Unit overview

This unit focuses on the importance of language and language learning and aims to help Ss reflect on theirlanguage learning experiences and gain an in-depth understanding of the values of language and languagelearning. The text in Active reading uses four metaphors to explain the roles that language and languagelearning play in terms of society, history, culture, and thinking. The text in Further exploration describes the language learning methods of some polyglots from around the world, who learn languages in different waysbut all enjoy the process. The video points out that Ss don’t have to worry about making mistakes becausemistakes are an essential part of language learning and can be opportunities for further improvement. InProject, Ss are asked to respond to an inquiry email from an international student, Anaru, to explain theimportance of language and language learning and give Anaru some advice about language learning. The text in Extended reading tells a story of an American Chinese girl who feels painful and regretful for forgettingher mother tongue. The story illustrates the importance of language in establishing people’s identity andbuilding an emotional bond. By learning this unit, Ss are expected to better motivate themselves to learnlanguage, understand the functions of language beyond the level of personal communication, and enhancetheir confidence in the Chinese language and culture.