論外國文化知識在外語學(xué)習(xí)中的重要性.doc

湖北汽車工業(yè)學(xué)院科技學(xué)院畢業(yè)設(shè)計（論文） 論英語文化對于英語學(xué)習(xí)的重要意義學(xué)生姓名 王 靖 指導(dǎo)教師 朱戰(zhàn)煒二級學(xué)院 外語系 專業(yè)名稱 英語（商貿(mào)）班級 KT693-1 學(xué)號 2006K930121 提交日期 2010年5月26日 答辯日期 2010年6月10日 2010 年5月26日On the Importance of English Culture Knowledge in English Language Learning.ByWang JingRegistered No.2006k930121Department of Foreign LanguagesHubei University of Automotive TechnologyMarch 2010Contents1Introduction12.The Comparison Between Chinese Culture and English Culture12.1 Definition of Culture12.2 The Culture of Words and Expressions22.2.1Culture-Specific Concepts Embodied in the Words22.2.2 Different Cultural Connotation of the Phrase with the Same Denotation22.2.3 A Certain Cultural Content Reflect in the Idioms32.3Discourse Culture42.4Culture of Thinking43.The Cultivation of Comprehensive Ability53.1The Cultivation of Thinking Ability of English53.1.1The Cultivation of An Open Mind53.1.2The Cultivation of Thinking Flexibility63.2The Cultivation of Self-Learning Ability of English73.3The Cultivation of English Studying Ability73.3.1Contibution to the Proper Use of Vocabulary83.3.2Facilitation the Correct Use of English94.How to Enhance the Penetration of Cultural Background Knowledge104.1Course Introduction104.2Additional Source for Class Use114.3 Scene Teaching114.4 Extracurricular Input124.5 Extracurricular Reading124.6 Use the Modern Equipment and Network Resources135.Conclusion13References14On the Importance of English Culture Knowledge in English Language LearningAbstract：The article starts with the introduction of the foreign cultures definition. Then compare the difference between Chinese culture and English culture, which divided into the culture of words and expressions, discourse culture, the culture of thinking. By comparing the cultural difference between Chinese and English in terms of the 3 aspects, this paper expounds the important significance about learning foreign culture. And then this paper puts forward some good ways of learning foreign cultures and methods to avoid learning language and culture into the error, in order to achieve the purpose of fully grasp foreign languages.Key words: English Culture, English Language Phenomenon, English Learning.論英語文化對于英語學(xué)習(xí)的重要意義摘 要：本文從介紹文化的定義出發(fā)，然后比較中西方文化的不同之處，可分為詞語文化，話語文化，思維文化等方面，通過比較中西文化在這些方面的差異與文化碰撞，闡述外語學(xué)習(xí)中了解英語文化的重要意義。接著提出一些學(xué)習(xí)英語文化的良好途徑和方法，避免學(xué)習(xí)語言步入文化盲點的誤區(qū)，以達(dá)到全方面充分掌握英語的目的。關(guān)鍵詞：英語文化， 英語現(xiàn)象， 英語學(xué)習(xí)。16湖北汽車工業(yè)學(xué)院畢業(yè)設(shè)計(論文)1IntroductionWith further acceleration of the pace of Chinas opening, Chinese people put more and more emphasis on English language learning. Than ever before, the enthusiasm of the Chinese people learning English is much higher and a variety of English education resources are more abundant. However, more English learners view English only as a tool and only train language skills, so they lack English cultural education, and they are ignoring the deep-seated cultural enrichment of the nurture. Many of even the most basic of English majors have not yet read the English classics. Learning Anglo-American cultures is mainly to understand the Anglo-American cultural heritage and cultural tradition, arising from works.The first refers to Anglo-American cultural tradition of glorious cultural heritage of ancient Greece, the other is that embodied the Christian ideology. Anglo-American culture, nurtured on the impact of learning English are obvious, mainly in the following Anglo-American cultural phenomenon.2.The Comparison Between Chinese Culture and English Culture2.1 Definition of CultureCulture is the reflection of human life, history records of the activities, and the needs and requirements of people. It is peoples senior spiritual life. People think that is natural, is the person spirit supporting frame. It contains certain ideological and theoretical, peoples ethics, moral and order, and that is the way people live with survival. Thought and theory is the core and soul. Without thought and theory, the culture doesnt exist. Any kind of culture contains a kind of thought and theory, the way and method of the living. (劉宓慶,1998: 421-427)2.2 The Culture of Words and ExpressionsThere are many differences between English culture and Chinese culture, which are mostly reflect on the words and expressions. They are the smallest elements in every days communication. So the research is very necessary.2.2.1Culture-Specific Concepts Embodied in the WordsThere are many differences between Anglo-American culture and Chinese culture, which embodied in the understanding concepts of words. This is a result of the different cultural tradition between them.Athens Olympic Games athletes winning awards ceremony wearing the olive branch symbolizes peace, but the audience does not know the story of origins in the Greek myth. Bellona Athena for naming the City of Athens presented an olive branch, she wished the city of peace is always fertile. In Chinas feudal era, people of the dragons and phoenix as a symbol of imperial authority. Dragon stands for king, phoenix stands for Princess. However, the Westerners thought that the dragon is a symbol of evil. Phoenix in the Western myth represent regeneration and resurrection. According to Greek myth, phoenix can live for many years. Thus, when one of the main buildings destroyed, the Good-hearted people will wish it was like the legendary phoenix, as a new look rises from the rubble. All roads lead to Rome， here Rome refers not only to “羅馬”, but also refers to the destination people want to achieve. As the Yellow River not only refer to the Yellow River, but also a symbol of the Chinese nation.2.2.2 Different Cultural Connotation of the Phrase with the Same DenotationDenotation: the direct, explicit meaning or reference of a word or term. Connotation: idea or notion suggested by or associated with a word, phrase, etc. in addition to its explicit meaning, or denotation: “politician” has different connotations from “statesman”. (趙靜,1993:279-283)Such as English in the manager, worker, farmer and Chinese in the 經(jīng)理, 工人，農(nóng)民，the cultural meaning is not identical. Manager in English generally refers to salesman, but in Chinese means 經(jīng)理。