China Books

*In their Own Words: Profiles of Today's Chinese Students

GALLAGHER Anthony [Other titles by this author]

Stock ID: 13901

ISBN: 9780835126342

CHINA BOOKS & Periodicals Inc. 1998 1st Edition

205 x 130mm.Was $27.95. NOW $2.00 150pp

While teaching English as a foreign expert at Peking University, the author grew to understand the lives and views of his students in a most profound way. In this chronicle of his time in China, the author features original essays written by his students for his class, offering keen insights into the minds of China?s brightest students. Extremely candid discussions of social issues, and the meaning of love, supported by the illuminating observations of a supportive and encouraging teacher, prove that understanding earned in a classroom is not limited to that of the students. Dr. Anthony Gallagher worked for the Australian government in Canberra before he decided to pursue a dream of teaching English to Chinese students at Peking University. The publication of this book coincides with and commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Peking University. Some words from the author . . . For an unexpected reason, I'm very glad I wrote this book. I didn't think of this important reason at all at the time of writing, so I need to explain. My book becomes available at a time of misplaced hope - hope that resurrecting the 'good old days' will bring economic salvation. It is also a time when misunderstandings of Asian Australians are rife. In this difficult social climate, perhaps some simple words and stories from my Chinese students can help break down walls of prejudice. I hasten to add that this is not a 'heavy' book, far from it. It's a joyful book. The setting is daily life on campus at China's prestigious Peking University, where I was an English teacher from 1994 to 1997. During class I was always urging my students to write, and they eagerly did so, on a multitude of topics. Their writings were refreshingly honest and direct; they had a knack of combining English words in unexpected and delightful ways. In addition, they told me much about their private lives. Although in customs and attitudes they were distinctly Chinese, in feelings they were like Aussie undergraduates. No. More than that. They were just like us. So, I took the best of their marvellous prose and turned it into a story about Chinese students today and their lives, their families, their views of sex and love, their fears and hopes, both for China and for their future. It's my story also, as the students became my 'windows' into China. Through them I came to understand what it meant to be Chinese. I found China to be a completely different world. By that I mean it was not at all what I expected - most of my Australian-based assumptions were unhelpful and false. Maybe, when you enjoy my book some of your preconceptions about the Chinese people will begin to fall away too and you see them as they really are. Our community needs more of this kind of exposure, don't you agree? After all, it's in our own self-interest to find out as much as we can about our Asian neighbours. Why? Well, we need to prepare for the future not the past. To do this effectively we have to shed comfortable but incomplete beliefs. About the Author Dr Tony Gallagher grew up in suburban Perth in the 1950s. He then taught in government country high schools in Western Australia in the late 1960s before moving to Canberra where he raised his family and worked as a public servant assisting in the expansion of Australian universities. Tony and his wife Annette now live in Perth. Tony's friendship with China and its people is longstanding. He is a member of the Australia-China Friendship Society and whilst in China he travelled extensively, writing regularly in the 'Australia-China Review' about his experiences. At Peking University he established an Australian Studies Centre and he is Permanent Adviser to the Centre. These days more and more Australians are going to China. Some are setting up businesses others are visitors, students or teachers. It is a time too when China is becoming much more important to us as a trading partner. So, Tony is interested in doing all he can to promote being better neighbours with China. (For this item please quote stock ID 13901)

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Cross-Cultural Issue