overview. In: Paulston, C.B., Kiesling, S.F., Rangel, E.S. (Eds.). The Handbook of Intercultural Discourse and Communication. Wiley-Blackwell: Chichester, UK. pp. 3–18.

[5] Zhang, J., 2023. Enhancing the Efficacy of Cross-Cultural Communication Based on International Chinese Language Education—A Review of “Intercultural Communication from the Perspective of International Chinese Language Education”. Media. 4, 98. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=7109071559 (in Chinese)

[6] Chen, G.M., 2017. Cultural identity. In: Kim, Y.Y. (Ed.). International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication. Wiley-Blackwell: Hoboken, NJ, USA.

[7] Quan, Y., 2023. Research Progress on Chinese Cultural Identity of International Students—A Bibliometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace. Journal of Guangxi University of Science and Technology. 38(6), 110–120. (in Chinese)

[8] Guo, Y., Cai, C., 2022. Analysis of Hot Topics and Development Trends in International Chinese Education Research—Based on CSSCI Bibliometric and Knowledge Mapping Analysis. Social Scientist. 10, 144–152. (in Chinese)

[9] Dai, X.D., 2013. Interpreting Four Perspectives on Intercultural Identity. Academic Research. 9, 144–151. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=47275729 (in Chinese)

[10] Huang, Z., 2023. Exploring the Subjects, Content, and Practice of Cultural Communication for International Chinese Language Education—A Review of “Cross-Cultural Communication from the Perspective of International Chinese Language Education”. Journal of the Chinese Society of Education. 8, 147. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=7110627960 (in Chinese)

[11] Starr, D., 2009. Chinese language education in Europe: The Confucius Institutes. European Journal of Education. 44(1), 65–82.

[12] Hu, C., Cheng, W., Zhao, Q., et al., 2021. Research on the Path to Enhance International Students’ Chinese Cultural Identity from the Perspective of International Chinese Language Promotion. Comparative Study of Cultural Innovation. 13, 194–198. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=7108260871 (in Chinese)

[13] An, Y., 2019. International Promotion of Chinese Language in the New Era. International Education Studies. 12(7), 67–79.

[14] Scrimgeour, A., Wilson, P., 2009. International Curriculum for Chinese Language Education. Babel. 43(3), 35–37.

[15] Wang, S., 2010. Chinese Language Education in the United States: A Historical Overview and Future Directions. In: Chen, J., Wang, C., Cai, J. (Eds.). Teaching and Learning Chinese: Issues and Perspectives. Emerald Publishing Limited: Leeds, UK. pp. 3–32.

[16] Gong, Y., Lai, C., Gao, X., 2020. The teaching and learning of Chinese as a second or foreign language: The current situation and future directions. Frontiers of Education in China. 15(1), 1–13.

[17] Sundberg, R., Cardoso, W., 2019. Learning French through Music: The Development of the Bande à Part App. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 32(1–2), 49–70.

[18] Wang, D., Moloney, R., Li, Z., et al., 2013. Towards Internationalising the Curriculum: A Case Study of Chinese Language Teacher Education Programs in China and Australia. Australian Journal of Teacher Education. 38(9), 116–135.

[19] Zhang, Z., Zhou, G., 2011. Understanding Chinese International Students at a Canadian University: Perspectives, Expectations and Experiences. In: Ryan, J. (Ed.). China’s Higher Education Reform and Internationalisation. Routledge: Abingdon, UK; New York, NY, USA. pp. 123–133.

[20] Bertram, D.M., Poulakis, M., Elsasser, B.S., et al., 2014. Social Support and Acculturation in Chinese International Students. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. 42(2), 107–124.

[21] Ye, J., 2006. Traditional and Online Support Networks in the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Chinese International Students in the United States. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 11(3), 863–876.

[22] Ward, C., Kennedy, A., 1993. Psychological and Socio-Cultural Adjustment during Cross-Cultural Transitions: A Comparison of Secondary Students Overseas and at Home. International Journal of Psychology. 28(2), 129–147.

