A Study on the Integration of Intangible Cultural Heritage into Chinese Language Teaching in Overseas Primary Schools, Facilitated by AI from a Lightweight Perspective

Against the dual policy backdrop of the state’s drive to enhance the quality of international Chinese language education and promote the dissemination of Chinese intangible cultural heritage abroad, Chinese language teaching in overseas primary schools is generally plagued by practical issues such as the inadequate suitability of teaching resources for intangible cultural heritage, monotonous teaching methods, a lack of cultural literacy among teachers, and high barriers to the implementation of traditional digital tools. Adopting “lightweight” as its core perspective, this study integrates cognitive load theory, constructivism, TPACK theory, and cross-cultural adaptation theory. Employing literature review, case study, action research, questionnaires, and interviews, the study identifies the existing challenges and underlying causes of integrating ICH into Chinese language teaching in overseas primary schools. It elucidates the core characteristics and pedagogical advantages of “lightweight” AI across three dimensions—operation, content, and context—and develops three typical application models: material customization, classroom cultivation, and resource platforms. Building on this, a four-dimensional collaborative implementation pathway is designed across the dimensions of content, classroom practice, resources, and teacher training. This is validated through practical application using tiered teaching case studies, ultimately leading to the proposal of long-term safeguarding mechanisms at the policy, environmental, and pedagogical levels. The research preliminarily demonstrates that lightweight AI can simplify ICH knowledge, reduce the teaching and learning burdens on teachers and pupils, and address shortcomings in overseas teaching. It enables the fragmented and routine integration of ICH into Chinese language classrooms in overseas primary schools, providing practical guidance and theoretical support for innovation in overseas Chinese language teaching and the flexible global dissemination of China’s ICH.