This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English pu...This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English public speaking has become a sought-after subject because of its value in today's globalized world. Focusing on English as a working language, it strengthens core skills and competencies not just in oral communication, but also in writing, listening, critical thinking, intercultural communicative competence, and overall English proficiency. Grounded in the Western discipline of rhetoric, it is being localized in China through creative adaptation by teachers and students alike.展开更多
Well known to students of rhetoric,classics,and the history of education,Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory also merits the attention of EFL teachers and scholars who deal with public speaking and written composition...Well known to students of rhetoric,classics,and the history of education,Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory also merits the attention of EFL teachers and scholars who deal with public speaking and written composition.Although created in ancient Rome 2,000 years ago,the Institutes is replete with insights that are as applicable today as in Quintilian’s time.After providing historical background on Quintilian and his masterwork,this article examines his comprehensive program of speech education,his explication of the symbiotic relationship between speech and writing,and his notion of the good person speaking(and writing)well as the ideal of ethical communication.In the process,it touches upon numerous issues germane to English language educators in China and to EFL teaching and research in general.展开更多
文摘This essay explores key issues and developments in the growth of English public speaking as a course in Chinese higher education. Growing initially out of interest generated by national speech competitions, English public speaking has become a sought-after subject because of its value in today's globalized world. Focusing on English as a working language, it strengthens core skills and competencies not just in oral communication, but also in writing, listening, critical thinking, intercultural communicative competence, and overall English proficiency. Grounded in the Western discipline of rhetoric, it is being localized in China through creative adaptation by teachers and students alike.
文摘Well known to students of rhetoric,classics,and the history of education,Quintilian’s Institutes of Oratory also merits the attention of EFL teachers and scholars who deal with public speaking and written composition.Although created in ancient Rome 2,000 years ago,the Institutes is replete with insights that are as applicable today as in Quintilian’s time.After providing historical background on Quintilian and his masterwork,this article examines his comprehensive program of speech education,his explication of the symbiotic relationship between speech and writing,and his notion of the good person speaking(and writing)well as the ideal of ethical communication.In the process,it touches upon numerous issues germane to English language educators in China and to EFL teaching and research in general.