[23] Luo, Y.L., 2024. Research on Pathways to Enhance Chinese Cultural Identity among International Students from ASEAN Countries in Higher Vocational Colleges. International Public Relations. 17, 158–160. (in Chinese)

[24] Guo, H.Q., 2016. An Analysis of Experiential Cultural Activities for International Students in China. Modern Chinese (Teaching Research Edition). 6, 33–36. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=669059896 (in Chinese)

[25] Hu, S.G., Wang, J.K., 2023. A Study on the Relationship between Cultural Exchange Activities and Chinese Cultural Identity of International Students in China. Chinese Scholars Abroad. 5, 12–16. Available from: http://dianda.cqvip.com/Qikan/Article/Detail?id=7109777025 (in Chinese)

[26] Birjandi, P., Tamjid, N.H., 2012. The Role of Self-, Peer and Teacher Assessment in Promoting Iranian EFL Learners’ Writing Performance. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education. 37(5), 513–533.

[27] Kohn, K., 2001. Developing Multimedia CALL: The Telos Language Partner Approach. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 14(3–4), 251–267.

[28] Xu, C.L., 2022. Portraying the “Chinese International Students”: A Review of English-Language and Chinese-Language Literature on Chinese International Students (2015–2020). Asia Pacific Education Review. 23(1), 151–167.

[29] Wang, L., Coleman, J.A., 2009. A Survey of Internet-Mediated Intercultural Foreign Language Education in China. ReCALL. 21(1), 113–129.

[30] Čok, T., 2016. ICT-Supported Language Learning Tools for Chinese as a Foreign Language: A Content Review. Journal of Elementary Education. 9(3), 103–120.

[31] Huang, C.-R., Xue, N., 2019. Digital Language Resources and NLP Tools. In: Huang, C.-R., Jing-Schmidt, Z., Meisterernst, B. (Eds.). The Routledge Handbook of Chinese Applied Linguistics. Routledge: London, UK. pp. 483–497.

[32] Qu, C., Dai, S., Wei, X., et al., 2025. Tool Learning with Large Language Models: A Survey. Frontiers of Computer Science. 19(8), 198343.

[33] Jing, Y., 2023. Design and Application of Teaching System for Chinese Language and Literature Major Drove by Interpreted AI Technology. Applied Artificial Intelligence. 37(1), 2203573.

[34] Gao, X., Hua, Z., 2021. Experiencing Chinese Education: Learning of Language and Culture by International Students in Chinese Universities. Language, Culture and Curriculum. 34(4), 353–359.

[35] Ching, Y., Susan, L.R., Samantha, M., et al., 2017. Challenges Facing Chinese International Students Studying in the United States. Educational Research and Reviews. 12(8), 473–482.

[36] Yan, K., Berliner, D.C., 2013. Chinese International Students' Personal and Sociocultural Stressors in the United States. Journal of College Student Development. 54(1), 62–84.

[37] Zhang-Wu, Q., 2018. Chinese International Students’ Experiences in American Higher Education Institutes: A Critical Review of the Literature. Journal of International Students. 8(2), 1173–1197.

[38] Wan, Y., Moorhouse, B.L., 2025. Using Call Annie as a Generative Artificial Intelligence Speaking Partner for Language Learners. RELC Journal. 56(2), 489–498.

[39] Heng, T.T., 2017. Voices of Chinese International Students in USA Colleges: “I Want to Tell Them That…”. Studies in Higher Education. 42(5), 833–850.

[40] Xiao, Y., Carles, D.R., 2013. Illustrating Students’ Perceptions of English Language Assessment: Voices from China. RELC Journal. 3(2), 319–340.

[41] Hattie, J., 2009. Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. Routledge: London, UK.

[42] Braun, V., Clarke, V., 2006. Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 3(2), 77–101.

[43] Ahammad, M.F., Glaister, K.W., 2011. The Double-Edged Effect of Cultural Distance on Cross-Border Acquisition Performance. European Journal of International Management. 5(4), 327–345.

[44] Rani, N., Yaqub, M.Z., Singh, N., et al., 2025. Exploring the Significance of Knowledge Transfer for Facilitating Cross-Border Acquisitions: An Extensive Examination of Current Themes, Gaps, and Potential Future Research Directions. Journal of Knowledge Management. 29(3), 837–869.

[45] Reus, T.H., 2012. Culture’s Consequences for Emotional Attending during Cross-Border Acquisition Implementation. Journal of World Business. 47(3), 342–351.

Downloads

How to Cite

Cai, B. (2025). Study on the Influence of a Digital-Intelligent Language Partner Model on Chinese Culture Acquisition among International Students. Cross-Cultural Education Studies, 1(2), 110–132. https://doi.org/10.63385/cces.v1i2.382