Cultural Background Knowledge and English Teaching

Culture background knowledge in English teaching arose in eighties of the twentieth century. It has been closely linked with the reformation and open in China. With the increase of exchange between China and English speaking countries resulting from the reform and opening policy to the outside world, people have come to find that due to the lack of profound knowledge of the culture of the English speaking, "cultural shock"or "cultural conflict" often arises when Chinese people communicate with Westerners, which leads to the realization that the pure-linguistic centered English teaching form cannot meet the demands of the social development any longer. Culture teaching must be introduced into English teaching in order to learn English language well and communicate well.This essay explains the importance of the cultural background knowledge teaching through analyzing the relationship of the language and culture as well as communicating barrier caused by the cultural differences, and it also submits falsifiable suggestions about how to introduce background knowledge into English teaching.

Cultural Landscape Evolution of Traditional Agricultural Villages in North China——Case of Qianzhai Village in Shandong Province

Agricultural village is an important rural type in China. The evolution process and mechanism of its cultural landscape are different from those of the industrialized village. The paper focuses this theme by a case study of Qianzhai Village of Qufu City, Shangdong Province. In the case of Qianzhai Village, the evolution of its settlement has experienced three stages: mechanical expansion, sprawling expansion and hollowing, and recentralization. The land- scape evolution of residents' houses has undergone three phases: traditional quadrangle house, one-storied house and multistoried house. The evolution of its land use has experienced three stages: circled stratification, fragment and intensive use, and concentration and extensive use. We can see that the main driving factors of cultural landscape evolu- tion of agricultural village are the changes of rural population, society, economy and culture, which are influenced by the change of urban-rural relation, the national modernization process and economic development, the reform of family planning and land system, and the changes in governmental policies. In the future, the modernization, ecological trend, and individualization for residents' houses of agricultural villages in China will develop step by step. The recentralization of settlement and the scaled, sustainable, intensive land use are likely to be the trends of agricultural villages in China.

Evolution of Campus Form from the Perspective of Knowledge Science

Through analyzing influence of various factors on spatial form of campus, the author proposed from the perspective of knowledge science that orientation and mode of knowledge activities play a decisive role in the spatial form evolution of campus, and then demonstrated the viewpoint by elaborating spatial form evolution history of campuses of different ages in different regions. On this basis, the future development trend of campus form in the information era was explored.

Assessment of knowledge,cultural beliefs,and behavior regarding medication safety among residents in Harbin,China

BACKGROUND Medication misuse or overuse is significantly associated with poor health outcomes.Information regarding the knowledge,cultural beliefs,and behavior about medication safety in the general population is important.AIM To conduct a survey on medication habits and explored the potential factors impacting medication safety.METHODS The current survey included adults from 18 districts and counties in Harbin,China.A questionnaire on medication safety was designed based on knowledge,cultural beliefs,and behavior.Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the factors that impacted medication safety.RESULTS A total of 394 respondents completed the questionnaires on medication safety.The mean scores for knowledge,cultural beliefs,and behavior about medication safety were 59.41±19.33,40.66±9.24,and 60.97±13.69,respectively.The medication knowledge score was affected by age(P=0.044),education(P<0.001),and working status(P=0.015).Moreover,the cultural beliefs score was significantly affected by education(P<0.001).Finally,education(P=0.003)and working status(P=0.011)significantly affected the behavior score.CONCLUSION The knowledge,cultural beliefs,and behavior about medication safety among the general population was moderate.Health education should be provisioned for the elderly,individuals with a low education level,and the unemployed to improve medication safety in Harbin,China.

NATIONAL KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION SYSTEMS: EVOLUTION, DEFINITION AND INDICATORS

The paper examines the three stages of the evolution of national innovation systems: national technology innovation systems, national innovation systems and national knowledge innovation systems. A national knowledge innovation system is a network of institutions and organizations which jointly or individually contributes to the knowledge innovation (including scientific and technical knowledge innovation). The author stresses that knowledge innovation will occur in all processes of the produc-tion, transmission and use of knowledge. There are four subsystems in this system: scientific knowledge innovation, technical knowledge innovation, knowledge trans-mission and knowledge use subsystem. The author also lists some indicators for the System.

Cultural knowledge of forests and allied tree system management around Mabira Forest Reserve,Uganda

The cultural universe is sometimes confusing,surprising and murky,so many cultural maps get drawn,discussed and envisioned.A study was undertaken around Mabira Forest Reserve in central Uganda to identify the trees and shrubs culturally managed on-farm,assess the cultural practices of forest and tree system management and determine the relationship between farmer gender and forest and tree system management.We engaged 203 farmers in focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data.Qualitative data were jointly evaluated with farmers;quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0.The results showed a high likelihood for involvement of local people in tree or forest management for economic gain,as timber and fast-growing species were highly ranked.Food and medicinal species were also regarded as important,suggesting high prospects of integrating them into the local farming system or protecting them in the forest.Numerous cultural practices(including rituals,trenching,bark slashing,ring barking,spot weeding and use of organic manure and pesticides)of forest and tree system management were acknowledged.However,their knowledge was mixed and unclear about distinct cultural and supportive arrangements for natural forest and tree restoration.While gender was not a significant cultural attribute for knowledge of the forest and allied tree system management,age substantially affected farmer propensity for various timber products.Also farmer’s family size influenced the collection of tree wildings and fodder.We encourage considering gender disparities and livelihood needs including income,during selection of cultural practices for forest and tree restoration.

