The Education of Chinese Traditional Culture in English Teaching

The Education of Chinese Traditional Culture in English Teaching
作者：Yingchun Peng
来源：《校园英语》 2019年第13期
文/Yingchun Peng
【Abstract】English learners are responsible for spreading Chinese culture to the world, so they must pay attention to the learning of Chinese traditional culture. This paper attempts to explore how to express Chinese traditional culture accurately in English.
【Key words】English Teaching; Chinese Culture; English Expression
【作者简介】Yingchun Peng, Jiangxi College of Foreign Studies.
Introduction
As a preparatory force for foreign exchanges, English learners are responsible for spreading C hinese cultural knowledge to the world. The phenomenon of “Chinese cultural aphasia” in English teaching makes us consider how to solve this problem
in teaching.
I. English Expressions of Chinese Culture
How to express Chinese traditional culture accurately in English? English expressions of Chinese culture have the following characteristics.
1.1 Accuracy
English words that express Chinese culture should be accurate and can’t be invented. From the end of the 19th century, some Chinese scholars published books
in English to introduce Chinese culture abroad. The English usage of some Chinese cultural terms proposed by these scholars has now been widely accepted by scholars
at home and abroad. We should understand these recognized words and use them accurately in English communication.
1.2 Refining
For those Chinese cultural vocabularies that don’t have a fixed expression in English, we should use refined language to describe in cross-cultural communication. The language should also conform to English expression habits and avoid “Chinese English” as much as possible.
1.3 Non-translatability
“Different peoples have different cultures. There are links and differences between different cultures. The difference or individuality between cultures constitutes an obstacle to translation and produces untranslatability”.
II. Chinese Traditional Culture in English Teaching
There is no doubt that it is necessary to penetrate Chinese culture education
in English teaching. So, how shall we do it well?
2.1 Selection of suitable teaching materials
Good teaching materials are important guarantee of teaching. The education of Chinese culture in English teaching needs to use English teaching materials that systematically introduce Chinese traditional cultural knowledge. The content requires a more comprehensive coverage of Chinese history, religion, philosophy, literature and art, science and technology, customs, diet, and historical sites.
2.2 Adopt a variety of teaching methods to increase students’ interest in learning
In order to enhance students’ interest in learning, we shou ld use a variety of teaching methods to make the classroom lively. The following methods and means are summarized:
2.2.1 Discussion Teaching
According to the content of the curriculum, teachers put forward some controversial thinking topics in the academic community to allow students to discuss. for cultivating their ability to debate and deepening their understanding of various aspects of Chinese culture. Students are often able to come up with very creative ideas during discussions.
2.2.2 Activity Teaching
In order to stimulate the classroom, students can be organized to perform some activities such as English theatrical performances on Chinese culture and the display of Chinese traditional cultural works. Students are encouraged to introduce their personal works in English, which will help students to use the knowledge learned in practice. It also helps to improve students ‘cultural cultivation and comprehensive quality.
2.3 Hold various cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries to stimulate students’ motivation for learning
Many institutions may hold cultural exchange activities at home and abroad on a regular basis to promote the development of students’ intercultural communication ability. The content and organization of activities should be as diverse as possible, avoiding a single repetitive activity and giving students a sense of mechanical repetition.
3. Conclusions
There was “New Culture Movement” and “Cultural Revolution” in Chinese history. The two attacks on culture have caused Chinese people to believe that Chinese culture is worse for a long time. While Chinese people are thinning our own national culture, the study of Chinese culture abroad is quietly rising. Today, English teaching workers should seize this opportunity to strengthen English teaching in Chinese culture and make greater contributions to the development of Chinese culture.
References：
[1]胡文仲,高一虹.外语教学与文化[M].湖南教育出版社,1997.。