文化课课后练习.doc

1. east and west, different values.IndividualismThe individual identifies primarily with self, with the needs of the individual being satisfied before those of the group. Looking after and taking care of oneself, being self-sufficient, guarantees the well being of the group. Independence and self-reliance are greatly stressed and valued. In general, people tend to distance themselves psychologically and emotionally from each other. One may choose to join groups, but group membership is not essential to ones identity or success. Individualist characteristics are often associated with men and people in urban settings.CollectivismOnes identity is in large part a function of ones membership and role in a group, e.g., the family or work team. The survival and success of the group ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs and feelings of others, one protects oneself. Harmony and the interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward nongroup members. Collectivists characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural settings.Unit1 BKey conceptsthe pioneering spirit 创业精神 trying something new 探索精神equality 平等 national optimism 民族乐观freedom自由 the Declaration of Independence 独立宣言 rags-to-richer白手起家 social mobility社会流动性 American dream 美国梦Comprehension questions1. CanyousummarizethecharacterofAmericans? The charactersofAmericans are thepioneering spirit, trying something new and being eager to equality and freedom. The American is competitive, self-reliant,hard-working/diligent, confident,friendly, spontaneous, adaptable, efficient, energetic, and kindhearted.2.InwhatsenseisthepioneeringspiritstillanimportantpartoftheAmericancharacter? 1). Except for the slaves, immigrants came to America voluntarily in search of greater prosperity and freedom. (para3)2). In the mid-nineteenth century, the pioneering spirit led American settlers to travel westward in search of land and gold. (para4)3). The desire to start a new life in a new place is noticeable throughout the nation. Many Americans change residences every year. (para5)4). Americans who dont change residence are also on the movetraveling by air or auto to see their own country or to visit others. The need to explore a new frontier is basic to the American character. (para7) 3. What is the American Dream? What is its impact on the American character? The American Dream is that the belief that any individual, no matter how poor, can achieve wealth and fame through diligence and virtue.Impact: Americans are optimistic and adventurous. The typical American believed in trying something new in an attempt to make life better. He had a firm faith in the possibility of progress. Every day in every way I am getting better and better.4. Whatarethebasicroots of Americancharacter? Thebasicroots of Americancharacter are the pioneering spirit, the liberty spirit and the equality spirit.Case studyQ;WhydidtheAmericanfeeluncomfortable?PleasegivehimsuggestionsonhowtogetalongwithEnglishpeople. The American did something that he thought is friendly, but the English seemed quite unfriendly to him, so he felt uncomfortable. American is a bit casual, optimistic and outgoing. He called the first names and touched the people on the shoulder.But, English are reserved and conservative. They dislike physical touch and dislike to show much emotion. Its also not polite to call the first names.Suggestions:1. On the whole British habits of politeness are very informal. All politeness is based on the elementary rule of showing consideration for others, and acknowledging the consideration they show to you.2. Conversation in Britain is in general quiet and restrained and loud speech is considered ill-bred.Passage C The Chinese Character Comprehension Questions 1. Apart from family, what are other important units in Chinese society? How do they work? Clan. A clan is the aggregate of kinship. A clan may comprise a whole village or suburb, and counties, provinces and state are conglomerates of a vast number of villages and suburbs with such clan populations. Grouping linked by friendship or marriage is also another important unit in Chinese society. A district may have all its groupings so associated together, and this forms the basis for common action in an emergency. 2. Why is China a country with highly complicated social relationship? What are supposed to be the advantages and disadvantages of it? Chinese society appears as a mass of circles or groupings rather than stratus or levels. Within each circle or grouping the people are related in clan or closer kinship and offer cooperation and succor to each other. Marriage and friendship created links with other clans and groupings. Therefore, a district may have all its groupings so associated together. So, the social relationship in China is more close and complicated than Western countries. Such kind is good for the steady of a society and peaceful life, good for governing but not good for development, for avant ideas and reformation. It is an personal- oriented society. Sometimes it is easy to deal with something, but other times it makes things more complicated and even hinder the development of a society. For example, the complicated social relation becomes a big barrier for the implementation of law and justice. It may give rise to the unequality of chance and resources. .