Abstract

In China, traditional English teaching pays much attention to the basic language knowledge, like vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar, etc. But cultural background knowledge is ignored. With the globalization as the main-stream of world development, the contacts and communications between different countries become more frequent. Thus learning English and the culture of English-speaking countries are drawing more attention. The cultivation of intercultural awareness and competence becomes an important task of English teaching in China.

This thesis first makes a literature review about culture, culture penetration and English teaching, and then introduces the principles of culture penetration in English teaching, and contents of culture penetration, and finally discusses culture penetration in different kinds of English lesson, like culture penetration in listening, speaking, reading, writing lessons. And the ultimate goal of culture penetration in English teaching of senior highs is to improve students in the all-around development.

Key words: Culture Penetration; English Teaching for Senior Highs; New English Curriculum Standards; Cultural Awareness; Intercultural Communication

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  Literature Review-3

2.1 General introduction of culture penetration-3

2.1.1 Definitions of culture and culture penetration-3

2.1.2 Function of culture penetration-4

2.1.3 Modes of culture penetration-5

2.2. Language and language teaching-5

2.3 Relationship between culture and language-6

2.4 The significance of culture penetration in English teaching-7

2.5 Previous studies of culture penetration in English Teaching abroad and at home-8

3  Culture Penetration in Senior High School English Teaching-11

3.1 Objectives of culture penetration-11

3.2 Principles of culture penetration-12

3.2.1 Hierarchy-12

3.2.2 Practicality-13

3.2.3 Interaction-13

3.2.4 Objectivity-14

3.2.5 Flexibility-14

3.3 Contents of culture penetration-14

3.3.1 History-15

3.3.2 Geography-15

3.3.3 Literature-16

3.3.4 Thinking pattern-17

3.3.5 Custom and etiquette-17

3.4 Culture penetration in different kinds of English teaching lesson-18

3.4.1 Culture penetration in listening lesson-18

3.4.2 Culture penetration in speaking lesson-18

3.4.3 Culture penetration in reading lesson-19

3.4.4 Culture penetration in writing lesson-20

4  Conclusion-21

Bibliography-22

Acknowledgements-24