跨文化交际
一、课程基本信息
1、课程中、英文名称：跨化交文际、Cross-cultural Communication 2、课程类别：专业专选课程 3、课程学时：18学时 4、学 分：2分 二、课程的目的与任务：
跨文化交际作为一门学科涉及到文化和交际的各个层面，包括语言交际、非语言交际、人们之间的相互交往，以及不同文化之间的观念和信仰等。该课程的目的在于通过不同文化差异的比较研究，分析跨文化交际案例，提高学生对文化差异的敏感性，提高不同文化语境中语言交际的能力，从而更好地适应不同文化环境。使学生了解其他文化的社会文化习俗和价值观念；在语言学习的同时，更多关注相关国家的文化，特别是通过与本族文化的对比，提高跨文化交际能力，以适应社会发展和国际交流的需要,增加跨文化交际意识，并最终形成跨文化交际能力。
三、课程的重点和基本要求：
（一）课程的重点
本课程教学的重点是增强学生对跨文化交际中文化差异的敏感性，帮助学员解决在跨文化交际中因文化的差异而产生的种种问题。通过典型实力分析，模拟交流联系，交际失误分析，英汉双向练习等多种形式，使学生认识语言，文化和交际三者之间的关系，加深对对象国文化的了解，掌握在处理跨文化交际中一些微妙问题时所需要的基本知识和技巧，提高跨文化交流的质量。
（二）．基本要求：
1、了解跨文化交际研究的范围和目前发展的动向。3、奠定向该学科研究纵深发展的理论基础。 四、教学内容及要求
本课程以语言学习为前提，强调在语言学习的过程中提高利用外语进行跨文化交际的能力，通过对交际与语言，语言与文化，文化与价值观的学习和讨论，提高跨文化交际意识；通过对文化现象的思考和讨论，反思语言学习过程，增加对文化差异的敏感性；通过课堂活动和案例学习，提高跨文化交际意识和能力，达到有效交流的目的。
1．通过学习，学生能够了解语言及非语言交际在跨文化交际中的重要作用及应用规则。
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2、掌握跨文化交际研究的基本方法，并运用来解决一些实际问题。
2．学生应主要注重日常交际的模式化习得；理解中西方谈话风格、行为习惯、思维方式的不同以及克服障碍所需的沟通和理解。同时，着重掌握中西方世界观在自然、知识、社会、时间及交际等认识方面上的差异性和互补性，增进中西方文化的交流与融合，培养自身的跨文化人格。
3．此外还要求学生通过听讲、阅读、讨论、观看视频、案例分析等方式提高跨文化交际能力。
在学习方式上，利用网络为本课程学生提供了大量的网上资料，包括本课程的教案、大纲、习题，以及展现中英文化特色的文化图片、文化视听材料等。本课程的教学特点是寓教于乐，通过精心设计的课堂活动使学生仿佛身临其境般地感受他国文化，体验真实的跨文化交际感受。通过案例分析和课堂讨论等方法使学生在轻松愉快的氛围中了解中英文化差异，学习跨文化交际的技巧，最终达到教学的目的。
具体内容安排及目的： 1、An Introduction Introduction to the Course Warm-up Cases 2、Communication Culture
Intercultural Communication
To grasp the requirements and assessment of this course; to get a general understanding of Intercultural Communication.
3、Daily Verbal Communication(I) Warm-up Cases Form of Address Greeting
4、Daily Verbal Communication(II) Initiating Conversation and Conversation Topic Visiting Parting
To learn the daily expression in intercultural communication; to understand the form of address and conversation topic.
5、Daily Verbal Communication (III) Compliments and Compliment Responses Social Functions of Compliments
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Differences between Chinese and English Compliments 6、Daily Verbal Communication (IV)
Common Response Formulas of English and Chinese Compliments Cultural Assumption
Expression of Gratitude and Apology in English and Chinese
To learn the daily expression in intercultural communication; to understand the cultural assumption.
7、Verbal Communication(I) Warm-up Cases Culturally Loaded Words
To get the general understanding of the cultural connotation of words. 8、Verbal Communication(II) Cultural Reflections on Proverbs Taboos
To get the general understanding of the cultural connotation of proverbs. 9、Verbal Communication(III) Differences in Cultural Thought Patterns Cultural Puzzles
To get the general understanding of cultural thought pattern; to understand the relations between culture and language.
10、Nonverbal Communication(I)
Nonverbal Communication, Its Underestimated Status Nonverbal Communication, Its Study Areas 11、Nonverbal Communication(II)
Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication Time Language Space Language
To grasp the importance of role of nonverbal communication in intercultural communication.
12、Nonverbal Communication(III) Body Language Para-language
To be familiar with the application rules. 13、Cross-gender Communication(I)
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Warm-up Cases Sex and Gender
Feminine and Masculine Communication Cultures
To get a general understanding of cultural differences resulted from the differences of Gender consciousness.
