JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

Basic Issues in Teaching Foreign Language in the US: A Case Study of Cross-Cultural Communications

Author(s): Camilla H. Wang, Kathy Tian

Citation: Camilla H. Wang, Kathy Tian, (2013) "Basic Issues in Teaching Foreign Language in the US: A Case Study of Cross-Cultural Communications," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol. 13, Iss. 3/4, pp. 143 - 148

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

Cultural factors influence the communication and success potential of teaching foreign languages.
Cultural awareness shapes foreign language instructors behavior in cross-culturally reflected education
environment. Cultural factors may act as invisible barriers in foreign language classroom
communications. Understanding cultural differences is one of the most significant skills of foreign
language instructors for effectively teaching. This paper probes some key elements of cross-cultural
issues in teaching Americans learning Mandarin Chinese and provides a framework for creating a more
positive and friendly environment to teach Americans learning Mandarin Chinese.