Intercultural communication as an aim of English language teaching. Research bulletin 69.

Autor/in	Yli-Renko, Kaarina
Titel	Intercultural communication as an aim of English language teaching. Research bulletin 69.
Quelle	(1989), 56 S.Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	Mikroform; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Kultur; Interkulturelle Kommunikation; Grammatik; Linguistik; Mündlicher Ausdruck; Sprachanwendung; Sprachverhalten; Fremdsprachenunterricht; Englisch; Wirtschaft; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Finnland
Abstract	A study investigated the attitudes of English-speakers living in Finland toward English oral communication with Finns. English-speaking diplomats, businessmen, and their wives were surveyed with Likert-type and open-ended questions. Results indicated that Finns have a good command of English grammar, with difficulties in communication attributed to limited vocabulary and inappropriate word choice. Finns are not seen as lacking empathy, enthusiasm, or friendliness, which are necessary elements in intercultural communication, but barriers to communication may be caused by the Finnish culture-related communication patterns that the Finns transfer into English-language communication: Finns are seen as too silent, shy, and guarded in intercultural communication with English-speakers, among whom great cultural value is given to verbal communication. It is concluded that English-language instruction in school should have as an objective the lowering of these barriers to intercultural communication, by making Finns aware of the barriers and by teaching linguistic strategies to avoid or overcome them. Descriptions of intercultural differences among Americans, British, Canadians, and Finns gained through the survey are also seen as having value for textbook writers and for providing information about manners and mannerisms for use in English-language instruction.
Erfasst von	Informationszentrum für Fremdsprachenforschung, Marburg
Update	1996_(CD)