Developing Cross-cultural Awareness and English Learning 《学生双语报》 刘鹰
Cross-cultural Awareness: the Present Situation Developing cross cultural awareness set as a goal in English learning in NCS New textbooks include a lot of cultural information Cultural background knowledge as a failed course
Misconceptions Culture is considered as a background One needs to learn English first to understand foreign cultures Understanding foreign cultures can be very difficult It is not really necessary to develop cross culture awareness for students in China
Problems with the Present System Students have trouble communicating with native speakers if language learning is separated from cultural learning. It is hard to learn authentic language if cultural factors are not taken into consideration Learning language without cultural learning can be bored
The Presentation A wake up call, instead of a systematic solution to the problem Why cross cultural awareness, with three stories Culture awareness development should start from the very beginning Cross Culture awareness should be part of an liberal education
Why cross cultural awareness? Culture and Language Language learning can ’ t be efficient unless culture is included. Culture studies and development of cross culture awareness will help students learn the language with great interest. Three real life stories
Greetings: the Chinese way Confusing questions –What are you doing? –Are you watching TV? –Where are you going? –Have your had your meal (lunch, dinner)? Greetings
A Joke and More Stories –How are you? I am fine ( well) or I am good (pretty good) –a bike accident How are you? I am fine! And you? –Pardon or excuse me?
Brainless English and Street Talk CCTV oral English contest –Ways of thinking or mind set are culturally related –Straight talk and credibility Popular and misleading ideas of cool English –Educated English should be the core –Street talk can be misleading
Culture Starts From the First Hello! Language and culture can ’ t be separated Cross cultural awareness development should start from the very beginning Professor Chen Lin ’ s story –Start from “ thank you, excuse me, and please ”, instead of letters –All the three phrases includes cultural elements
Teaching Letters JCT St
Teaching Words Enter Stop
Numbers and Directions A map
Cross-cultural Awareness and Liberal education Common sense: the “ flying ” mouse Knowledge about history and canons Cultural icons: “ The Prince ” Well known and accepted ways of translations: HP
Commonly known areas of cross cultural awareness Manners, body languages Communication and interactions Taboos and customs
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