Editor: Viv Edwards (University of Reading, UK)
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Volume: 11 Number: 4 Page: 260–270
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Cross-cultural Schemata and Change in Modern China: 'First Fresh Air Comes In and also Flies Come In'
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Kevin J. Smith
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Basic theorising regarding the notion of 'cultural schemata' is presented as well as an analysis of how this theory impacts on cross-cultural understanding in modern China. A small-scale classroom study
of an aspect of cross-cultural thinking related to marriage and divorce is outlined. The procedure, developed with a group of Chinese university students, demonstrates the value of simple 'in role' drama
as a means of stimulating dialogue and transforming ordinary discussion into a powerful learning and thinking process. The paper concludes by emphasising that task-based problem solving approaches, which
have a socio-cultural basis, can provide a very useful structure for developing oral language skills in an 'English as a Foreign Language' setting.
© Multilingual Matters
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