Using Chinese Classics for Intercultural Communicative Competence

Book excerpt: Using Chinese Classics for Intercultural Communicative Competence presents new strategies and tools for integrating Mandarin language teaching with fostering intercultural competencies through contemporary, global lenses on Chinese classic texts. Chinese classic texts are canonical works in Chinese culture published before 1911. They offer a window into deeply held cultural values which learners of the Chinese language would benefit from studying to facilitate meaningful intercultural dialogues. With chapters covering classic Chinese texts, such as Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, and The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this book will demonstrate the value, importance, and feasibility of teaching Chinese classic works for ICC development in the Chinese world language classroom, and equip teachers with carefully planned, classroom-tested lesson models that demonstrate the innovative, integrative models advocated in this book. This book will be valuable for pre- and in-service Mandarin Chinese teachers across various institutional settings at different levels, looking for ready materials and professional development resources. The book can also be used as core material for teacher training programs.