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近几年高考中，包括英语学科在内的多个学科试题中均出现了对中华优秀传统文化的考查内容。

高考英语更重视考查学生阅读能力、跨文化交际能力和思维能力，让学生更加自信地用英语思维来表达和传承中国传统文化。

命题弘扬中华优秀传统文化，坚持以社会主义核心价值观为引领，与时代精神教育和革命传统教育相结合，与学习借鉴国外优秀文化成果相结合，增强中华优秀传统文化的生命力和影响力，促进学生的文化探究和创新意识，培育人文精神，增强中国文化自觉和文化自信，体现高考为国选人育人的重大使命，落实立德树人的根本任务。

近几年，高考英语试卷，特别是写作部分，多次出现对中国传统文化的考查，例如唐诗、剪纸等。2021年考查传统文化的的可能性依然很大！

通过分析研究历年高考真题，本文着重编辑在高考中容易考查的一些中国传统传统文化。而这些中国传统文化还未见较多考查，在备考复习时，可多在这些主题上下些功夫!

Ethnic Groups (民族)

It is said that the Chinese nation was created by a female god, she made clayfigures and gave lives to them. There are two heroes in Chinese history, the Yellow Emperor and Yan Emperor. Legends said that all

the Chinese are their descendants(后代)The Chinese nation is composed of 56 ethnic(少数民族) groups(minzu) with distinct features. Theseminzu are distributed all over China with their own traditions. Culturalcharacteristics of songs and dances of the Uyghur(维吾尔族), Water-Splashing Festival of the Dai, silverornaments(装饰品) of the Miao and theNaadam fair of the Mongolian(蒙古的) people. People use‘brothers’ to describe their relationship among different minzu. Brotherhoodmeans that different minzu live harmoniously as a huge family.

Chinese Names (姓名)

Chinese names (xing ming) are different from Western ones. The family names (surnames)come first and given names come last. People usually ask each other’s ‘xing ming’ when they meet. If they share the same family name, they believe that their ancestors were relatives 500 years ago. The family of Confucius is an example of Chinese family names.A young man can trace his family line to an ancestor who lived 2500 years ago. It is like a tree: leaves, branches and roots are connected by the family name. There are supposedly more than 20,000 family names in China. The secrets of where your ancestors came from and what they did are concealed in ‘xing ming’.

Family (家)

There is a pig and two people. The two people drive the pig into a house and raise it together. Thus making the Chinese character ‘jia’ which means family. In Chinese daily life, the whole family includes three generations: grandparents, parents and children live together. Taking care of each other, looking after the young and supporting the parents are the traditional value of Chinese people. You can easily find a typical Chinese jia all over the world.

Courtyard (四合院)

A courtyard residence(住宅) si he yuan, is a yard enclosed by houses in four directions. It is a closed residence with only one gate leading to the outside. Houses of the north are the largest ones and used as the owner’s bedrooms. Houses of the two flanks(翼) are the residences of their descendants. The arrangement represents the hierarchy(层级，等级制度) in a family. The screen wall stands behind the gate to protect the residents from wind-blown sand. Chinese believe that the screen wall can also ward off(避开) bad luck. Therefore, the wall is usually decorated exquisitely(精致得). The si he yuan is intended to unite all the family members to enjoy a harmonious and happy life together.

Alleyway (胡同)

“Excuse me, where is the Hutong?”

“You are right in it now. “

Hu tong, a type of narrow street or alley with houses on both sides is the most typical residence in Beijing. The hu tong is not only a traffic channel, but also the living area for ordinary people. It is the most peaceful place in this noisy city. People get along with each other in harmony. There used to be 4000 hu tongs in Beijing with a history of more than 800 years. Many hutongs have been replaced by modern buildings as the city developed. Only a few of them have been preserved, keeping the traditions and history of Beijing alive.

“The Hutongs in Beijing are so nice, I want to stay for some more days.”

Chinese Tea (茶)

Tea, cha is the beverage(饮料) most representative of Chinese culture. Proper etiquette(礼节) dictates the guests are treated to cha. Many outstanding Chinese poems were created in the company of cha. Originating in China, cha is divided into green tea, black tea, yellow tea, dark tea and white tea, according to its color. The procedures for drinking cha are delightful. Cha, water, wares and fire are indispensable(不可缺失的) when making cha. The shape, color and fragrance of cha are quite important. The fire should be clean without odour(气味). The china ware(瓷器) and purple clay tea sets are widely used. People feel closer to nature by drinking cha.

