Филологические науки / 3.Теоретические и методологические проблемы  исследования языка.

Vira Syssoeva, Natalia Shtepan

East European University of Economics and Management, Cherkasy, Ukraine

Cross-Cultural Approach to Foreign Language Study

Cross-cultural approach to foreign language study is brought about by the reform of educational system in Ukraine which has become more national in character and diversified.

Old fundamental methods of teaching foreign languages gave all priorities to mastering pronunciation, thorough study of grammatical forms and structures and mechanical learning of vocabulary. But knowledge of lexical and grammatical forms alone results in loosing communicative value of the language.

Classical methods, alongside with mastering pronunciation and grammatical rules pinpointed the importance of reading, writing, speaking skills and oral comprehension of foreign speech. This classical approach was based on the presumption that language is the means of communication, so all the components – oral and written speech, oral comprehension - had to be developed harmoniously. This complex approach is directed at developing understanding and speaking skills. According to the methods it is supposed that the classes are conducted by the Ukrainian teachers/instructors. In recent years there was tendency to invite native-speakers of English for teaching the language to the Ukrainian students. But foreign teachers could compare neither two language systems, nor grammar constructions. So native-speakers are not in vogue any more. The most valuable instructors of foreign language at present are those who have vision and understanding of cultures of both languages – foreign and mother tongue, who can think in the context of two cultures. This is cross-cultural approach to foreign language study. Some linguists call it lingual-socio-cultural one.

Scholars stress that 52% of mistakes are made under the influence of mother tongue. Let us look at the example: for the Ukrainian business communication the phrases “Які питання вас цікавлять?”, “Давайте обговоримо проблеми співпраці” are quite common. The usual translation is “What problems are you interested in? Let us discuss the problems of our cooperation.” But in British and American cultures the word problem has a negative connotation (drug problem, alcohol problem, etc.). “What points are you interested in?”, “Let us discuss the issues of our cooperation” are more appropriate.

The British language culture has developed rather strange for the Ukrainians phenomenon – a strong restriction on the use of Imperative in expressing offers, proposals, advice. English prefers using Interrogative forms instead. So, ”Сідайте, будь ласка” is usually rendered as “Will you sit down please?” “Won’t you sit down?”, “Would you sit down?” In British and American cultures the word whistle has a positive connotation. To whistle at a concert or a performance means to approve, to show admiration with the performers. The word свистіти has quite a negative connotation in Ukrainian and Russian cultures, meaning disapproval of something or somebody (освистати погану футбольну гру, поганого виконавця). In the Ukrainian and Russian proverbs and sayings the word has a negative meaning: Не свисти в хаті, бо грошей не буде. Ищи – свищи ветра в поле.

The final goal of cross-cultural approach to foreign language study is acquiring ability and skills of successful cross-cultural communication, which is very important for the interpreters-translators and for all those who master a foreign language as a means of communication.

Some guidelines to successful cross-cultural communication offered below point some ways. There are also some facts which may be of interest for modeling patterns of other cultures.

* Select simple, concrete words. Their meaning is clear, powerful, vivid, and, most importantly, unambiguous. Try to use common words, that is, words normally learned in the first two years of language study. Avoid uncommon words, such as “onus” for “burden”, “Jocose” for “witty,” “efficacious” for “efficient”.

* Use the most common meaning of words. Many words in English have multiple meanings. The word “high” has twenty meanings: the word “expensive” has only one. “Get” can mean to “buy, borrow, steal, rent, or retrieve”. “Accurate” has only one meaning; “right” has 27. Non-native speakers of English are most likely to know only two or three most common meanings.

* Avoid idioms, slang, jargon, buzzwords and acronyms. These expressions are seldom taught in school or in formal language courses. At advanced level of studies you can be aware of their meaning but you’d better avoid using them. Speak literate English.

* Avoid jokes and humour. Beware of sharing the latest joke. Humour, often based on word play, puns, or shared cultural references, is one of the most difficult things to translate. Also, remember that laughter in many cultures signifies embarrassment or nervousness.

* Develop empathy and patience. Speak slowly, articulate carefully, use simple sentences, restate what you say in different words, and practice culturally sensitive paraphrasing skills (“Please let me know if I have communicated clearly…Please correct me if I misinterpreted what you have said…”) to check for understanding.

* Choose words carefully. Words are powerful: they can hurt or support. To communicate cross-culturally, avoid words that disrespect or belittle others. Remember that jokes can also wound, especially the kind that make fun of people or their beliefs. Finally, remember that many cultures that communicate indirectly may find directness rude or threatening.

* Respect the basic rules of correct grammar. Most people who learn English as a second language must know English grammar.

* Be polite and formal. People from many other cultures are not as casual as Americans and not as formal as Englishmen. Be scrupulously polite. Avoid informality (e.g. use of first name) unless specifically invited to do so.

