A Study on the Integration of Chinese Culture Into College English Teaching

Abstract

China’s strengthening of cultural soft power is mainly to promote international communication and cooperation with various countries. Since college English is a compulsory course for non-English majors at most colleges in China, it plays an irreplaceable role in higher education and holds a high position in supporting cross cultural dissemination and promoting cultural soft power. For a long period of time, traditional English teaching in China has been focused more on the cultural values of English-speaking countries, while neglecting the contributions and influence of Chinese local culture. Apparently, this teaching strategy has biases, and limits students' ability to effectively introduce Chinese culture on the international stage. To make students more culturally competent, it is particularly crucial for cultivating learners with a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills in college English teaching. This, in turn, is conducive to further deepening the teaching reform. Based on an online survey of 137 first year non-English majored students, having finished studying Chinese culture in college English, this research attempts to explore their perceptions of the integration of Chinese culture into college English teaching, in terms of five cultural parts namely Philosophy, Literature, Customs, Tourist Attractions, and Curriculum Ideological and Political Construction. Findings show that students’ interest and levels of mastery of the five parts are diverse, creating certain barriers to teaching. Through analysis and discussion, this paper proposes some effective teaching methods and strategies in the integration of Chinese culture into teaching process to meet the national educational requirements of the new era.

Save as a Favourite

Author Information
Ziyuan Wang, Guangdong College of Industry and Commerce, China
Jinfeng Liao, Guangdong College of Industry and Commerce, China

• Category: Higher Education

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

All Posts