ABSTRACT

In this article, we discuss three cross-cultural memoirs used in three different university courses that introduced students to the complex identities that form both inside and outside of language classrooms. In arguing for the value of using such memoirs as content in university courses, we provide a detailed thematic analysis of Peter Hessler’s River Town; Elaine Mar’s Paper Daughter; and Binyavanga Wainaina’s One Day I Will Write about This Place, and evaluate classroom activities and assignments that drew on these memoirs. Specifically, we highlight how reading them allowed students to understand fundamental themes in language learning and teaching and multiple ideological, institutional, and social levels of influence. Drawing on these frameworks, we make a case for employing cross-cultural memoirs to wrestle with the complexities inherent in teaching and learning English in courses across the curriculum.

摘要

在本文中，我们讨论了在三门不同的大学课程中使用的三种跨文化回忆录，向学生介绍了语言教室内部和外部形成的复杂身份。为了在大学课程中使用这些回忆录作为内容的价值，我们对彼得·黑斯勒的《河镇》进行了详细的主题分析。Elaine Mar的纸女儿；和Binyavanga Wainaina的《我要写这个地方的一天》，并评估这些回忆录中的课堂活动和作业。具体来说，我们重点介绍阅读它们如何使学生理解语言学习和教学中的基本主题以及在意识形态，制度和社会上的多重影响。利用这些框架，我们为运用跨文化回忆录提供了一个案例，以解决整个课程中英语教学中固有的复杂性。