Chopsticks (筷子)

Chopsticks, kuai zi, are the most important eating utensils(餐具) in China. Chinese use them during each meal. They are made of single material with two sticks. They are made of wood or bamboo and use the theory of leverage(杠杆) to pick up various kinds of food easily. Manners are important when using chopsticks just like using forks and knives in the west. Chinese have used kuai zi for at least 3000 years. They have been spread to Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. The materials come from nature. They represent the wisdom of the Chinese.

Paper-Cutting (剪纸)

Long, long ago, there was poor scholar who wrote the character ‘fu’ or happiness’ on paper and his wife tore the character out. This is the origin of papercutting (jian zhi). The jian zhi crafts is considered to be one of the standards to identify a smart woman. People think a woman who is good at making delicate jian zhi is smart. Jian Zhi patterns come from daily life. Clipping(剪) and engraving(雕刻) are two skills used to make Jian Zhi. Intricate centres are important for jian zhi designs. Jian zhi is a popular folk art. Jian zhi expresses Chinese people’s wishes for happiness and good luck.

Chinese Silk (丝绸)

A kind of insect called silkworm produces white, raw silk threads. Chinese people collect these raw threads, create yarn(纱线) and weave(纺织) them. The silk fabrics are soft, smooth and light. It is the best material use in making dresses. A si chou dress 2000 years old was unearthed in a tomb. It weighed less than 50 grams and can be put into a matchbox. Westerners cherish Chinese si chou. It was introduced to Rome around 100 BC by merchants. The route they travelled is called the silk road. Compared with other material, si chou is more delicate and light. The clothes made of si chou are the most comfortable. Now si chou clothes are prominent(突出的) in modern fashions. Chinese si chou has been world famous for its high quality for thousands of years.

Porcelain Ware (瓷器)

When processed correctly, a pile of soil can be turned into an exquisite(精致的) artwork. Chinaware, ci qi, is a part of daily life in China. The surfaces are decorated with various exquisite patterns. Some are as thin as paper, some are as white as jade, some are as course as pottery(陶器), and some are as black as lacquer. This is an extraordinary piece of blue and white porcelain made in the 14th century. It was auctioned at more than 20 million pounds. It is the pride of ci qi. Ci qi is still called china in English.

Jade (玉)

It is difficult to acquire beautiful jade. Only through the delicate procedure of cutting, polishing and carving, a piece of unshaped stone can shine. Yu has played an important role in people’s lives in China for the last 8000 years. Seals of emperors were made of yu. Yu is also a popular material for amulets(护身符), ornaments(装饰品) and expensive artwork. Yu was featured in the medals of Beijing Olympic Games. Yu represents dignity, holiness and purity. Chinese believe that yu is more valuable than gold.

Money (钱)

Chinese used shells as money, qian, 5000 years ago. With the development of metallurgy, the metallic currency started to circulate. These copper(铜制的) coins are originated from Chinese people’s daily life and production. Spade-shaped coins came from farming tools and knife-shaped coins came from fishing gear and knives. The Tong Bao coin symbolizing the titles of emperor’s reigns were circulated for the longest time in the history of China. Gold, silver, food and textiles(纺织品) were once used as qian in China. The earliest named jiao zi came out in China more than 1000 years ago. Now the banknotes circulating in China is the 5th of RMB. The appearance and printing techniques have been improved over the years.

Lantern (灯笼)

The lantern, denglong, is the traditional lighting tool of China which also represents merit(美好) and joy. The traditional denglong is covered by rice paper with the candle burning inside. Lights shine through the gossamer(薄) rice paper. Denglong have diverse patterns. People like to decorate denglongs, and paint beautiful and auspicious designs on them. We light several denglong which symbolize happiness and good luck during the Chinese New Year and enjoy denglong shows with family during the lantern festival. Now denglong are still used in all kinds of celebrations. Deng long light the night of festivals. Merit and joy spread into different families by these different lanterns.

Kite (风筝)

Legends say that the inspiration for kites was a wooden bird flying all day. Most likely, people were inspired by a hat blown off by the wind and invented feng zheng. Legends also said that a general bound bamboo whistles on a huge feng zheng made of ox hide. The kite made horrible sounds to ward off enemies. Other versions say he wrote important messages on feng zheng and sent them to his troops. The military use of kites was just folklore(民间传说). After all, feng zheng are toys. Classic kites use bamboo, rattan(藤条) or some other strong, but flexible, wood for the spars; paper or light fabrics such as silk for the snails; and are flown on string or twine. People often make exquisite decorations on feng zheng. Feng zheng have become real works of art. They seem like beautiful paintings flying in the blue sky.

