About inter-Cultural English
Paul Gregory BA Humanities
Founder of iCE |
Some years ago, already with several years experience of teaching English to EFL students at various institutions across Asia, I was invited to give lectures for Cross Cultural Communication at one of Thailand's more prestigious universities. I must admit that my first thought was "What the hell is that!". Nevertheless, this new challenge intrigued me so I agreed and set about preparing for the upcoming semester. My first priority was to find an appropriate text book for the students to use, but was dismayed at the options available.
The first kind of text books that I came across were designed for non-native speakers of English but read like promotional tools for the countries they came from. These books were fine for students already living in the US, Britain or Australia, amongst other places, but were not at all relevant for students living in Asia who would need to develop their English skills to communicate with other Asians and Europeans, rather than just native speakers. |
So I decided to look around for something a little more appropriate. The second kind of text book I encountered were designed for the corporate world and at first glance seemed great. But again, on closer inspection they really weren't suitable. They were all designed from the perspective of Western business managers learning communication skills in how to deal with difficult foriegn employees. My students were all aspiring entrepreneurs and business mangers themselves and to use text books that positioned them in the role of 'difficult foreigner' was out of the question.
I continued my search and the third and final kind of text book on the market were the academic literature written by social scientists. Some of these books were fantastic (and formed the shape of my own work which was to follow) but the level of English required to use them was highly advanced.
It now became clear that there was only one option open to me - design a Cross Cultural Communication course myself based on the best academic works out there, but tailored specifically for the needs of the EFL students I would be teaching.
So, that's exactly what I did!
Having developed my personal resources over the last few years it is now time to expand both the content of my materials and the size of my audience which is the reason for making this website.
I continued my search and the third and final kind of text book on the market were the academic literature written by social scientists. Some of these books were fantastic (and formed the shape of my own work which was to follow) but the level of English required to use them was highly advanced.
It now became clear that there was only one option open to me - design a Cross Cultural Communication course myself based on the best academic works out there, but tailored specifically for the needs of the EFL students I would be teaching.
So, that's exactly what I did!
Having developed my personal resources over the last few years it is now time to expand both the content of my materials and the size of my audience which is the reason for making this website.
How to use this website
This website has been designed as an introduction to the culture that surrounds the English language from the perspective of both humanities and social science. Teachers, students and indeed anybody with a passing interest are welcome to use the information and materials they find here, however, remember this site is an introduction to the subject - not a serious academic study and is not meant for rigorous academic scrutiny.
For ESL students there are also various downloadable exercises to help them improve their English language skills whilst learning about the cultures of the people they will be using the language to communicate with. It is impossible to convey every particular difference or nuance of foreign cultures so instead the information contained within this website will help equip the student with the critical thinking skills and strategies required to communicate with a wide range of people from anywhere in the world - using the English language. Students will learn how to foresee possible areas of conflict and recognize problems that may arise, as well as identify the correct solutions to difficult situations or potential conflict.
I hope everybody who uses this website will find it interesting, informative and even in places entertaining. I will be constantly updating information and expanding the content so I hope you will find what it is you are looking for.
For ESL students there are also various downloadable exercises to help them improve their English language skills whilst learning about the cultures of the people they will be using the language to communicate with. It is impossible to convey every particular difference or nuance of foreign cultures so instead the information contained within this website will help equip the student with the critical thinking skills and strategies required to communicate with a wide range of people from anywhere in the world - using the English language. Students will learn how to foresee possible areas of conflict and recognize problems that may arise, as well as identify the correct solutions to difficult situations or potential conflict.
I hope everybody who uses this website will find it interesting, informative and even in places entertaining. I will be constantly updating information and expanding the content so I hope you will find what it is you are looking for.
|
|
|
