This paper considers the problem of cultural stereotyping in work on intercultural communication. Recent interest in culture in relation to language learning is described, and the problematif the concept of culture is discussed. A recent study of Chinese students attitudes towards academic study is described and the results are presented of a small-scale attempt to test the geners findings: 12 Chinese visiting scholars were given the opportunity to reflect upon and respond in writing to some comments from the earlier study. It is concluded that Chinese attitudes to toc study are diverse. It is argued that the results support the view of culture as a contested area of discourse. It is suggested that ideas about Chinese culture should be set in historical coe historical description is given. Sources are quoted regarding the recent history of English language teaching in China. It is argued that communication problems may be more economically expls of aspects of language proficiency rather than cultural differences.