Shadow Puppet (皮影)

A long time ago, a monarch(君王) missed his deceased(已故的) concubine(嫔妃) so much, he got sick. His ministers reproduced the image of the concubine with cloth and put it behind a screen. The monarch could see the shadow of his concubine on the screen. This was the origin of the shadow puppet(pi ying). Pi ying represents interesting stories with lively songs and shadows produced by lights. It is the earliest animated technique in the world. The images are always made of patterned donkey leather sewn with thread. The bodily movements and facial expressions of the puppets are created by bamboo sticks. Pi ying tell stories with traditional methods and is popular all over the world. It features not only interesting stories but also Chinese folk art.

Cheongsam (旗袍)

Chinese tradition say that if you want to identify a beauty, you should look at her appearance in a cheongsam: Qipao. The Qipao showcases Oriental modesty and sexiness, wrapping female figures in form-fitting dresses. Fine Qipao are handmade with soft silk and intricate(复杂) brocade(锦缎). Selecting fine material is the first step to make a Qipao. 26 dimensions must be measured to make a Qipao and represent the taste of the Master. The collars of Qipao are always curved to show the softness and slenderness of the female’s neck. Popular patterns on Qipao include phoenix, birds, leaves and flowers. The breathtaking beauty of Qipao has lasted for more than a century.

Tang Suit (唐装)

A Tang Suit (tangzhuang) is not a suit of the Tang Dynasty(618-907) but a suit with Chinese style. Tangzhuang are tailored according to specific procedures. Brocade is the first choice when selecting materials for tangzhuang. Stand-up collars and symmetrical(对称的) lapels(翻领) are typical styles. Exquisite embroidery is anther feature of tangzhuang. Even the little buttons are made with great detail. These unique buttons are the finishing touches of tangzhuang. Nowadays people put on tangzhuang for the Spring Festival or weddings. People regard tangzhuang as special clothing for important ceremonies. Absorbing some elements from Western designs, tangzhuang now has a more fashionable, beautiful look.

Chinese Fan (扇子)

Fans, shan zi, are not on only implements(工具), but also works of art and symbols of status in China. Shan zi in scholars’ hands represent wisdom and elegance. There are many kinds of shan zi in China. The most typical ones are folding shan zi. Techniques of carving, weaving, calligraphy and painting are applied. Shan zi are not only implements which bring a cool breeze, but also works of art. Collections are cherished by Chinese.

Panda (熊猫)

“I’m a panda, xiongmao, the national treasure of China.”

“I like to be alone just like drifter(流浪汉).”

“Mmmm, bamboo is my favourite food!”

“Our family has lived on the earth for more than 8 million years.”

“At first, we lived on meat. Later, we ran out of food with a tremendous change of the temperature on the earth. We survived on bamboo.”

Now xiongmao are one of the most endangered species. We are regarded as beasts for peace because we feed on bamboo instead of other animals.

“ ‘A truce(停战) was agreed whenever the flags printed with images of xiongmao.’were raised 1700 years ago.”

“These flags represent peace and friendship, and both sides of the war would stop fighting.”

“Now we’re known far and wide, and we’re often sent abroad as gifts. We have been chosen as the mascot of the World Wildlife Foundation.”

“There are only around 1000 xiongmao remaining in our family all over the world.”

“We hope that people will offer more protection for animals.”

Chinese Characters (汉字)

The marks carved on rocks 8000 years ago are regarded as the first example of Chinese characters, han zi. Ancient Chinese recorded what they saw in the world by drawing. Legends say that Chinese characters are pictures which can be read. Westerners often say that han zi are pictographs. This is because the first han zi were pictographs which conveyed meaning through physical resemblance to physical objects. Meanwhile, some han zi are composed of symbols which represent sound. Looking back at history, we can understand the life of people they mention China with han zi. There are 2500 frequently used characters. A good grasp of these han zi is like reading an encyclopedia(百科全书) on China. Welcome to the mysterious world of han zi.

编后语

英语学科的核心素养包括语言能力、思维品质、文化意识和学习能力四个维度。其中，文化意识重点在于理解各国文化内涵，比较异同，汲取精华，尊重差异等方面。语言与文化是一体的！语言是一种特殊的文化，是文化的重要载体，语言理解就包含着文化理解，同时语言理解需要文化理解；语言理解的层次越高，文化理解也就越高，需要的文化理解也越高。

在语言教学的同时，其他方面，像人文方面，情感方面和精神方面，也都应进行潜移默化的同步教学。学好语言不仅要相应地学好语音、词汇、语法以及使用这些知识，并转化为听、说、读、写、译等技能，也应该学好它所涵盖的传统文化以及背景和历史，否则我们的语言不会学好，更不会用好。