14、Cross-gender Communication(II) Understanding Cross-gender Communication
Six Principles for Effective Cross-gender Communication To overcome the obstacles in intercultural communication. 15、Case Study and Performance 16、Case Study and Performance 17、Revision 18、TEST 五、教学方式与方法
采用多媒体课件及板书辅助教学；学生讨论；学生PPT展示；视频观看等。 六、教材及参考书
《跨文化交际实用教程》，胡超，外语教学与研究出版社，2012年。 《跨文化交际学》，贾玉新，上海外语教育出版社。1997。
《中西文化之鉴》，Linell Davis，外语教学与研究出版社，2001年。 《跨文化交际面面观》，胡文仲，外语教学与研究出版社，1999年。 《跨文化交际案例分析》，廖华英，北京理工大学出版社，2010年。 七、考试方式
闭卷考试、案例分析 八、课程考核方案
本课程为考试课，实行百分制，成绩构成如下：
（一）平时成绩：包括考勤、课堂表现、作业、个人展示等； （二）考试成绩：100分
（三）最终成绩组成说明：平时成绩30%+期末成绩70% 九、辅导、答疑安排
每周一次在办公室辅导、答疑。
Lesson 1 An Introduction
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Introduction to the Course Warm-up Cases
Discussion
1、Why take Intercultural Communication? Warm-up Case Please discuss the case in groups and make a comment on it. A Case: Showing Concern In China:
Xiao Li (an interpreter): You must be very tired. You’re old…
Catherine (an elderly American lady): Oh, I’m NOT old, and I’m NOT tired. Comment
What the interpreter said is quite courteous in China. It means, “If you are tired, we can take a little rest, since you are getting on in years.”
The interpreter gave the impression that he thought the elderly lady would collapse any minute if she doesn’t rest immediately.
In the West, there is a value placed in being young that many people consciously, or subconsciously, are not willing to accept that they are growing old.
The western way of showing concern is generally different from the Chinese way. In China:
Xiao Li (an interpreter): You must be very tired. You’re old…
Catherine (an elderly American lady): Oh, I’m NOT old, and I’m NOT tired. The Chinese way of showing concern is usually expressed by statement. In the West:
A: How are you doing now? Would you like to rest? B: No, not a bit.
The western way of showing concern is mainly displayed with question. Comment
This case clearly shows that translation is an intercultural communication, which requires the translator/ interpreter to possess both English cultural knowledge and language competence.
2、Different attitudes towards the same object When one coin was lost… Englishman: Not surprised, shrugged his shoulders, going away, without being troubled by nothing.
American man: Called a policeman, gave him his telephone number, left with a chewing gum in his mouth.
German man: Made a mark within 100 miters on the ground, looking for the lost coin with a magnifying glass.
Japanese man: felt sorry for his own carelessness, still blamed him at home, swearing not to make such a silly mistake again.
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3、People are culturally different
Agricultural Culture: worship land, love land, depend upon land, staying at point with moving
Nomadic Culture: worship nature, love nature, depend upon nature, moving from one place to another, not fixed at one point.
Business Culture: ready to move farther and farther, making more profits for showing the value of life.
If only 100 people left in the global village 1. 17 speak Chinese 2. 9 speak English 3. 8 speak Dard 4. 6 speak Spanish 5. 6 speak Russian 6. 4 speak Arabic.
7. 50 speak Bengali Bangladesh, Japanese or French.
4、People are religiously different
Christianity. About 21.4 billion Christians in the world. Bible. For philanthropy and equal for everybody.
Islam. Meaning being obedient; Muslims are those who are obedient Quran.
Buddhism. Are you a Buddhist? Buddhists are taught to live for kindness rather than evils.
If only 100 people left in the global village 1.33 Christians 2.18 Moslems 3.14 Hindus 4.16 no religion 5.6 Buddhists
6.13 different religions
5、People are ideologically different
Chinese people and Asians are a bit modest, live for harmony, trying to avoid face to face conflict. Being collectivist.
Westerners are being individualist, being equal and different. It is none of my business.
6、People are racially different
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If only 100 people left in the global village 1.61 Asians 2.12 Europeans
3.8 North Americans 4.5 South Americans 5.13 Africans 6.1 Australasian
Why take Intercultural Communication?
People are different throughout the world, culturally, religiously, ideologically and racially, actually different in almost every aspect, therefore we are supposed to know about their differences as much as possible, just for a smooth communication among the Homo sapiens, the people in the global village. You will make it by coming to Intercultural Communication. The Purpose
The general purpose of this course is to understand the ways in which culture interrelates with and effects communication processes. Intercultural learning involves affective and behavioral processes, as well as cognitive ones. Throughout this course, you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that will increase your intercultural communication competence. The Objectives
1) To explore cultural self-awareness, other culture awareness and the dynamics that arise in interactions between the two.
2) To understand how communication processes differ among cultures.
3) To identify challenges that arise from these differences in intercultural interactions and learn ways to creatively address them.
4) To acquire knowledge and develop skills that increase intercultural competence. 5) To have an understanding of the meaning of the cultures understood by the westerners and the easterners or the Chinese and Americans. The Reasons
1) Development of Science &Technology 2) Globalization of Economy 3)Widespread Immigration
4) Development of Multiculturalism 5) International Communication
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6) Interracial Communication
7) Interethnic Communication or minority communication
Assignments
Case Study —— To Be Direct or Not
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Lesson 2 Communication
Culture
Intercultural Communication
What Is Culture?
1. Define cultures yourself
Please write down whatever comes to your mind when you hear or think of culture.
Next, try to figure out how they are related to culture. 2. Definition Final
1) Culture is the total way of life that a group of people shares.
2) Culture is a system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of a society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning.
3)Culture is an Integrated system of learned behavior patterns which are characteristic of the members of a society and which are not the result of biological inheritance.
4) Culture is the deposit of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, actions, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles, spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and artifacts acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group striving.