* Accommodate: meet your communication partner halfway. Familiarize yourself with the accepted tone and reasoning style of the culture with which you are communicating; when your tone and style differ, your message may be misunderstood or negatively perceived

* Never interrupt a speaker. Wait for a pause and say politely what you want to say.

*Every culture has different “rules” about asking questions. In some countries, it is bad to stop the teacher. It means that the teacher did not explain something very well. In English speaking countries (and in English class), it is good – and important – to stop the teacher or another student. It means you are interested and are paying attention. In English, it is your job to ask if you don’t understand.

* Titles like Mr., Ms., and Dr. are usually not used when you say only the person’s first name. You might call Tom Johnson Mr. Johnson but not Mr. Tom. The title Ms. is used for both single and married women. Use Ms., unless a woman tells you she prefers Miss or Mrs. In Ukraine, you may use пан, пані both before the first name (пaні Ганно, пан Савелій) and before the full name – пан Савелій Бойко or пан Бойко.

* Sometimes the same gesture can have very different meanings in different cultures. For example, in the United States and Canada, it is common to make a circle with your thumb and first finger. It means OK – approval of something or agreement with something. In Japan, the same sign means “money”. In southern France, it stands for “zero” or “worthless”. Be careful! If you travel to Brazil or Greece, do not use this sign. It has a very bad meaning. Generally, non-verbal communication – gestures, mimicry, poses, etc. – has many peculiarities in different cultures. Never use gesture which means something very good in your country when you are in other countries, otherwise you may find yourself in a very awkward situation.

* Many countries have laws which surprise visitors from abroad. People may have to pay fines – money – because they have broken a law. For example, the fine for chewing gum at the Statue of Liberty in New York City is $250. In Singapore, there is a fine for not flushing the toilet. Also in Singapore, monkeys must have identification cards. Their owners must register them. In Malaysia, you can’t wear a motorcycle helmet that covers your face.

* The titles of some jobs are changing. The old names made jobs sound as if they were only for men or only for women. The new names are for both males and females.

Old New

Airline stewardess / steward flight attendant

Fireman firefighter

Mailman letter carrier / post office clerk

Policeman/policewoman police officer

Salesman / saleswoman sales clerk / sales representative

* In English-speaking countries, it is usually OK to introduce yourself to other people in class or at a party. You don’t need to wait for someone to introduce you. When people meet for the first time, they sometimes talk about the situation before they introduce themselves. For example, they may find something they agree on: A: I think this will be an interesting lecture.

B: I think so too. By the way, I am Jean.

* Customs about time differ greatly around the world. In the United States and Canada, you should be on time for a business meeting, but a little (10 – 15 minutes) late if you are invited to the party at someone’s house. Never arrive at a party early. But meeting friends somewhere, in a restaurant for example, try to arrive on time.

* Young people in most countries are interested in entertainment. In the United States and Canada, people under 25 spend about 6 % of their income on entertainment. Of that money, about one third is used for tickets for movies, concerts and other events. A little more than one third is used for things like stereos, video players, and televisions. Reading is also popular. Young people spend about ten percent of their entertainment income on books and magazines.

* Headlines in English language newspapers can be difficult to understand. Headlines usually are not in complete sentences. Short words like the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and the verb “to be” aren’t usually used. Sometimes special words are used to save space. These are some common ones (with their meanings) :

head (leader) push or back (support or encourage)

hit (criticize or affects badly) talks (negotiations)

key (important)

Examples

Agency head pushes peace talks = The leader of an agency encourages peace negotiations.

Key trade plan hit = An important trade plan is criticized.

* Different cultures have different modes of hospitality. Ukrainian hostess tries to make her guests eat and drink more than they can afford. In Great Britain, United States and many European countries “no, thank you” after the offer to take some more food is respected by a hostess as a choice of her guest not to eat any more of the offered dish.

* Presents and gifts are received differently in many cultures. In Ukraine and Russia it is polite first to refuse acceptance of a gift: “Oh, no, why should you give it to me!” is the usual phrase. In America, Canada, Great Britain it is polite to accept a gift at once saying “Thank you very much! It is so wonderful (nice, splendid)”.

* Different cultures have different lucky and unlucky numbers. In Western countries, thirteen is an unlucky number. Some hotels do not have a thirteenth floor. In Japan, four is unlucky number because it sounds like the word for “death”. Double sixes (66) is very lucky in China because it sounds like “everything goes well”. In Thailand three and nine (3 * 3) are good numbers. People in India say odd numbers (3, 5, 7, ...) are lucky.

* The way we describe people is sometimes based on culture, For example, in Thailand, when you tell a middle-aged man, “You look a little fat,” it has a good meaning. It means, “You must be doing well and have a lot of food.” In Great Britain, the United States, Canada and many other countries, the meaning is bad: “You are eating too much and not taking care of yourself.”