Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1996
Thesis Director
Mark G. Borzi
Abstract
Modern technologies have brought our world to the brink of a Global Village. In the modern world, intercultural communication becomes an indispensable part of human activities. In the environment of foreign language study, intercultural communication skills are intertwined with the language education in order to prepare students for the needs of intercultural communication. There is no exception with teaching English as a foreign language in China. Started in the early 1980s, intercultural communication is a hot topic among scholars in the field of language education. However, despite the efforts made to raise the English learners' intercultural awareness, Chinese students still encounter countless difficulties when they come to the English speaking countries. They often consider their language deficiency as the main factor which hinders their ability to communicate successfully with the native speaker. In this study, I explored the different theories of culture and intercultural communication with a focus on the differences between China and America. Based on the literature review, a survey was conducted which examined the differences that exist in the interpretations of some daily expressions and cultures by both Chinese and American students. I assume that the language barrier the Chinese students have is, in the final analysis, a significant barrier between two cultures. I argue that the differences between Chinese culture and American culture hinders the Chinese students' capacity to communicate with American students. Recommendations are made based on the analysis of the findings in the research.
Recommended Citation
Cheng, He-ping, "English Proficiency and Intercultural Communication--A Study of Chinese Students' Ability to Adapt to American Culture" (1996). Masters Theses. 1935.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1935
