Recently, the International Department of High School Attached to Shandong Normal University(AHS) held the 8th lecture of IEC series. The theme is"Cultures of Different Parts of America”. This lecture was attended by Caitlin as the guest speaker. Four headteachers, the US teaching team as well as students in Grade 2015 and 2016 from the International Department attended this lecture.

First of all, by using an English video, Caitlin put forward the differentiation and diversity of customs and habits throughout the United States. In the video, a reporter from the United States interviewed people in different parts of the United States by telephone to show their differences in dialects and thinking patterns by answering the same question. This humorous video helped students to understand the theme of this lecture quickly. Then, Caitlin explained the unique customs of the United States in detail by means of illustrations, with particular reference to the regionally spoken expressions such as "Fo 'shizzle" on the west coast of the United States, "you betcha!"in the central and western regions, "Chiefin" on the East Coast, and "Y'all" on the south side of the United States. This allowed the students to experience more intuitively the similarities and differences between written English and spoken English and slang. Eventually, Caitlin led a group discussion, raised specific questionsand discussed them with students together.

The Integrated Enrichment Classes (IEC) is an extracurricular cultural and educational activity prepared by the US Educational Department for the international students. It is intended to teach students about American history and American culture on a regular basis through lectures, so as to broaden their horizons, increase their knowledge and provide them with full cultural knowledge reserves.

Written by Rooney Liu

Photographed by Chen Donglei

Translated by Rooney Liu

Revised by Feng Zhao

Web Edited by Yang Hua