(a free answer question) 3. Can you list some of the characteristics of the general character of the Chinese people based on the text. Try to give the possible reasons for the formation of such character. Chinese people are compromising, patient, mediative, harmonious, obedient, passive, pacific, long-viewing, tolerant, filial, conservative, thrift, friendly, diligent, and so on. They tend to be in low profile, hide their strength and depreciate their success. The character of Chinese is caused by many factors. From the text, we know its closely related to the organization of Chinese society. The Chinese society is organized by clans or friends of close association. It is a big circle of complicated relations. To maintain the steadiness of the circle, such kinds of character are of significant importance. Case Study China is a society of complicated social relation. Friend is a very important factor in society. Chinese people take care of maintaining friendship and tend to avoid direct conflict or making other lose face. In this case, to maintain the face of Jimmy, I would not mention the borrowed money in the face of Jimmy. But Jimmy keeping reminding I of the money made I feel quite embarrassed, and a bit angry. I thought Jimmy was not friendly. America is a society advocates individualism and their social relation is quite loose. They think friend is friend, money is money. Whats more, compared with Chinese society, it is one with low-contexted culture, in which people would put everything in words and say it directly. In the case, Jimmy reminded I once again about the money lest I forget about it. To Jimmy, it was the fault of I not mentioning about the borrowed money earlier. So, when I asked about it, he said Why didnt you remind me earlier? Whats more, Americans dont readily give money to others, which will most likely render a sense of humiliation about ones ability to earn ones own living. So in this case, Jimmy is a bit annoyed for “I” not remind him to pay back the borrowed money. He thought that he had been looked upon by “I”. Unit2 Akey concept:Five Relationships of Confucianism孔子的五伦思想 humanism 人道主义 individualism个人主义 collectivism集体主义 individuals right个人权利 1. According to Confucianism , what are the five cardinal relationships in Chinese society and what should these relationships be? Five cardinal relationship: ruler-minister, father-son, husband-wife, elder-younger brother and friend and friend. This was explained as “There should be affection between father and son, righteous sense of duty between ruler and minister, division of function between man and wife, stratification between old and young, and good faith between friends.”2. Can you tell the main influence of Confucianism on the ideology of Chinese people?In traditional Chinese beliefs, especially in Confucianism, collectivism is appreciated .It emphasizes cooperation among group members and individual success is due to the collective effort of the staff in a unit,an organization or a community .3. Can you tell the main influence of the Renaissance on Western values?In the Renaissance period of England ,people began to emphasize the dignity of human beings and the importance of the present life .This is the rudiment of Humanism .People began to respect the humanity from then on ,and then developed into the ideas of what we always call freedom ,democracy .4. What is the difference between collectivism and individualism?Individualism refers to the doctrine that the rights of the individual are the most important ones in a society .Collectivism emphasizes cooperation among group members.(1)Westerners tend to believe that people should rely on themselves as much as possible-and usually expect other people to do the same .People in collectivist cultures generally feel they have a right to expect help from other members of their groups ,and they also tend to feel they have an obligation to help other members of their groups .(2)Westerners generally feel that the rights of individuals should not be subordinated to the needs of a larger group .People in collectivist cultures are generally more willing to accept the idea that individuals should sacrifice for the benefit of the group.(3)Westerners tend to believe that individuals should make decisions for themselves, and that individuals should take credit responsibility for what they are personally done. People in collectivist cultures tend to feel more that they are representative of their group, and to accept more responsibility for other members of their groups too.(4)Westerners tend to view individualism as a good thing .The Chinese term for “individualism,” geren zhuyi, often has a somewhat negative connotation, and is sometimes used as a synonym for “selfishness”.5. Why is it said that Americans are selfish? Do you think they are selfish? why or why not?Because Chinese term for “individualism,” geren zhuyi, often has a somewhat negative connotation, and is sometimes used as a synonym for “selfishness”.No, I dont think so .Individualism refers to the doctrine that the rights of the individual are the most important ones in a society .The word “individualism” has no negative connotation ,in fact ,its connotation is somewhat positive .6. Are all the Westerners individualists? Are all the Chinese collectivists? (P20 para20)Saying that Western culture is individualist does not mean that all Westerners are always individualist. Rather, it means that Westerners are more likely to think and act in individualist ways than people in collectivist cultures are. The difference between individualist and collectivist cultures is relative, not absolute.Case study1.Would you please help Shi Hai interpret the Chinese saying he mentioned?Common fame is seldom to blame; shoot the bird which takes the lead; The outstanding usually bear the brunt of attack. 