Teaching Asian Texts

Asian texts reflect the area’s increasing economic and cultural significance. Asian statistics are certainly impressive; encompassing a third of the earth’s land mass, two thirds of the world’s population and some of the fastest growing economies across the globe.  Asia also has a long and rich cultural and historical heritage which has not always featured highly in school curriculums, especially texts that are actually written by Asians rather than texts written about Asia.

 Incorporating Asian studies into schools and university courses recognises the growing importance inter-relationships between Asia and the West. The New 7-10 Secondary English Curriculum being implemented into NSW high schools this year, reflects the trend for increasing Asian consciousness in schools in Australia and elsewhere. Varied influences account for this educational shift, including globalisation, migration and multi-culturalism. Asian backgrounds also now represent nearly 10% of the Australian population. Mixed cultural heritage and the ongoing refugee crisis around the world make Asian studies a relevant contemporary issue in English classes with both literary, non-fiction and media texts.

Using more Asian texts within the classroom helps develop awareness of important concepts relating to Asia, including the need to challenge stereotypes, racism and cultural prejudice. Examining Asian poetry, prose and film prompts discussion and understanding of differing traditions, beliefs and experience. Examining different types of contextual background could be another area that would engage students. What is needed however is a list of suitable texts written by Asian composers that draws responders into a new world of experience.

Most schools currently teach at least a few texts with Asian themes such as junior year texts like 'Bend It Like Beckham' or 'Chinese Cinderella'. It would be helpful to have the names of other suitable texts for older students, especially poems and short stories that might be useful for more complex language analysis, that teachers could consider using. If you have any good suggestions, send them through and I can post a list for others to use and/or add to. Meanwhile, in the last few days before school resumes, I will continue reading  'Mao's Last Dancer' by Li Cunxin and 'Unpolished Gem' by Alice Pung.

Regards

Barbara