美国21世纪的“5C”外语教育

U.S. 5C foreign language education in the 21st century

为了提高美国学生的外语能力以适应经济全球化的需要，美国教育界和外语界制订了(21世纪外语学习目标》，即：Communication(交际)，Cultures(文化)．Connections(贯连)，Comparisons(比较)和Communities(社区)。外语课堂教学内除语言和文化知识外，还包括交际策略、学习策略、其他学科知识、思维能办和现代科技。大学外语教学也受到了挑战，跨学科课程、过渡课程和双学位课程将受到学生的青睐。美国21世纪的外语学习目标对我国的英语教学改革有一定的借鉴和促进作用。

To help American students improve their language competency and meet the demands of globalization of the world economy, the U.S. Department of Education and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, through collaborative efforts, designed and published Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21 st Century which identifies five goal areas in foreign language education, i.e., Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities. The Standards require a much broader definition of the content of the foreign language classroom. The students should be given ample opportunities to explore, develop and use communication strategies, learning strategies, critical thinking skills, and skills in technology, as well as the appropriate elements of the language system and culture. Colleges and universities have an exciting challenge to redesign programs in new and innovative ways. Courses favored by college students include Language Courses Across the Curriculum, Bridge Courses, Content Courses, and Courses in dual degree programs. The English teaching reform in China could make use of and gain impetus from the U.S. standards for foreign language learning.