5)Culture is the total accumulation of beliefs, customs, values, behaviors, institutions and communication patterns that are shared, learned and passed down through the generations in an identifiable group of people. 3. Elements of Culture
4. Culture —— Three Ingredients: artifacts
concepts (beliefs, values, world views…) behavior
e.g. Whereas the money is considered an artifact, then value placed on it is a concept, the actual spending and saving of the money is behavior. Culture Like an Iceberg
a. Objective culture:history, literature, and customs. ( visible, small part)
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b. Subjective culture: feelings and attitudes about things. (invisible, large part ) The Cultural Iceberg
The Iceberg of Culture
Objective Culture & Subjective Culture
1) fine arts, literature, drama, classical music, popular music, folk dancing, games, cooking, dress
2) eye behavior, contextual conversation patterns, social interaction rite, facial expressions
(1) notions of modesty, conception of beauty, ideal of child rearing, relationships to animals
(2)patterns of superior/subordinate relations, definition of sin, courtship practices, conception of justice, incentives to work, notions of leadership, tempo of work, group decision-making
(3)conception of cleanliness, attitudes towards dependents, theory of disease, approaches to problem-solving, conception of status mobility, status designations based on age, sex, class, occupation, kinship, etc.
(4)nature of friendship, ordering of time, concept of “self”, preference for competition or cooperation, body language, notions about logic and validity, patterns of handling emotions
6. Characteristics of Culture 1) Culture is shared.
The members of a culture share a set of ‘ideals, values, and standards of behaviors’,
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and this set of ideals is what gives meaning to their lives, and what bonds them together as a culture. 2)Culture is learned.
Actually, culture is not innate sensibility, but a learned characteristic. Children begin learning about their own culture at home with their immediate family and how they interact each other, how they dress, and the rituals they perform. When the children are growing in the community, their cultural education is advanced by watching social interactions, taking part in cultural activities and rituals in the community, forming their own relationships and taking their place in the culture. 3) Culture is symbolic.
In order for the culture to be transmitted from one person to the next, and from one generation to the next, a system of symbols needs to be created that translates the ideals of the culture to its members. This is accomplished through language, art, religion and money. 4) Culture is integrated.
For the sake of keeping the culture, functioning all aspects of the culture must be integrated. For example, the language must be able to describe all the functions within the culture in order for ideas and ideals to be transmitted from one person to another. Without the integration of language into the fabric of the culture, confusion and dysfunction would reign and the culture would fail. 5) Culture is dynamic.
It is necessary to recognize that cultures are dynamic rather than static. They are constantly changing and evolving under the impact of events and through contact with other cultures. Cultures change through three most common mechanisms: innovation, diffusion and acculturation (calamity). 6) Culture is ethnocentric.
Ethnocentrism is the belief that your own cultural background, including ways of analyzing problems, values, beliefs, language, and verbal and nonverbal communication, is correct. Ethnocentrists believe their culture is the central culture and other cultures are incorrect, ineffective, or quaint.
Communication
Can you give some examples to explain the word communication? What is communication?
1.Definition of Communication
Generally speaking, communication can be defined as a dynamic, symbolic, transactional and contextual process in which people create shared meanings or messages.
2.Eight Ingredients of Communication behavioral source Encoding message channel responder
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Decoding response Feedback
Intercultural Communication
1.What is Intercultural Communication?
Intercultural Communication means the exchange or communication between people who have different cultural backgrounds. 2.Model of Intercultural Communication
3.Comment
The more similarities two cultures share, the less influence culture will have on communication. Therefore, the less messages will be changed during communication.
The less the cultures are alike, the greater the influence of culture on communication will be, and the more likely the messages will be changed. Misunderstanding in intercultural communication often arises here. 4. Barriers in Intercultural Communication Language differences
Nonverbal communication Stereotypes
Cultural bias on judgments High level of stress
The Difference between Chinese and Western Cultures 1. The attitudes by foreigners towards Chinese People 2. The attitudes by Chinese towards Westerners 3.Man and Nation 4.The way of life
Assignments
Video Watching:Gua Sha 《刮痧》
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Lesson 3 Daily Verbal Communication(I)
Warm-up Cases Form of Address Greeting
Objectives
Learn the differences of addressing people and greeting between Chinese and western culture.
Learn what are the topics at the beginning of the conversation. Learn how to visit someone and how to leave.
Warm-up cases Twelve cups of tea Question 1:
Why did I have 12 cups of tea? Question 2:
How could you help “I” in this case out of the awkward situation?
1. Addressing People
Discuss the differences in addressing people between English and Chinese cultures. How to address people? Acquaintance
Mr. Ms. or Mrs. + surname VIP
Title + full name/ surname
Ambassador大使 Doctor博士 Duke 公 Marquis or Marquess侯
Count or Earl伯 Viscount子 Baron男 Stranger
Mr. Madam (only use the word Sir if he is much older than you or you don’t know his surname but he is a VIP) Young people
Young man Young Lady
Kid(s) Young Master(小王子) How to express fu +title? Tips: 行政头衔
以“副”字的表示副职的行政职务头衔，可用 vice、deputy 表达。在实际使用时究竟选用哪个，纯属搭配习惯。一般来说，vice与president、 premier、 chairman、 minister、 governor搭配；deputy与director、 chief、head 、secretary、dean、mayor搭配。似乎可以认为，Vice比Deputy的搭配级别要高。 学术头衔
学术头衔的“副”职称，常用 associate 表示。如：
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副教授 associate professor
副研究员 associate research fellow 副审判长 associate judge 副主任医师 associate doctor
2. Greetings
Western expressions Good morning/afternoon/ evening. How are you?
How are things going? How are you getting on? How are things (with you)? How’s everything? How’s life? Hello. Hey. /Hi.
Chinese expressions Where are you going?你上哪去？ Where have you been?你去哪里啦？ Have you had your meal?吃过了吗？
Summary
Addressing People Greetings
Assignments
Compare the American friendship with the Chinese friendship.
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Lesson 4 Daily Verbal Communication(II)
Initiating Conversation and Conversation Topic Visiting Parting
To learn the daily expression in intercultural communication; to understand the form of address and conversation topic.
