Description:
Beginner textbooks play an important role in learning Chinese. However many foreign learners feel confused and bewildered because of cultural and geographical differences. Although in the past lots of researchers contributed towards word-frequency and vocabulary, in the market few textbooks are compiled based on word-frequency. Using the statistics of modern Chinese word-frequency this study aims to find a common denominator in beginner Mandarin textbooks in China, Hong-Kong and Taiwan, and further provide a reference for instructional design and editing materials. In addition, this study comments on differences of vocabulary between China and Taiwan: the beginner textbooks could bring together the most common vocabulary in China and Taiwan, and the differences in vocabulary caused by environment and culture could become supplementary teaching materials. That way learners and teachers can choose suitable textbooks. This method can improve the function and practicality of beginner textbooks. Finally we expect to lift Mandarin textbooks in Taiwan out of their increasingly marginalized role.