The use of smartphones is a modern phenomenon reflecting our attitude towards consumption, technology and cultural change. Starting with a general observation of cultural change in terms of consumption in China, this talk then takes the use of smartphones as an example, to share original perspectives deriving from a global and comparative research project. The smartphone is unprecedented in the degree to which we can transform it. As a result, it quickly assimilates personal values. In order to comprehend it, we must take into consideration a range of national and cultural nuances, such as visual communication in China and Japan, mobile money in Cameroon and Uganda, and access to health information in Chile and Ireland – all alongside diverse trajectories of ageing in Al Quds, Brazil and Italy. Only then can we know what a smartphone is and understand its consequences for people’s lives around the world.
Sorry, this event has ended. To access the recording, please Become a Member and then enjoy all videos free of charge.
Alternatively, you can rent and watch this video on Vimeo.
To register for new events, please, check our Schedule.
SPEAKER – CATHERINE XIANG
Catherine Xiang (MEd, PhD) is an established author and applied linguist with rich experience in the higher education as well as high profile consultancy industry to businesses that wish to engage with China. She is Coordinator of East Asian Languages at LSE, Programme Director for BSc International Relations and Chinese; as well as UK Director for LSE Confucius Institute for Business London. Originally from Shanghai, she is skilled in intercultural communication, translation, foreign languages, lecturing, TV and public speaking. She is also an expert in learning and innovation in language learning. Her recent publications include ‘Mastering Chinese: a Complete Textbook for Beginners’, ‘Audio-visual Media in Language Education and the forthcoming ‘China Ready! Chinese for Tourism and Hospitality’. In addition to her roles at LSE, she is an executive member of the British Chinese Language Teaching Society, a school governor and chief examiner of Charted Institute of Linguists. She has recently launched her own YouTube channel — ‘字espresso‘ teaching the relationship between Chinese characters and words.
Leave a Reply