Dr Janet Liang

Dr Janet Liang is a Lecturer in Chinese studies at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Over the past 20 years, Dr Liang has extended her work across a variety of educational contexts. She has developed and led numerous programs in Chinese language and cultural studies. This exposure has allowed her to engage with students of all ages, backgrounds, and cultural identities, creating opportunities for them to discover and embrace the richness of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage. By working in various linguistic and cultural contexts, she has gained a broad understanding of cross-cultural communication.

Her career, which spans both traditional classroom settings and innovative learning environments, is marked by an unwavering dedication to the importance of language acquisition and intercultural understanding. Her approach to teaching is deeply rooted in her belief in the cognitive, social, and personal benefits of language learning for all students. She aims to cultivate students’ communicative skills, intercultural understanding and global perspectives through language and culture education, preparing them for their future career in global market and contributing to a more harmonious international community. 

Dr Liang is deeply committed to engaging with peers, mentors, and professional organizations to build a strong network and seek opportunities for collaboration. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of language and culture in shaping open-minded, compassionate global citizens.

Research Expertise

Dr Liang specializes in Chinese language and culture education, focusing on innovative pedagogy for teaching Chinese to both heritage speakers and those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Her research emphasizes the pedagogical issues of Chinese language programs, the integration of cultural context into language acquisition, and the development of innovative strategies for attracting, teaching and assessing students of Chinese. She aims to create an encouraging and supportive environment, enhancing the learning experience for all learners. 

Teaching Expertise

With extensive teaching experience, Dr Liang is dedicated to creating inclusive and engaging classroom environments. She has developed a range of teaching methods that make learning Chinese approachable and enjoyable for all students regardless of their previous exposure to the language. She employs a variety of pedagogical strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of her students, fostering a deep appreciation for the Chinese language and culture, and helping demystify the language and make it more relevant to students’ everyday lives.

Research Goal

Dr Liang's work is crucial in bridging culture gaps and promoting multilingualism in an increasingly globalized world. She is passionate about empowering students through language, believing that effective communication fosters understanding and collaboration across cultures. She dedicates herself to enriching her research profile and establishing connections with local school, communities, and other scholars. 

Administrative Role

Staring in 2025, Dr Liang will take on the role of Program Convenor for the Diploma in Languages at the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences in the University of Newcastle, Australia.