Vocal Variability of Chaffinch Song (<i>Fringilla coelebs</i>L.) as a Condition of Cultural Evolution in Local Populations

There are such characteristics of a matter of the nature, as variability and stability (tradition, norm). Probably, these opposites process as if other qualities of different forms of energy also create “movement” development. Thus the given properties of a matter of the nature can be considered at different levels of its organization. The singing of many passerine birds is incontrovertible feature of their life which determines and builds a reproductive cycle. By studying song repertoire of many sparrow species in details, it was revealed that the individual has not only one, but some types of songs. Thus spring singing represents the multifunctional phenomenon and can bear (carry) various values. The singing is not only a means of attracting females, but also a means of intimidation of the contender and delimitation of nested territory. Variants or types of species-specific song are individually various and distributed between individuals of a population. The complex interrelation of geographical variability of chaffinch song in many respects gives a support at an evolutionary view in the given aspect.

The Impacts of Co-creation of Local Culture English Books on EFL 5th Graders＇ English Vocabulary Ability and Local Cultural Knowledge

The purpose of this study aims to explore the impacts of task-based co-creation of local picture books on facilitating the development of vocabulary ability and cultural knowledge ofEFL 5th graders with different English proficiency levels in Taiwan. Twenty-one 5th graders participated in this study forty minutes per week, lasting for sixteen weeks. They were required to co-create English picture books of Pinghu through thematic task-based activities. Research data required for the study were collected through the pre-/post-tests of vocabulary and cultural knowledge, a participants＇ feedback questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews. The results of this study showed that after experimental instruction, EFL 5th graders significantly improved their recognition of the connection between English word sounds and word meanings, word meanings and word forms, word forms and word meanings, as well as spellings. Moreover, their local cultural knowledge was improved significantly as well. Furthermore, based upon the 5th graders＇ responses to questionnaire and semi-structure interview, most of them developed a very positive attitude towards the activities of co-creating local picture books and their interest, self-confidence in English writing, and English learning behavior. Based on the findings, some suggestions were offered for the pedagogical applications and future studies.

The Basic Role of Cultural Knowledge of Both the Source and Target Culture in Translation

Cultural knowledge of both the source and target culture plays a significant role in the translation. For the reason that translation is an activity of cross-cultural communication, cultural knowledge can bring the important impact on translation, including facilitating the quality of translation, overcoming cultural barriers and equipping translators as qualified intercultural communicators. From above aspects, cultural knowledge is taking up a dominant position in translation and influencing translation effectively.

On the Relationship between the Evolution of Technological Firms and Their Knowledge Development Regimes

Differences in knowledge regimes and growth dynamics amongst four ideal types of knowledge based firms are analyzed. Two aspects of technological knowledge, technological opportunity and appropriability are traditionally seen as vital to understand the incentives for research and development activities in firms. However, they do not fully define the technology regimes, when one asks how the knowledge based firm competes. Therefore, the dynamic nature of firm capabilities and knowledge development in terms of expansion and in terms of deepening are also discussed. These two additional aspects of knowledge implies that even if all firms in an industry can be considered to be knowledge intensive these firms do also differ. Using cases of entrepreneurial start-up firms in Sweden, we illustrate whether our conceptual ideas of knowledge development help us understand the diversity and contradictions of firm evolution. Our finding is that firm evolution and capability development is dependent upon both the potential for expanding knowledge, such as by innovations, and by deepening the understanding within established knowledge, such as by learning. This implies that the shaping of a science based industry must be seen in relation both to the value of current knowledge and capabilities together with the sometimes only limited and temporarily advantages of radical innovations.

The Importance of Cultural Background Knowledge in College English Teaching

In recent years,with the development of reform and open policy as well as the frequent foreign exchange,especially the enhancement of social informalization and the widespread of Internet,more and more people are involved in Intercultural communication.Change and requirement of the new age make more and more English teachers,especially the college English teachers,come to realize the important role of culture in English teaching.College English teaching should not merely limit in the language teaching and cultivating students' intercultural communication competence is more important.To know the cultural background knowledge is a significant aspect of cross-cultural communication and also an important aim of college English teaching.It requires college English teachers put cultural education on a significant position and combine the language teaching and culture teaching together,so as to cultivate students' language competence in intercultural communication.

The Study of Knowledge-sharing Practices of Chinese Universities from the Perspective of Cross-Cultural Communication

With the increasing globalization and international communication,numerous overseas students and visiting scholars study and exchange knowledge in Chinese universities.They confront the challenge of how to effectively deal with the knowledge sharing in a cross- cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to examine knowledge sharing in Chinese universities in the cross-communication setting. First,the concepts of cross-cultural communication and knowledge sharing are briefly introduced. The paper explores the internal and external factors affecting knowledge sharing in Chinese universities. The findings show the strategies of knowledge sharing that should be employed,including promoting mutual trust,establishing knowledge sharing culture,the incentive and rewards system and the ShareNet platform.

