Abstract:A stereotype is a simplified conception about specific groups or certain ways of doing things. It is dynamic and eliminable. The thesis reviews the definitions, characteristics and sources of stereotype from the perspective of cross-cultural communication. As an oversimplified cognitive method, stereotype plays an important role in the primary stage of English learning for it will save time and energy of collecting all aspects of information. However, the prejudice and bias resulting from multilevel stereotypes will affect the effectiveness of the cross-cultural communication and the achievements of advanced English learners. The thesis puts forward some suggestions to eliminate the negative influences of cross-cultural stereotypes: raising cross-cultural communication awareness, reading more widely and getting direct touch with the foreign cultures.

Key words: stereotype; cultural stereotypes; English learning; intercultural communication

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction .1

2. Literature Review ..2

2.1 Definitions and Classifications of Stereotype

2.2 Characteristics and Sources of Stereotype

2.3 Current Situation of English Learning

3. Influences of Cultural Stereotypes on English Learning ..5

3.1 Common Cross-Cultural Errors in English Learning

3.2 Influences of Cultural Stereotypes on English Learning

4. Methods of Deconstructing Cultural Stereotypes in English Learning.6

    4.1 Raising Cross-Cultural Communication Awareness

    4.2 Reading More Widely

    4.3 Getting Direct Touch with the Foreign Cultures

5. Conclusion.9

Bibliography11

Acknowledgements.12