The study of English is important for the people of Taiwan, but the current obsession with all things American can prove dangerous. The risk lies in the mindless acquisition of the Western heritage that accompanies the English language as it is presented in a variety of formats, a cultural baggage that all too often works to inculcate young learners with a racist imagery that denigrates the cultural heritage of the Chinese people. This essay advocates the classroom use of traditional materials from the Chinese literary tradition that have been professionally translated in English. The approach suggested here to the selection of materials and methods would go far in combating the negative influence of Western prejudice by instilling students with a pride in and understanding of their own cultural backgrounds.