1. Initiating Conversations and Conversation Topic
What topics should be avoided in initiating conversation? Age
Money/Salary Health Family
Conversation topics
Hobbies Holidays The weather
A local or national event Jobs
Films/books
2. Visiting Someone
Business visiting:
arrange a time in advance some straight to the point Social visiting: more flexible
Some suitable expressions:
I haven’t seen you for a long time. I was wondering whether I could come round to visit you sometime.
I’d like to come and see you sometime. Would you be free one afternoon next week?
Mr. Zhang and I would like to come and visit you. Would it be convenient for us to come Wednesday evening? Things to be minded Advance notice
Take off the out-door clothing immediately, if not, they would consider you stay only a few minutes. Finish eating
Food-offering differences
3. Partings Question:
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What are the differences in parting between Chinese and English cultures? The differences: Westerners: A couple of minutes’ small talk
Well, it’s been lovely to see you again, but I must be going soon. I hope we’ll be able to get together again before long...
Thank you for a lovely evening. I must not hold you any longer. Chinese: abrupt leaving-taking I’m leaving now. Case study
Li Hongzhang’s embarrassment: Question 1:
Could the Westerners understand the Chinese modesty? Question 2:
How could Li get rid of his embarrassment? Different Attitudes Toward a Fly in a Beer Question:
What can be revealed out of the case? Borrow Money & Lend Money Question 1:
If you were “I” in this case, how would you adjust yourself?
Question 2:
What’s the response of the the American if you are generous and say: “Don’t mention it again. You don’t have to pay me back.”
Summary
Initiating Conversations Visiting Someone Partings Assignments
Video Watching: The Joy Luck Club《喜福会》
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Lesson 5 Daily Verbal Communication (III)
Compliments and Compliment Responses Social Functions of Compliments
Differences between Chinese and English Compliments
1. Warm-up cases
An Invitation to Dinner Question :
If you were the director and chosen to mediate this situation, what would you do to ensure not to offend either party? How would you explain Bart’s behavior to Manual? How would you explain Manual’s to Bart?
The Cancellation of the Dinner Party Comment:
1.In New Zealand, a friend can openly provide constructive criticism. If Stan did not make such suggestions to a friend in his country, the friend would be angry that Stan did not help him when he had the chance.
2.In Philippines, a person cannot be a friend and a critic at the same time , or at least not in public. Stan should find some other way (acceptable to the Filipinos) to voice his comments.
Why should they do like this? Comment:
1.The British people maintain their etiquette and social manners even when they are very excited.
2.The Filipino couple did not introduce their Filipino friend to him
3.The Filipinos were talking in their own native language. No doubt the British felt left out, which is unacceptable and rarely occurs on social occasions in Britain.
4.When immigrants meet in a foreign country, they tend to take no notice of their surroundings/people around, which is considered to be rude and requires attention.
2. Compliments
A. Compliment and compliment responses B. Social functions of compliments
C. Differences between Chinese compliments and English compliments (semantic formula and syntactic formula)
D. Common response formulas in English and Chinese E. Different cultural assumptions about compliment Compliments and compliments responses Fishing for compliments “Growing flowers is my hobby, but I’m not much good at it” “But these flowers are beautiful” “I wish I could do as well!”
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“I really know little about the subject.”
“Well, I certainly don’t know anybody who knows more than you do!” Social functions of compliments
1.To create or reinforce solidarity 2. To greet people
3. To express thanks or congratulations 4. To encourage aging people 5. To soften criticism 6. To start a conversation
7. To overcome embarrassment
Differences between Chinese and English Compliments
W: It is common for a man to informally give a woman compliments on her looks or clothing
C: It is taken as a kind of flirtation if a man compliments a woman
Chinese people compliment each other much less frequently than westerners do. Chinese people try to draw a line between compliment and flattery
Chinese people interpret others’ positive compliments as a request for possessing something.
Summary
Compliments and responses
Differences between Chinese and English compliments
Assignments
Video Watching:USA 《走遍美国》
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Lesson 6 Daily Verbal Communication (IV)
Common Response Formulas of English and Chinese Compliments Cultural Assumption
Expression of Gratitude and Apology in English and Chinese
To learn the daily expression in intercultural communication; to understand the cultural assumption.
1. The Semantic Formula
English compliments: Adjectives Verbs This was a great meal. You look so nice today. You did a good job.
I like your haircut. I love your glasses.
I really enjoyed your class Chinese compliments
Adjectives adverbs verbs Your skirt is very pretty. This room is really good.
You’re really an experienced teacher. You did the job very well. You treat people sincerely.
I especially like the color of your blouse. You deserve being praised. The Syntactic Formula
NP ADJ PRO V ADV O English:
NP is/looks really ADJ(53%) Your blouse looks beautiful. You are so efficient.
I really like/love NP
I really like your hardwood floors. That’s really a beautiful car. Chinese You V ADV
You did the job well. NP is ADJ
Your coat is really beautiful. PRO is ADJ NP
That’s a wonderful wall calendar. PRO V O
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You deserve being honored. I like NP
I like this picture.
2. Response Formulas of E and C compliments
American English A: This is really a nice sweater. B: I’m glad you like it. A: You did a good job. B: Thank you/Thanks. Chinese: A: Your sweater is very good. B: I bought it only for ten yuan. A: You did the job very well.
B: That’s the result of joint efforts./There’s still much room for improvement. Generally speaking, native English speakers tend to accept the compliments while the Chinese tend to efface themselves in words although they do feel comfortable about the compliments. Sometimes humorous responses could be used when with intimate friends. 3.Cultural Assumption
“Good” refers to one’s health, appearance and manner in both E and C cultures “Losing weight” means good in E culture but not good in C culture
“putting on weight” can be a compliment to Chinese but offensive to Americans 4. Expressions of gratitude and apology
The expressions are far more frequently used in English than in Chinese.
