Language, Communication and Culture

Lead-in Scenario ------ Invitation or Not

Read the following story and be ready to answer the questions.

A Chinese teacher was invited to attend an American friend's party when he was in the United States. At the party, he met with an American friend, Sophie, who once taught English in Shanghai for a year. As they had more in common, both of them talked a lot about their respective teaching experience in Shanghai for so long that they didn't notice that time flew so fast. Then, Sophie said, “I am very interested in talking with you as we share much with each other, and I would like to invite you over for a talk at home in the near future.” The Chinese teacher was pleased to accept the invitation. Soon she said, “I am leaving now and will contact you later.”Then they finished their talk and said goodbye to each other. After their departure, the Chinese teacher took what she said very seriously and expected to see her again. However, many months later, he had not received any invitation from her message, which prompted him to think about why Sophie did not keep her word. He also wondered, sometimes, if he misinterpreted her message.

Questions:

Objectives:

Upon completion this unit, you will

• Be able to define language, communication, and culture.

• Understand the significance of language, and the characteristics of culture.

• Understand the characteristics and components of communication.

• Know the relationship between foreign language learning and intercultural communication.