2. Would you please make suitable explanations for his declining the promotion so that Joe would understand him?Chinese people respect collectivism and emphasize cooperation, so individual success is due to the collective effort of the staff in a unit .so he thinks he should not receive the honor personally.Unit3 BKey concepts：A member of many groups 各种群体中的成员Impermanence暂时 Personal goals个人目标/Individual needs个人需求 Responsibilities 职责A series of concentric circles 一系列同心圆 Stable 稳固 Connection VS contract关系和合约Comprehension questions1. What are the characteristics of American social relationship?Impermanent and loose, individuals needs come first, contractual and compartmentalized.2. Why is American social relationship impermanent?They are members of many groups simultaneously. If they personal goals are no longer being met by a group,they move on and probably look to new associates for the benefits they used to receive from the former group.3. Can you draw a picture to illustrate the pattern of Chinese social relationship? Who are in the inner most part and who are in the outside ? what is the difference between each part?I and family are in the inner most part while everyone else in the geographic area or nation or world are in the outside. the difference between inner and out side is from most important to least important.4. What are the different understanding of friend between Chinese and American? 1). Americans have casual, friendly relationships with many people , but deeper, close friendships with only a few. (para8) American friendships tend to be very compartmentalized because they are based on a shared activity, event, or experience. (para9) 2). Chinese are likely to react more to the other person as a whole and will avoid forming friendships with those whose values and behaviors are in some way deemed undesirable. (para10)5. Do you think friendship shares some common elements in different cultures? If you do, what are they?Answer is open. Both regard friendship as a very important thing to individuals.Case 1 Because Jackson thinks friendship is mostly a matter of providing emotional support and spend time together . Its not appropriate for the Americans to use personal connections to help a friend get something hard to obtain. This situation creates dependence of one person on the other and it goes against the principle of equality.Case 2 1. Not really, just because their children like to play together, these two women plan to get together at each others houses. 2. They are common friends. a). American friendships are based on a shared activity, event, or experience. b). They view themselves and others as a composite of distinct interests. c). Their children like to play together, so they have some common interests. d). They may get together just because their kids would enjoy that.Case3 Q1.They broken their friendship because they finished they common chemistry class and didnt see each other very much at school. No one should be blamed for it because the different culture between Jordan and the United States lead to different attitudes to friendship. Q2.No I dont think so. Because American friendship is impermanent and based on a shared class, activity or event .If one drop out of it, they may lose contact with the friends with whom they shared that activity.Unit5AKey concepts：Gentleness and benevolence温柔与仁慈 harmony 和谐 violence and cruelty暴力和残酷 conquest over nature征服自然exquisiteness and taste 精致和品位nutrition and balance 均衡营养 pragmatism实用主义1. What are the functions of chopsticks?Chopsticks can nip, pick, rip and stir food.2. What are the possible reasons for Americansuse of forks and knives at dinner?The ancestors of many Western countries lived by hunting. Meat was their basic food source and gradually took the place of staple food. They had to use forks and knives to cut and pork their food.3. Why do Chinese pay more attention to the taste of food? That appeals to the traditional ideology of China. Confucius emphasized the delight that food could bring to us. The standards of quality and taste that Confucius recommended required the perfect blend of ingredients, herbs and condiments-a blend which would result in the perfect combination of flavor.4. Why do Americans pay more attention to nutrition?Under the influence of pragmatism, food or eating is just a way to keep healthy to Westerners, having little to do with artistry. What they care about most is the nutrition contained in food and the balance of the whole diet structure rather than exquisiteness in cuisine and taste of food.5. Do you know why vegetables became the staple food of the Chinese, while meat became the main food of Americans? 1. Historically, China is an agricultural country, while the ancestors of Americans lived by hunting. 2. Environmentally, China has a large amount of population and lack of land to support a cattle industry. America has an abundance of fertile, flat land for grazing cattle and food production. Case Study: 1.Why did Ling Hongs mother keep on encouraging Susan to eat more even after Susan refused? In Chinese culture, Ling Hongs mother kept on encouraging Susan to eat more is to show the hospitality of the host to Susan. 2.Why did Susan feel embarrassed when Ling Hongs mother put some food in her bowl with her chopsticks? Because in western culture, food is usually served separately to each person-partly for hygiene reasons and partly due to individualism. Unit6 AKey concepts ：1.Creativity: 创造力the ability to use your imagination to produce new ideas, make things.2.Exploring:探索 1)、to discuss or think about something carefully； 2)、to travel around an area in order to find out about it； 3)、writtento feel something with your hand or