Chinese often neglect minor favors especially among friends and members of family. They think the expressions of gratitude and apology unnecessary and even tiresome.
Some special Chinese expressions: It doesn’t matter. 没关系 Never mind. 不要紧 （responses to apology） You’re welcome. 不用谢 It’s my pleasure. 没关系 （responses to gratitude） Summary
Response Formulas of E and C compliments
Expressions of gratitude and apology in English and Chinese Assignments
Role play 1) The guest compliments the meal
2) You’re at a party with other students from the university. You don’t know anybody and you’d like to meet a few people and start a conversation.
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Lesson 7 Verbal Communication(I)
Warm-up Cases
Culturally Loaded Words
To get the general understanding of the cultural connotation of words.
I. Warm-up cases
Case. Shoes for Street Walking
Question : Why did the Italian shop owner make such a blunder? Interpretation
a street walker----- a prostitute
to have a fit--------to become suddenly and violently angry or upset
2.Culturally Loaded Words
What is loaded words? Loaded words and phrases are those which have strong emotional overtones or connotations, and which evoke strongly positive or negative reactions beyond their literal meaning.
Can you find the equivalent words in English for these Chinese words? 龙------dragon 干部----cadre
母马----female horse?/mare?
扁担---a carrying pole; a shoulder pole 一本书--- a book 知识分子----intellectual
社会科学-social science?/the humanities? Interpretations
龙--- in CC, it is a totem with many royal associations, 龙颜，龙床，龙袍， 龙心大喜
In EC, dragon refers to horrible, disgusting monsters. 知识分子
In CC, it refers to people including college teachers, college students, middle school teachers, and such people as medical doctors, engineers, interpreters.
In EC, it refers to people of high academic status (college professors) –much smaller range of people not always a complimentary term, sometimes used in derogatory sense.
干部
----a small group of people who are specially chosen and trained for a particular purpose.骨干队伍
----a member of this kind of group.干部
In EC, many people don’t know what it means. (not a common word) Some other substitutes: official, functionary, administrator, etc.
But none of these gets exact same meaning as Chinese word “干部”. 社会科学
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Social Sciences in Chinese covers all the fields except the ones in the natural science and applied sciences. Same as “the humanities” in English.
While in English, “social sciences”cover a smaller area of learning. It includes political science, economics, history (often classified under the humanities) and sociology. ----the branches of learning that study human society, especially its organization and relationship of individual members to it.
Summary
A term in one language does not necessarily have a counterpart in the other language;（扁担）
Words or terms in both language appear to refer to the same object or concept only on the surface, but actually refer to quite different things;（龙）
Things or concepts are represented by one or perhaps two terms in one language, but by many more terms in the other language, ie, finer distinctions exist in the other language;（社会科学）
Terms have more or less the same primary meaning, but have secondary or additional meanings that may differ considerably from each other.（龙）
Assignments
Research Topic Different colors have different associations in different languages. Please make a close study of the “color” languages in Chinese and English.
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Lesson 8 Verbal Communication(II)
Cultural Reflections on Proverbs Taboos
To get the general understanding of the cultural connotation of proverbs.
1. Cultural Reflections on Proverbs
Proverbs may provide interesting glimpses or clues to a people’s geography, history, social organization, social views, etc.
A new broom sweeps clean. Many hands make light work.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Kill two birds with one stone. Haste makes waste.
Where there’s smoke there’s fire.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Beauty is only skin deep.
Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Give a person a dose of his own medicine. Man proposes, God disposes.
尽人事，听天命。/ 谋事在人，成事在天。 It is a sin to steal a pin.
勿以恶小而为之，勿以善小而不为。 Revenge is a dish that could be eaten cold. 君子报仇，十年不晚。 Every dog has its day.
人人皆有得意日 。/十年风水轮流转 。 A dog’s life
争吵不休，过着不安宁的日子 Go to the dogs 每况愈下 Dog-eat-dog
狗咬狗的，损人利己的 Dog in the manger 站着茅坑不拉屎 Dog days 大热天 Doggy bag
餐馆里的打包袋
The above expressions get similar /same meanings both in English and Chinese. But some others get dissimilarities: 良药苦口利于病，忠言逆耳利于行。 瓜田不纳履，李下不整冠。
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一人得道，鸡犬升天。 Hard to find equivalents
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Let sleeping dogs lie.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Lightening never strikes the same place twice. 福无双至，祸不单行。坏事不过二 。
祸无双至。同一灾害不会在同一场所重复发生。 One swallow does not make a summer.
一叶知秋。一燕不成夏。一花独放不是春。 Surface similarities, but differences
It takes two to make a quarrel. A miss is as good as a mile. Gilding the lily. Life begins at forty.
If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.近朱者赤，近墨者黑。 Please choose the proper words for each phrase.
hare horse snail mouse bee mule as busy as a ______ as slow as a ______ as stubborn as a ______ as timid as a _____ as strong as a _____ as poor as a church _____ 2.Taboos
---a cultural or religious custom that does not allow people to do, use or talk about a particular thing as people find it offensive or embarrassing.
Excreta and acts of human excretion
Sexual intercourse/certain parts of the body(four letters) Swear words (age, sex, occupation) Human Excretion
go to the can/ go to the John go and see one’s aunt
I’m going to pick some flowers. Can I add some powder?
I would like to powder my nose. I wonder if I could go somewhere. heed /answer the call of nature
May I be excused? Nature calls me. Sex/Body parts
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pee pee (penis) wee wee (urinate) down there (vagina)
she is expecting a baby. she is in a family way.
She is expecting. She is in a delicate condition. She is well-along.