Historical Evolution and Innovation of Supply of Rural Public Cultural Service in China

Based on the analysis of main body,decision making and financing mode concerning the supply of public cultural services in rural areas,we divide historical evolution of rural public cultural services in China into three periods:(i) The period from the founding of New China to the period before " Cultural Revolution" ;(ii) The period from " Cultural Revolution" to the period before the reform and opening-up;(iii) The period after the reform and opening-up.We analyze the defects in the supply of rural public cultural services in China:(i) Difference in the supply of public cultural services between urban and rural areas,caused by urban-rural " dual" structure;(ii) Insufficient supply of rural public cultural services,arising from unclear property rights and executive power of government at all levels;(iii) Structural imbalance in the supply of rural public cultural services,caused by top-down supply decision making mechanism;(iv) Single financing channels of rural public cultural services.From input,decision making,demand expression,financing and endogenous mechanism of supply of rural public cultural services,we put forward the recommendations for improving the supply of public cultural services in China.

On Developing a Vigorous Cultural Environment for Knowledge Innovation

The development of an innova-tion-oriented culture is one of thefive objectives set by the ChineseAcademy of Sciences (CAS) for itsKnowledge Innovation Program(KIP). It falls in line with the call

Occupational Safety Culture Index (OSCI)——measuring the community and employees awareness,attitude and knowledge towards workplace safety and health in Hong Kong SAR

Promoting occupational safety and health in Hong Kong,Special Administrative Region of China is an important and ongoing mission. As the major organization with statutory responsibilities,the Occupational Safety and Health Council understand the importance to strengthen and cultivate our safety culture. It is widely believed that numbers of occupational related diseases and injuries could be prevented with the improvement of the awareness and attitudes of the employees and the public. Therefore,a comprehensive and in-depth study to monitor the occupational health and safety level and status of the community and working population is needed. Objectives: Our Council has developed the Occupational Safety Culture Index ( OSCI) to measure the current level of community and workplace safety and health awareness,knowledge and attitude. Benchmarking measures of the key safety performance indicators are to be derived thereof. Methods: A territory-wide random telephone survey was conducted to assess the community and employees'awareness,attitude and knowledge in 2008. A structured questionnaire was designed with the content validity and reliability assessed before the survey administration. A series of quality control approaches were also applied to assure the quality of the fieldwork and the reliability of the data. Results: 1,531 eligible participants'data were collected and computed into 2 types of composite indices,Occupational Safety Culture Index ( Community) ( OSCIC) and Occupational Safety Culture Index (Workplace) (OSCIW) . With the maximum score of index at 100,the overall score of OSCIC is 66. 9 and the OSCIW is 61. 3 in Hong Kong. Achievements: OSCI served as an effective management tool to measure the safety culture in Hong Kong. With a representative sample and high quality study control and validated assessment approaches,the OSCI and the sub-indices are reliable indicators to assess the effectiveness of safety culture enhancement strategy and the OSH intervention measures.

Evolution of Environmental Culture Characteristics in Construction of New Countryside:Case in Beautiful Country of Yuezhao Community,Zhongshan District

Beautiful country of Yuezhao Community,Zhongshan District is taken as the case.By digging cultural characteristics and connotation of historic buildings and integrating historical culture resources,protection region of historic site is formed.By analyzing construction condition and environment of status quo and combining surrounding natural environment,greening and activity places are arranged in the area unsuitable for construction,and landscape node rich in local culture characteristics is created.In the planning,it should sufficiently respect layout of the existing buildings,making planning region become a new rural residential community in the new era that local culture atmosphere is rich;the planned buildings have the same skin textures with original buildings and harmoniously coexist with natural environment.

The Multilinear Evolution of Folk Culture:Rendition and Diffusion

Shaanxi is the cradle of Chinese culture,whose folk culture has long won the world’s attention.More research efforts have been attracted to this field particularly after China’s initiative of Chinese culture“going global”.Taking as examples some Shaanxi folk culture on the representative list of national intangible cultural heritage,the paper explores its multilinear routes of cross-cultural evolution via rendering and diffusing from the perspective of cultural ecology in an attempt to highlight difficulties and corresponding solutions.The research findings of this paper may shed light on more Chinese culture’s rendition and diffusion in methodology and paradigm,helping it leap over language hurdles to be means of cross-cultural communication,effectively and efficiently.

Cultivate Talents with Both Noble Qualities and Knowledge of Chinese and Western Culture——Exclusive Interview with Professor Yin Meiqun, Dean of the Business School of Beijing International Studies University

Although it was frigid outside mid-winter, classrooms in the Business School of Beijing International Studies University are still as warm as spring,because of the passionate teachers and students. Professors were conducting lectures in English, as the students listen carefully and occasionally answered the questions posed in fluent English.If hearing their voices only, audiences might easily mistake that they were in a university in an English-speaking country.'