Why does my English writing sound so Chinese?

1. Why does my English writing sound so Chinese? Chingting Chen Proceedings of the CATESOL State Conference, 2006

2. 1. Basic Composition Structure • The basic English composition structure is “introduction-body-conclusion” • the Chinese structure is “beginning-following-turning-concluding” (qi-cheng-zhuan-he).

3. Introduction vs. Qi • English: The first paragraph (introduction) introduces the topic • Chinese: Qimeans the beginning of an essay, in which there is a topic partly related to the theme

4. Body vs. Cheng-Zhuan • English: The body of the essay gives further details on the topic • Chinese: The role of cheng is to follow the beginning paragraph and amplify it

5. Body vs. Cheng-Zhuan • Chinese: In zhuan, the whole essay turns in another direction • The topic will be addressed from a different perspective, in order to surprise the reader • This DOES NOT HAPPEN in English!

6. Conclusion vs. He • English: The conclusion summarizes the topic and causes the reader to continue thinking about the topic • Chinese: He, concludesthe previous paragraph with a particular point which refers to the theme of the essay. • A good he is powerful and short, providing the reader with a great insight and also some space to ponder the theme

7. 2. Introduction of the theme • to English readers, Chinese writing seems to delay the introduction of the theme (often topic sentence is placed in the last paragraph) • to Chinese readers, English writing seems to introduce the theme too early (last sentence of the first paragraph)

8. 3. Way of organizing thinking • a Chinese writer’s thinking may be inductive (indirect) • First provides details and then offers main argument in the conclusion • an English writer’s thinking is deductive (direct) • First provide the main argument and then offer specific details for support

9. 4. Difference in conclusion • a Chinese conclusion tends to end with a statement unrelated to the thesis. • an English conclusion tends to reassert the thesis in different words

10. 5. Tone of Writing • The tone of Chinese writing is reserved • being reserved is seen as humility, which a good writer should possess • Chinese are not expected to express opinions directly • seems ambiguous (not clear) • The tone of English writing is straightforward

11. 6. Responsibility • Chinese is a reader-responsible language • Chinese readers are responsible for interpreting essays to understand the deeper meanings and appreciate the artistic beauty • English is a writer-responsible language • English writing requires the writer to make the ideas clear

12. 7. Contrasting Values • collectivism versus individualism • To Chinese, maintaining relationship is very important. • Chinese believe that they live for not only themselves but also the society. • Therefore, Chinese writers tend to call for the collective good. • In an essay about teaching students English, a Chinese writer may write: We have to always remember that it is our full responsibility to give our next generation a bright future

13. 7. Contrasting Values • collectivism versus individualism • Westerners tend to express their voice without worrying about breaking relationship with others because individual rights are highly recognized in Western society

14. 8. Use of personal anecdotes • Chinese tend not to use personal anecdotes as often as Westerners

15. 9. Use of person pronouns • Chinese ESL students overuse the first person plural pronoun we when the first person singular pronoun I is more appropriate • In English, using we without specifically mentioning whom it refers is considered ineffective • We is too vague

16. 10. Use of well known Chinese quotations • Chinese writers cite proverbs, maxims, and fixed phrases • Chinese ESL students use as the saying goes, • to Chinese, using well known quotes make the writer seem more knowledgeable • English writers tend to use original wording