Mahjong Brings Language Learning to Life

In an Advanced Chinese class taught by Lei Pan, students used mahjong as a language-learning and cultural activity at the end of the school year. Rather than simply playing a game, students practiced speaking Chinese in a real-world social setting.

During gameplay, students used Chinese vocabulary related to the game, including numbers, actions and conversational phrases such as “shuffle,” “draw” and “discard.” Pan encouraged students to speak Chinese as much as possible, allowing English only when clarification was needed.

The activity was designed to make language learning more interactive and authentic. Mahjong reflects a common social tradition in Chinese communities, where friends and family gather to play while talking and interacting naturally. Students learned not only vocabulary, but also social communication skills and cultural traditions connected to the game.

The class included students with varying levels of Chinese experience, averaging about four years of study. Pan adapted games to different skill levels, using simpler games for beginners and more complex conversation activities for advanced students.

Pan said games help students retain language through active participation, conversation and social interaction. One unexpected benefit of the class has been the sense of community it created. Students began playing mahjong outside of class with Chinese-speaking peers, giving them more opportunities to practice the language naturally while building friendships and confidence.

“It’s not just about learning vocabulary, it’s about learning how people connect,” Pan said. Future activities will expand beyond game vocabulary into casual conversation topics such as weekend plans, family life and future goals, allowing students to practice more natural communication while playing.