The Impact of Cultural Thought Patterns Upon English Writing

Abstract

Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are the four basic skills that English learners are required to master. Chinese learners often complain that they are frustrated by the enormous difficulties in English writing because it is a complex and dynamic process. In terms of macro approach, English writing has been closely related to several fields such as second language acquisition, English teaching, cross-cultural communication, and discourse analysis. In terms of micro approach, English writing has been affected by individual differences like language proficiency and cultural knowledge. This thesis mainly discusses the impact of cultural thought patterns upon L2 writing. In general, Chinese students are more inclined to employ inductive strategy in their English writing while westerners favor deductive strategy. Chinese L2 writing is, in general, less objective and credible.