She is about to have a blessed event. die
Go depart
depart from this world go to a better world go the ways of all flesh pass away late
In Chinese, we also can find similar euphemisms: “去了”, “辞世”, “去见马克思了”, “归西”,“升天”, “上路”disease
Abbreviations:
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes) AIDS (Acquired Immure Deficiency Syndrome) big C/ long disease/ terminal illness (cancer) Old Age
senior citizens advanced in age golden years Swear words
1. some words are more offensive some are less 2.age, sex, occupation 3. setting or environment
Summary
Culturally loaded words
Cultural reflections on proverbs Taboos
Differences in cultural thought patterns
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, “离开了我们” Lesson 9 Verbal Communication(III)
Differences in Cultural Thought Patterns Cultural Puzzles
To get the general understanding of cultural thought pattern; to understand the relations between culture and language.
Case study
Case 1. A Misunderstanding Caused by a Joke Comment:
Hustle---- to force sb to make a decision before they are ready or sure -----to work as a prostitute /romance or sex is hinted
Case 2. Look out Look out---- to stick your head outside of sth. (window/door) to take a look ----to be careful, especially when there is danger
1.Differences in Cultural Thought Patterns
English-speakers---linear and direct
Semitic---combination of tangential and semi-direct Asian--- circular
Romance---more consistently circuitous Russian---direct and circuitous
American---factual-inductive (ascertain facts, find similarities, and formulate conclusions)
Russian---combination of direct and circuitous approaches/axiomatic-deductive (move from general principle to particulars which can be easily deduced)
Arab---intuitive-affective (facts are secondary to emotions)
Understanding and appreciation of differences among cultures in cognitive processing and problem solving is a major step toward successful intercultural communication.
Summary
Differences in cultural thought patterns
Assignments
Watch the video “A Journey to India”
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Lesson 10 Nonverbal Communication(I)
Nonverbal Communication, Its Underestimated Status Nonverbal Communication, Its Study Areas
The definition
What is nonverbal language?
The process by which nonverbal behaviors are used, either singly or in combination with verbal behaviors.
Functions of nonverbal communication
Status
Study Areas Chronemics
Proxemics 27
Kinesics
Paralanguage
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Lesson 11 Nonverbal Communication(II)
Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication Time Language Space Language
To grasp the importance of role of nonverbal communication in intercultural communication.
Cultural Differences
Silent language /hidden demension: Invisible nonverbal
snapping fingers to call a waiter women hold hands
men embrace
Time Language
Monochronic Time: punctuality and promptness Northern American, Western and Northern European cultures
Polychronic Time:More flexible and human-centered Latin American, African, Arab and most Asian cultures
Brainstorm:
Please come up with as many words or phrases about punctuality as possible.
timely
punctual
on schedule on time
on the minute on the hour well-timed
in time
in good time at the stated time perfect timing
at the appointed time
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Space Language
Body distance and body touch Body bubbles
Interpersonal relationship
Body distance
Touch & Non-touch culture
Cultures of Arabs, Southern and Western Europeans, Jews and Latins Cultures of Americans, Northern Europeans and Orientals
Arabs envelop each other in their breath.Comfortable and desirable
English-speaking countries:Avoid physical contact; If touch accidentally,make an apology.
China and other Asian cultures:In public, a little body touching
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Lesson 12 Nonverbal Communication(III)
Body Language Para-language
To be familiar with the application rules.
Body Language
Kinesics is the non-verbal behavior related to movement, either of any part of the body, or the body as a whole. In short all communicative body movements are generally classified as kinesics. (1)Posture
deep in thinking or in the blues absent-minded or lacking interest attentive and interested US: Comfortable, friendly
Arab/ Thailand: the sole should never be pointed in the direction of another person.
Germany/Sweden/China: a sign of rudeness and poor maners (2)Gestures– point to objects and people US: ok Asia: rude
Japan and Korea:money Tunisian:I will kill you.
Arabs: (a baring of teeth) extreme hostility
Latin American countries and Germany: obscene Nodding the head In north America: up and down:
I agree
In the Middle East Nodding the head down: I agree /up: I disagree Japan: I am listening. Shaking the head
most countries: refusal or disapproval SriLanks, Nepal, and India: agreement Up your Thumbs
Most of the world: good
Australia and Nigeria: “up yours.” Parts of America and Europe: A lift German:The number 1 Japan:The number 5 Sign of telling sb to come closer
Burma: palm downward, fingers moving Filipinos: a quick downward nod of the head
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Germany/Scandinavia: tossing the head back
Arabs: palm upward, opening and closing the hand (3)Facial expressions
Sadness Anger Surprise Fear
Enjoyment Disgust Contempt Sadness
Mediterranean cultures: exaggerate signs of grief or sadness—men crying in public American: suppress the emotions
Japanese: hide expressions of anger, sorrow, or disappointment—laughing or smiling Chinese: control emotions—saving face Smile
American: a sign of happiness or friendly affirmation Japanese: mask an emotion or avoid answering a question Korean: too much smiling a shallow person Thailand: the land of Smiles (4) Eye contact
North Americans: direct eye contact a sign of honesty If not, a sign of untruthfulness, shame or embarrassment
Chinese: avoid long direct eye contact to show politeness, or respect, or obedience Japanese: prolonged eye contact considered rude, threatening and disrespectful. Latin American and Caribbean people: avoid a sign of respect (5) Smell
Filipinos: sensory-information gathering
Americans: feel uncomfortable with natural smells Many other cultures: natural odor is normal
Paralanguage
Voice modulation tempo Silence Final
True or False(20 items for 10 scores)
Translation of euphemisms and proverbs(10) Appropriate or not(10)
Cultural puzzles(2 items for 10 scores) Case study(2 items for 10 scores)
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Lesson 13 Cross-gender Communication(I)
Warm-up Cases Sex and Gender
Feminine and Masculine Communication Cultures
To get a general understanding of cultural differences resulted from the differences of Gender consciousness.
