ENG 2190

Title: ENG 2670 THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
ACROSS CULTURES (3,3,0)
Staff: Prof. Hans Ladegaard
Prerequisite: Nil
Objectives: To enlarge students’ frame of reference for language, in general, and English, in
particular, beyond its linguistic sub-systems (phonology, grammar, semantics) to
include other cultural considerations which bear on the problem of
communicating in English with persons from other cultural backgrounds.
Intended
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate that they understand the interrelationship between linguistic and
cultural phenomena;
2. understand and appreciate different approaches to culture, and how these
approaches affect our analyses of cross-cultural communication;
3. present theories which attempt to explain the different ways in which people
communicate across cultures;
4. carry out a small-scale research project on a topic of their own choice in
cross-cultural communication.
Course Description: This course is designed to raise students’ consciousness of cultural dimensions in
communication in English; to elucidate the interrelatedness of the English
language and the other aspects of the culture of its speakers; to provide students
with guided experiences in using English cross-culturally for the purpose of
coming to a practical understanding of this complex of problems.
Outline Content: I. Intercultural Communication Fundamentals
II. The Nature of Culture
III. English Language and its Cultures
IV. English Speakers and Microcultures
V. Varieties of English*
VI. Intercultural Competence and Conflict*
VII. Innovation and Change
Assessment: Coursework 65%
Examination 35%
Coursework consists of results of two progress tests on assigned readings and
lectures (15%), field involvement and cultural analysis of interactions with
international students (20%), a written report (15%) and an oral presentation (15%)
of the interaction experience.
The final exam assesses students’ theoretical grasp of the course and their ability to
apply theory to problems encountered in communication situations and specify
solutions to them.
Teaching Methods/Approach to Learning:
Teaching methods include demonstration and discussion of theoretical issues.
Students undertake field projects guided by the lecturer. Each student presents an
oral discussion of some aspect of the fieldwork assignment, and presides over a
question time in response to the presentation.

Required Text: Brislin, R.W., K. Cushner, C. Cherrie, and M. Yong. Intercultural Interactions: A
Practical Guide. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 1986.
References: Agar, M. Language Shock: Understanding the Culture of Conversation. New
York: William Morrow & Co., 1994.
BBC and The Open University. The Global Village (video-recording). Princeton,
New Jersey: Films for the Humanities & Sciences, 1998. (AVH 420651)
Cushner, Kenneth, and R.W. Brislin. Intercultural Interactions: A Practical
Guide. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, California, London & New Delhi: Sage
Publications, 1996.
Dodd, C.H. Dynamics of Intercultural Communication. 5th ed. Madison, Boston:
McGraw-Hill, 1998.
Gareis, E. Intercultural Friendship: A Qualitative Study. Lanham, Md.: UP of
America, 1995.
Gudykunst, W.B. Bridging Differences: Effective Intergroup Communication.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1998.
Layton, M.S. Intercultural Journeys Through Reading and Writing. New York:
Harper Collins Publishers, 1991.
Neustupny, J.V. Communicating with the Japanese. Tokyo: The Japan Times,
1987.
Samovar, L.A., and R.E. Porter, eds. Intercultural Communication: A Reader.
Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 1997.
Scollon, R., and S.W. Scollon. Intercultural Communication: A Discourse
Approach. Oxford, U.K. & Cambridge, USA: Blackwell Publishers, 1995.
* This is official course syllabus and minor changes may be made.