Storm（n.）, its original meaning is “ a rough weather condition with wind, rain, and often lightning”. For example: 1.The islanders were warned that a storm was coming. 島民們已經(jīng)得到警報，暴風(fēng)雨即將來臨。 2.The forecast says there will be storms. 預(yù)報稱將有暴風(fēng)雨。Now read the following sentences:3.But his last words brought on another storm. 可是，他最后的言辭引起了激烈的反響。 4.The book provoked a storm of controversy. 這本書挑起了一場熱烈的爭論。 5.Her singing took New York by storm. 她的歌唱在紐約引起了轟動。6.We thought that they had decided not to get married but their quarrel was just a storm in a teacup. 我們想他們已經(jīng)決定不結(jié)婚了，可是，他們的爭吵不過是小題大做而已。When we read above 3, 4, 5, 6 sentences, the word “storm”is based on its original meaning and acquired by association its implied meaning and metaphor meanin.( 胡文仲,1998: 421-427g.)2.2.3 A Certain Cultural Content Reflect in the IdiomsThe meaning of idioms can not be understood from the literal sense，such as “give sb a big hand” not refers to “給某人一只大手”，but refers to “Welcome to a persons speech”. We often say, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth , but do not necessarily know it from the Bible. “ Youre a lucky dog ”not means “你是一只幸運的狗”，but refers to “你是一個幸運兒”. Because the dog in the Anglo-American culture is mankinds faithful friend；in the eyes of Chinese people, it is curse words.Therefore, in the language study, we cannot understand a sentence meaning only by its literal meaning, but should learn its deep cultural connotation.2.3Discourse CultureDiscourse of cultural communication is mainly reflected in everyday life, it is through cultural discourse to be embodied in the Appropriateness.In everydays communication, the Anglo-American people often demonstrate respect for others, not show off their values. British and American people to express humility in the way that is different from we Chinese. When appraised by others, British and American people would say thank you. Chinese people are accustomed to the word Where there is still a long way. If you really say that to British and American people, they would feel not understanding and unhappy. When the British and American people ask you questions, and you do not know the answer, if you say directly “I dont know.” This would seem impolite. Anglo-American respondents would say Im sorry, i dont know.” Ask for directions in foreign countries, if you just say, where is the train station? It would look very abrupt and impolite. You should say Excuse me, where is the train station? In the greeting, the British and American people do not say: Have you eaten? (你吃了嗎?), But say: How are you? (你好嗎？）. In everyday conversation, we should avoid to involving the personal questions, for example, “How old are you?”（你多大了？）、 “Are you married?”（你結(jié)婚了嗎？）、 “How many children do you have?”(你有幾個小孩？).2.4Culture of ThinkingThe influence of Anglo-American cultural factors on Chinese students learning English is also reflected in the English nation by a unique way of thinking. Culture of thinking is to emphasize the culture of different peoples. Their way of thinking is different. Anglo-American peoples way of thinking is a good combination of deductive and inductive. Chinese traditional way of thinking is to focus on experience and intuition of the induction. The order of the Chinese peoples thinking is a result of the consequences and Anglo-American peoples mind is a result of reasons. Such as the Anglo-American people often say: Im sorry. Im late.” Rather than saying: Im late. Im sorry. Anglo-American people and the Chinese way of thinking difference is also reflected in the sentence structure. In English, the main component of a single sentence tends to be compactly arranged together, and modification of components will be placed before and after the sentence. The main sentence often contains clauses, but because the role of conjunction, grammar, sentence structure is very complex and has become well-structured. Beginner Chinese students of English are often not suited to English grammar, that is also because the phrase does not nurture a sense of British and do not understand the way of American peoples thinking. For example ，“我認(rèn)識坐在那邊的那個女孩?！盜n English ，it should be said : “I know the girl who is sitting there.” 3.The Cultivation of Comprehensive Ability Entering into the 21st century, multicultural society culture gradually attracts peoples attention. Cultural differences exist between individuals and between the nation and state. To develop the sensitivity of cultural, shorten the distance of culture, development of cultural communication appear particularly important. In cultivation of cross-cultural communication ability of students, the lesson of English culture plays an important role.3.1The Cultivation of Thinking Ability of EnglishCultural studies should make clear that the learning aim is that on the basis of understanding other cultures and ethnic culture, then compare the differences between them. i.e. take a cross-cultural perspective to treat cultural phenomenon. Thinking ability includes flexibility ability to think and open thinking ability.3.1.1The Cultivation of An Open MindSince China adopted foreign cultures to their dross, whichever is the essence of the principle, so that culture teaching is very selective and political. In the cultural learning, students often contains ethical thoughts, often center with their behavior habit and standard to judge others, advocate their values and beliefs, contempt values and beliefs of others, and tries to discuss the cultural content that make is wrong