Expressions related to two genders
Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.
There’re three types of human beings: men, women and women doctors.
Man and woman are like two hedgehogs in winter: too close, get hurt; too far away, get lonely and cold.
Is it possible to get a confidante or confidant in reality? “别瞎说，我们只是好朋友而已。”听到这种台词，相必一大帮人会带着一副原来如此的表情在心里说“且……”。
我只听过一句话“不要让你的女朋友有蓝颜知己，因为蓝着蓝着你就绿了，不要让你的男朋友有红颜知己，因为红着红着你俩就黄了”我觉得很对。
在幼儿园里存在，还有就是耄耋之年有，这中间的年龄段绝对是挑战。
1. Lead-in
Case I’ve not considered marriage yet.
How could you explain to Li Hua’s parents about the relationship between Li Hua and John? How could you explain to John Li Hua’s parents’ behavior?
Comment
The case shows man and woman’s different attitudes toward their relationship, and the parents’ attitudes regarding children’s love and marriage in Chinese culture. misunderstanding conflict To John 6 months not lead to marriage
To Li Hua time to bring John to meet parents
To Li Hua’s parents treat John as a future son-in-law background marriage plans
Sex and Gender
Please think and answer the following questions. 1. What is sex? And what is gender?
2. What is the difference between sex and gender? sex biological permanent individual property gender socially constructed varied over time and across cultures social and relational quality Sex is determined by genetic codes that program biological features. Gender is more complex than sex. masculine and feminine
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Sex is determined by genetics and biology, while gender is produced by society.
3.What are the basic rules of boy’s or girls interaction?
4.What are the differences between feminine and masculine communication culture?
Girls’ Games(unstructured, cooperative) Be cooperative, collaborative, and inclusive Don’t criticize or outdo others.
Pay attention to other’s feelings and needs
Boy’s games(more structured, large, individualized) Assert yourself. Focus on outdoors. Be competitive.
Summary
Girls’ games occur within a gender culture that emphasizes cooperation, sensitivity toward others, and experience more than outcome.
Boys’ games emphasize achievement, both for the team and for the individual members.
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Lesson 14 Cross-gender Communication(II)
Understanding Cross-gender Communication
Six Principles for Effective Cross-gender Communication To overcome the obstacles in intercultural communication.
Case study
Case Can we talk about us? Comment
This shows a common type of clash in cross-gender communication.
For women, their relationship is a popular topic, while for men, it is not a focus. Men use talk to solve problems rather than to enhance their relationship.
Women think if they are talking with each other, then everything is going smoothly.
For Ben, Anna’s suggestion to talk about their relationship is pointless. For Anna, Ben’s reluctance and lack of interest in talking simply hurt her feelings.
Case Feeling left-out Comment
In public, the norms of expressing one’s feelings and affections toward the opposite sex varies across culture. In Asia and some countries around the Mediterranean Sea, it is acceptable to have body contact between the same sex in public, but not between the opposite sexes, especially in front of the friends. Chen left because he felt awkward witnessing them hugging and kissing. This shows that Dick knows nothing about the natural response of the Chinese to certain behaviors. Similarly, Chen Liang’s behavior shows that he is also in the dark about American behaviors.
Four Examples
What counts as support? Tricky feedback Expressing care
I’d rather do it myself.
Differences between Feminine and Masculine Communication Culture
Feminine Talk 1.Use talk to build and sustain rapport with others.
2. Share yourself and learn about others through disclosing 3. Use talk to create symmetry or equality between people
4. Matching experiences with others shows understanding and empathy 5. To support others, express understanding of their feelings.
6. Include others in conversation by asking their opinions and encouraging them to elaborate.
7. Keep the conversation going by asking questions and showing interest in
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others’ ideas.
8. Be responsive. Let others know you hear and care about what they say. 9. Be tentative so that others feel free to add their ideas.
10. Talking is a human relationship in which details and interesting side comments enhance depth of connection
Masculine Talk 1. Use talk to assert yourself and your ideas. 2. Personal disclosures can make you vulnerable 3. Use talk to establish your status and power
4. Matching experiences is a competitive strategy to command attention. 5. To support others, do something helpful
6.Don’t share the talk stage with others, wrest it from them with communication. Interrupt others to make your own points.
7. Each person is on her or his own; it’s not your job to help others join in. 8. Use responses to make your own points and to outshine others. 9. Be assertive so others perceive you as confident and in command.
10. Talking is a linear sequence that should convey information and accomplish goals.
Six Principles
Suspend judgement.
Recognize the validity of different communication styles Provide translation cues. Seek translation cues.
Enlarge your own communication style Suspend judgement
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Lesson 15 Case Study and Performance
First Offer
A Canadian colleague and I traveled to Guilin with our admirable guide Heping Liu in very hot weather. Sightseeing is a thirsty business. We did not trust the water, and enjoyed excellent beer. We politely offered some to Heping but he refused. We said nothing and drank our beer, while poor Heping watched. On another day, Heping quickly accepted our offer of beer. Questions for discussion
In your daily life, do you often accept first offer? If yes, in what situation? Girl-ness
As a visiting professor in an American university, Zhang Hua was invited to give a lecture to a group of American students. He talked about university students in China. During the question-and-answer period after the lecture, one female student asked a question that surprised Zhang Hua. “When you talked about female students, you referred to them as girls. Why?”
