Liushu-based Instruction and Its Effects on the Motivation and Intended Learning Efforts: The Case of Laos Learners of Standard Chinese

This study examines the effects of Liushu-based instruction on the motivation and intended learning efforts. Beginners of Standard Chinese from Laos were assigned to the experiment group and the control group. The Liushu-based instruction in the experiment group was carried on for ten weeks. It was found that Liushu-based instruction has a positive effect on learners’ motivation, especially for Standard Chinese learners’ Ideal L2 Self and L2 learning experience. In addition, Ideal L2 Self showed a mediation effect between Liushu-based instruction and intended learning efforts. The article also provides several suggestions for the use of Liushu in Chinese character teaching.