judgment. The national center of ideas clearly makes bad impacts on cultural exchanges. For example, due to historical reasons, students generally have a sense of exclusion on Japans national culture, leading to lack of understanding of the whole Japanese culture. In addition, the students understanding of foreign culture, or with some kind of prejudice, or too simplistic, such as thinking that the Americans are self-confidence, Germans are rigid, Jews are smart. All these factors may hinder students understanding foreign cultures. In view of this phenomenon, in teaching you can choose a classic example to break the stereotypes of foreign cultures, develop their comprehensive analysis of the habits, and enhance the capacity of three-dimensional thinking. If in the discussion of British culture, from the Round Table knights of democracy embodied consciousness, Robin Hoods outlaw image, punk and other cultural phenomena and looks to break, the students feel more cautious of British stereotypes, arouse their curiosity, and then to find the reasons behind the cultural phenomena in order to overcome the cultural learning in the one-sided and simplistic tendency.3.1.2The Cultivation of Thinking FlexibilityCulture learning is an excellent opportunity to train our flexible thinking. In learning foreign culture, you can find students from the law of the phenomenon and find things link, establish a common connection point of view. If the British special geographic environment and historical background is associated with the British foreign policy, it is easy to understand the British foreign policy. At the same time, due to historical reasons, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States have an inseparable connection, thus creating a characteristic of todays diplomacy.3.2The Cultivation of Self-Learning Ability of EnglishCultural learning is a process. This requires that culture learning is not only the introduction of cultural knowledge, but should develop self-learning ability. First of all, to involve students in managing their own learning, teaching courses on cultural planning, monitoring and evaluation. Teachers should change their role as students, collaborators, organizers and coordinators. Second, students must have their own strong sense of learning and good at reflection. The course can take the form of discussion. By teachers asking questions, assigning tasks to students in data collection, collation and analysis. Teachers no longer play the role of authority, but to help students find the answers. To enable students to understand that cultural learning is a mental training process, some problems may be have no solution in order to break the traditional mode of teaching. Third, stimulate students curiosity and self-confidence and enhance motivation. Let students from passive learning into active learning. Students are often curious about the unknown knowledge, and consciously add in the extra-curricular knowledge. Fourth, master a variety of learning methods suitable for their own, according to the needs of flexible use. Teachers no longer play a guiding role to help students to analyze and solve the problem. Students find their own way for their own learning. For example, students discuss the British Foreign affairs Policy issues, we find little information available for inspection on the turn from the economic literature, the arts, to read, relevant information will be processed, the British foreign policy, conducted a comprehensive study and analysis. Finally, after a certain period of learning and training, the students dare to practice, and dare to innovate, has the ability to consciously learned knowledge and skills to new learning and social environment. This is an ideal level of cultural learning.3.3The Cultivation of English Studying AbilityWhy Chinese students English writing skills are poor? Why is it easy to see that an article was written by Chinese or English-speaking people? In addition to the fact that knowledge of language is not master, different Chinese and Western ways of thinking resulted from the cultural factors that affect students in English writing skills are also an important factor. For the correct understanding of cultural factors, language and conduct of a harmonious communication is very important. Understanding Anglo-American culture is of great importance in improving our students English writing ability.3.3.1Contibution to the Proper Use of VocabularyVocabulary is the basic constituent elements of language and is the pillars of the language systems survival. Therefore cultural differences are the most obvious in the terms of words. The same thing, biological or concepts, in some languages may be expressed only one word and in another language there may be several or more words to express. Idiom, is not only difficult to understand, but is more difficult to use properly. However, whether idioms, proverbs and maxims are correctly used is often a sign of a persons language level. Whether speaking or writing articles, if we do not use idioms, proverbs and maxims, things will be very boring and lack of literary talent; But if use words excessive or improper , and it will seem artificial language, not nature.In the English language, vocabulary and English culture has a close relationship. A lot of vocabularies，and idioms are from ancient times and the English national life, society and history are closely linked. Different historical stages of development will form a different history, culture. Different natural environment is of significant influence on the formation and development of a nations culture. From the Anglo-American culture, we can learn that culture and vocabulary are closely related in some Anglo-American countries, which can enable us to use words to express their meaning more accurate. If you do not learn to understand their cultural factors, but