“Because they are girls. That’s what they are called,” Zhang Hua tried to answer, but he knew he did not really understand the intent of the question. “ I don’t quite understand your question, I’m afraid.”
“In the States, we call ourselves ‘women’ if we’re old enough to go to the university. Calling us ‘girls’ is insulting.”
Do Chinese female college students prefer to be called women? Same Language, Different Behavior
(An American traveled to England and was staying with a friend. During his stay, the American decided to talk to the Englishman about some things that were bothering him.)
American: I feel uncomfortable with many of the people here, but I’m not sure why. I speak the same language, so there shouldn’t be any problem. Back home, I usually get along with people. You know that I’m very friendly.
Englishman: Yes, that’s true, but you’re friendly in the way that Americans are friendly.
American: I’m not sure I understand.
Englishman: Well, for example, at the meeting the other night, you immediately called people by their first names. We do that here, but not when we first meet someone.
American: That’s how we make people feel comfortable. People feel friendlier toward each other when they use first names.
Englishman: It’s different here. For example, when you met my boss you should have used his last name. Also there’s something else that you do that English people don’t often do.
American: What’s that?
Englishman: You touch people on the shoulder quite a bit, especially when you compliment them.
American: I guess I’ve never thought about that before. I suppose that is what I do at home.
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Lesson 16 Case Study and Performance
Interpreting a Laugh
Huihua, a Chinese student, and Mary , an American student studying Chinese in China, were on their way to a bookstore. As they got to the bookstore, they saw a young man walking down a flight of stairs. In his hurry, he missed the last two steps, and fell on the ground. He struggled to get back to his feet while people around him laughed. Fortunately, he seemed to be O.K.
Mary was worried. She found Huihua smiling a little and was not comfortable about it. Tell me, Huihua, how could people laugh when someone fell like that? Do they care at all? Shouldn’t they go up and ask the young man whether he was hurt?” Huihua said, “ they knew he wasn’t hurt too much.”
“But I still don’t understand. A fall is a fall. In my culture, people would do anything but laugh!”
Different Lunch Boxes
Peter was one of the American technicians who came to China to help set up a coffee plant. He was in China for six months. Before leaving for home，one of his Chinese colleagues took him out to dinner. Peter decided to ask him a question that had puzzled him for as long as he worked in the plant．
Why is it that the Chinese workers have stainless boxes for their lunch，while us foreigners have lunch put in the disposable plastic boxes?”
The Chinese colleague smiled, “It’s because the plastic boxes are more convenient; they are disposable. With the stainless boxes, you have to wash them after every meal.”
But Peter was not convinced．“I don’t think so．Stainless boxes are much better than plastic boxes．They look more professional, they are more durable, and they protect your lunch better.
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Lesson 17 Revision
Part 1
Why take Intercultural Communication? Culture
Communication
Intercultural Communication
The Difference between Chinese and Western Cultures
Part 2
Addressing People Greetings
Initiating Conversations Visiting Someone Partings
Part 3
Compliments and responses
Differences between Chinese and English compliments Response Formulas of E and C compliments
Expressions of gratitude and apology in English and Chinese
Part 4
Culturally loaded words
Cultural reflections on proverbs Taboos
Differences in cultural thought patterns
Part 5
Girls’ games occur within a gender culture that emphasizes cooperation, sensitivity toward others, and experience more than outcome.
Boys’ games emphasize achievement, both for the team and for the individual members.
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Lesson 18 TEST
Cultural Puzzles
Read the following situations and choose the appropriate answer(s). There may be more than one possible answer for each cultural puzzle. 1. What would you do if someone told you to use his or her first name, but you felt uncomfortable doing this?
a. You could continue to use the person’s last name without explaining why.
b. You could try to use the person’s first name even though you feel uncomfortable doing this. c. You could ask the person, “Is it OK if I use your last name?”
2. Situation: An American woman received a letter from a recently married Japanese friend. The Japanese woman wrote in her letter, “My husband is not very handsome. Your husband is much more handsome than mine.” The American woman was very surprised at what her friend wrote. 1) Why do you think the American was surprised?
a) The American woman saw a picture of her friend’s husband and thought that he was very handsome.
b) The American woman didn’t think her own husband was handsome. c) In the U.S., it is disrespectful to say that one’s husband is not handsome.
2) Why do you think the Japanese woman wrote, “My husband is not very handsome”?
a) The Japanese woman was trying to tell her American friend that she did not like her husband very much.
b) It is uncommon in Japan to compliment one’s husband.
c) The Japanese woman didn’t think her husband was handsome, but she liked his personality.
Case study
Interpreting a Smile
Peter is the general manager of an American company in China. Recently, Chen Jun, one of the Chinese managers made a mistake at work that caused some difficulties that required a lot of effort to fix. Chen Jun was very upset about what had happened, and came to Peter’s office to make a formal apology.
Chen Jun went into Peter’s office after being told to, smiling before he spoke. “Peter, I’ve been feeling very upset about the trouble I’ve caused for the company. I’m here to apologize for the mistake. I’m terribly sorry about it and I want you to know that it will never happen again.” Chen Jun said, looking at Peter with the smile he had been wearing since he walked into the office.
Peter found it hard to accept the apology. He looked at Chen Jun, and asked, “are you sure?” “Yes, I’m very sorry and I promise this won’t happen again,” Chen Jun said, with a smile even broader than before.
“I’m sorry I just can’t take your apology. You don’t look sorry at all!” Peter said angrily. Chen Jun’s face turned very red. He did not in the least expect Peter to take it negatively. He was desperate to make himself understood. “Peter,” he managed to smile again, “trust me, no one can feel any more sorry than I do about it.”
Peter was almost furious by now, “if you’re that sorry, how can you still smile?”
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