Acknowledgement Abstract Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Rationale 1.2 Background 1.3 Purpose of the Study 1.4 Research Questions 1.5 Conclusion and Outline of the Study Chapter 2 Literature Review 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Challenges of Chinese Learning and Teaching 2.3 Beliefs, Knowledge and Practice 2.4 Learning Chinese as a Culturally Situated Activity 2.5 Conclusion and Research Questions Chapter 3 Method and Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Theoretical Assumptions 3.3 Methods 3.4 Participants 3.5 Pilot Study 3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation 3.7 Ethical Considerations 3.8 Conclusion Chapter 4 Analysis and Findings 4.1 Introduction 4.2 The Sample 4.3 Analysis and Findings of the Questionnaire 4.4 Analysis and Findings of Interviews and Class Observation 4.5 Summary Chapter 5 Discussion and Implications 5.1 Introduction 5.2 The State of Chinese Teaching 5.3 The Language and Difficulties 5.4 Stereotypes and Expectations 5.5 Implications for Policy and Practice 5.6 Limitations and Caution References Appendix Abbreviations List of Tables List of Figures