An investigation of the process of language teaching as communication in a cross-cultural context shows that there is potential for misunderstanding. Examples of types of errors that are pragmatic rather than grammatical are discussed. A model is presented to help understand the pragmatic error. (DF)

Seeks to define the study of Canadian cultural history, tracing the development of cultural history from the Enlightenment to the present. Discusses books on cultural history that had an impact on theories of culture and society. Ties this general discussion of cultural history and its roots to Canadian cultural history. (RW)

Recent trends in French society are outlined, focusing on the decline of major institutions (the state, political parties, unions, education, and church), the decline of civic consciousness, the cult of money and competition, the cult of the media, evolution of social classes, and changes in the role of the family. (MSE)

Describes the German health insurance system which is mandatory for nearly all German citizens. Explains that, along with pension, accident, and unemployment insurance, health insurance is one of four pillars of the German national social security system. Asserts that controlling costs while maintaining high health care standards is a national…

Presents an interview with Bell Yung, a scholar of Chinese music and ethnomusicology. Maintains that world music (music from many nations and cultures) should be taught as early as possible in the schools and at home. Includes two lesson plans for teaching about Chinese music. (CFR)

A value orientations approach is used in this report to construct an overview of Haitian culture and its relation to education. The paper consists of five major sections. The first introduces cultural value orientations as a conceptual scheme. Culture is defined as the learned patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that make life meaningful…

Reports on a study of 102 Israeli males, ages 22-30, on the relationship between religiosity and the obligation work norm. Finds that the level of obligation to work was significantly higher in the religious group than in the nonreligious group. (CFR)

Describes one teacher's experience teaching English in Japan, and the effect of this experience on his current teaching style in an American high school. Notes that he now injects Japanese culture into class discussion and frequently compares and contrasts English literature, language and cultural history with that of Japanese. (JG)

This document presents a comparative analysis of education in Japan and the United States. The report explores differences between U.S. and Japanese culture. While the United States may be characterized by its diversity, Japanese culture is distinctive in the extent of its uniformity. Japan, moreover, has a highly centralized educational system;…

It is argued that a method for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) combining the communicative approach with the traditional grammatical orientation and Chinese teaching traditions may be more effective than any one of these single approaches in the Chinese educational and cultural context. The resulting approach is termed the…

Maintains that story telling, one of the oldest teaching tools, is still valuable today. Students can develop listening skills by hearing stories about tricksters that appear in folk culture throughout the world. Presents summaries of seven stories about Asian tricksters. (CFR)

College and university fundraisers are recognizing their international alumni's willingness as donors, but making the most of these potential donors requires explaining the concept of philanthropy, unknown in some cultures, researching prospects through a variety of sources, and preparing carefully for the cultural context of meetings overseas.…

This booklet is a basic introduction to the people, history, and culture of Bosnia (a republic of the former Yugoslavia), with a particular focus on Bosnian Moslems. The booklet is designed primarily for American service providers and sponsors. Particular sections address the following: the Bosnian people; geography; history; educational and…

The teachers' guide to the "Intermediate Pashto" textbook (FL 019 797) contains notes for the teacher on each of the fourteen units and sub-sections of the textbook. Unit and section headings are in English and Pashto; virtually all text is in Pashto. (MSE)

Describes a student exchange program in which 8 Canadian and 80 U.S. high school students visited Germany for 3 weeks. Contends that the students came to understand and believe that a unified Europe was part of their future. Argues that studying Germany and Europe helps prepare students for life in an interdependent world. (CFR)