Cultural Background Knowledge and English Teaching |
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Outline:
I. Problems aroused by different cultural backgrounds
A. Some difficulties in communication caused by different cultural backgrounds
B. Brief illustration of relationship between language and culture
C. Problems in English teaching and teaching material caused by neglect of cultural background knowledge
II. Importance of cultural background knowledge in language teaching
A. Necessity of cultural background knowledge in aural comprehension
B. Necessity of cultural background knowledge in oral English
C. Necessity of cultural background knowledge in reading
1. From the respect of allusions as illustration
a) Old allusions from history, religion and literature
b) New allusions
2. From the respect of idioms as illustration
D. Necessity of cultural background knowledge in writing and translation
1. In translation
2. In writing
a) Differences in Chinese and English writing styles
b) Necessity of knowing these differences
III. How to carry out the teaching of cultural background knowledge
A. Selecting proper teaching material
B. Encouraging wide reading
C. Paying attention to proper wording in the classroom
D. Using native English video tapes and films
E. Encouraging communication with native speakers of English
F. Holding lectures about culture
IV. Conclusion: It is necessary for teachers to pass on cultural background knowledge to students.
Once an American was visiting the home of a Chinese. As the visitor saw the host’s wife, he said,“ Your wife is very beautiful.” The host smiled and said:“ Where? Where?”—which caused the American’s surprise, but still he answered: “ Eyes, hair, nose…”—an answer that the host found a bit puzzling. The surprising was caused by different cultures. “Where? Where?” meaning “哪里！ 哪里！”in Chinese is a kind of humble saying. But the American understood it as “Which parts of the body are beautiful?” So, the reason for both sides’ misunderstandings was differences in customs and habits. Each was expressing and understanding what the other said according to his or her culture.
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