Hi 歡迎各位朋友來到「文化英語沙龍」學習文化英語! 文化英語領域廣泛,但它是筆者研究所時期研究的領域之一,文化研究是很有趣的東西,而且也與身邊時事習習相關,包含時尚、電影、遊戲、媒體這些等等都是可以討論的主題。現在,先來簡單定義一下文化英語是什麼?又是用在哪裡?
Cultural English refers to the English language as it is used within the context of a particular culture. This includes not only the language itself, but also the social customs, values, beliefs, and practices associated with English-speaking countries. Understanding cultural English is crucial for effective communication, as it helps learners to comprehend the subtleties of the language and to avoid misunderstandings that can arise from cultural differences. Cultural English encompasses a wide range of elements, from idioms and slang to literature and media. By developing cultural English skills, learners can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of English-speaking cultures and become more effective communicators in a globalized world.
在談論文化英語時,需考慮到它的上下文及背景,故它通常會指涉一特定文化,而且不單指語言本身。這段提到
“This includes not only the language itself, but also the social customs, values, beliefs, and practices associated with English-speaking countries.”
「 the social customs, values, beliefs, and practices」:社會習俗、價值觀、信仰和實踐,Customs另外也有通關、關務之意,在這上下文裡是指習俗: Learning about the customs of English-speaking countries is an important part of developing cultural English skills. (了解英語國家的風俗習慣是培養英語文化技能發展的重要部分。)
Practices就是指實行的方法及手段,Practices: Correct ideas come from social practice. (正確的思想來自社會實踐。)
社會實踐又是什麼? 通常就是指透過某種手段及方法,將自身理念或價值觀傳達於社會,形成一種社會影響力。像許多名人會透過自己的IG、基金會或直播,去宣傳某些信念等等。
“Understanding cultural English is crucial for effective communication...”
「effective communication」:有效的溝通,真的在不同文化背景下,因不了解對方文化背景而產生溝通不良或誤解是很常發生的。Effective communication: Team player with effective communication skills. (富有團隊合作精神,良好的協調和溝通能力。)
“Cultural English encompasses a wide range of elements, from idioms and slang to literature and media.”
「from idioms and slang to…」:從一般的成語和俚語,到…
Idioms一般就是指在每個國家都有它們的慣用語甚至是方言,可能是非正式但廣為人們使用的。It was an idiom he'd caught from Michael Jordon. (這是他從邁克爾·喬丹那兒學來的一句口頭禪。)
The little play was sprinkled with humour and local idiom. (這個用了本地方言的短劇很幽默風趣。)
通常方言有另一個比較正式及更精確的用字:dialect,比如粗魯的方言,就可以講 a vulgar dialect. 而slang也是指俚語,但更偏向更本土,甚至行話或黑話這種。比如我們近年很常聽到YT不時在講某家餐廳好chill,就是一種美國俚語,它正式講就是很relax,很舒服的意思,但chill本身是寒冷之意。是不是差很多呀?! ^^
這邊提到從俚語到文學及媒體都是屬於文化英語的範圍領域。因此,接下來幾周就會從文學及媒體來聊聊。希望透過今天簡短的介紹,能學習一些好用的英文字及英文說法,並了解文化英語的定義是什麼。