1. Oral English II Notes on Cross-Cultural Communication and Final Review
Welcome to class!

2. Remember, English is not the only “foreign” language in the world
Remember, English is not the only “foreign” language in the world! The world is NOT divided into people who speak Chinese and people who speak English!!!!!!!!

4. Why we “foreigners” hate it when people say “Hello
Why we “foreigners” hate it when people say “Hello!” to us (or other things in English without asking us first):
It assumes we are English-speakers. The majority of people in the world who are not Chinese in fact speak some other language than English.
It singles us out for looking “different”.
It is insulting to our ability to speak or understand Chinese (surely we can understand simple phrases like “hello” and “thank you”!)
It is a form of “catcalling”.

5. Why we “foreigners” hate it when people say “Hello
Why we “foreigners” hate it when people say “Hello!” to us (or other things in English without asking us first):
The English that is spoken is often annoyingly bad (Sank you instead of Thank you). (Perhaps we should appreciate the effort, but it would be better if you just said it in Chinese; after all, we are in China)
It unfairly privileges English above other languages, adding to the already unfair dominance of the English language.
It reinforces negative stereotypes that people have about Chinese people - that they do not have a “global” view of the world, but instead mentally divide the whole world into “Zhongguo” and “Waiguo” – and that they apparently think that the official language of “Waiguo” is English.

6. So, what should you do instead???
Very simple – just ask “Do you speak English?”
Just that one simple question can make a HUGE difference in how people respond to you – especially if English is not their native language – they will appreciate your question and your understanding that English is not the only “non-Chinese” language in the world!

7. Notes on Communication
When talking to people from native English-speaking cultures, there are certain things to remember:
Do not comment on physical appearance unless it is a positive comment. (i.e. do NOT call someone “fat”!!!)
The word “foreigner” in English only means someone who is not currently in their home country. Therefore, if you travel to England, the English people are NOT foreigners – YOU are a foreigner!!! (This one really drives us crazy!!!!) Also, remember that the word “foreigner” often has a negative connotation in English.
Remember that every person is a unique individual, with unique sets of opinions, beliefs, and preferences. You should NOT assume that an entire country thinks the same thing. (Example: “You are an American so you must like eating hamburgers a lot” – no, not necessarily)

8. Examples of things Chinese people say that sound ignorant to non-Chinese
“There is no racism in China.”
“I hate Japanese people.”
“Foreigners are welcome in China.”
Finally, please know that in America and especially Western Europe, nationalism and patriotism are often viewed by the intellectual class very negatively, even almost as bad as racism. Highly-educated people from these countries tend to view people who hold strong “nationalistic” or “patriotic” views as being somewhat ignorant.

9. Final Exam Notes Short interview
Possible interview topics include the weekly class topics for this semester
Turning statements into questions (as discussed in class)
In reverse order of attendance sheet – bottom half in Week 17, top half in Week 18
Other students will have an English activity during class