Summary: First, we reviewed the videos to continue the discussion of your own cultural misunderstandings, based on the questions below. Then we had small-group discussions about the homework based on the videos or readings you reviewed.

Then, we observed the video clips below about cultural misunderstandings. Rosie Dodd, a creative English teacher, created this lesson. 

Note: These videos are over exaggerations of culture based on Hollywood, USA movie productions. Nevertheless, they are useful for our discussions of cultural communication. 

Video 1 Mr. Baseball: Meet the Family and Etiquette in Japan

After each clip, here are some discussion questions. You can also make your own:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdeFdFEbuqk

·      What cross-cultural differences/misunderstandings were in the movie clip?

·      How did the actors react to these issues?

·      Why did these misunderstandings happen?

·      What would you do in this situation?

Cross-Cultural Etiquette: Mr. Baseball

Video 2 Lost in Translation -The Hospital Scene

After each clip, here are some discussion questions. You can also make your own:

·      What cross-cultural differences/misunderstandings were in the movie clip?

·      How did the actors react to these issues?

·      Why did these misunderstandings happen?

·      What would you do in this situation?

Video 3 Outsourced: A U.S. Transfer to India; Business Etiquette Outsourced

In pairs, discuss your own experiences with cross-cultural misunderstandings. 

Discussion questions:

If a tourist were coming to your country or where you live now, what advice would you give them? Think about:

    -What to wear in different places

    -How to eat

    -How to greet people

    -How to talk to people of the opposite sex

What was the most different culture you’ve ever experienced?? Describe it.

Have you ever had a cross-cultural misunderstanding? What happened?

Why is cross-cultural awareness important for diversity?

Feedback as a class.

Homework for Class 04 due next Tuesday at 1 pm: Please choose two videos or readings that are the most interesting to you to view with the closed captions (CC) to read.

Samples of how to take notes on a video:

Samples of how to take notes on readings:

With Page Numbers:

Without Page Numbers:

Note: Please experiment and choose the option you like best. If the option you selected does not work for you, please try another or search for your cultural viewing. If you choose your original homework, please email me.

Then, I can share your fantastic cultural homework with the group. 
If you would like to discuss the same video, please arrange it with your classmate and watch it together or do the same reading. That’s okay too, and fun!

Reading Option 1: Fundamental/Intermediate
International Relations EDU. (2019). 5 ways to avoid mistakes in cross-cultural communication. International Relations EDU.         https://www.internationalrelationsedu.org/5-ways-to-avoid-mistakes-in-cross-cultural-communication/

This reading reveals five ways to avoid mistakes in cross-cultural communication. 
Reading Option 2: Intermediate/Advanced

Toegal, G., & Barsoux, J-L. (2016). 3 situations were cross-cultural communication breaks down. Harvard Business Review.  https://hbr.org/2016/06/3-situations-where-cross-cultural-communication-breaks-down

Toegal and Barsoux (2016) reveal that the three most common situations where cross-cultural communication breaks down. 

Video Option 1: Cultural Norms Around the World: Cultural Norms Around the World: Fact Point

The ‘fact point’ broadcasting service suggests that, because not everyone can travel the globe, they bring the world to you. In this episode, the presenters compare and contrast different cultures from different societies.

Video Option 2: Cultural Differences, National Geographic Sudanese/US Cultural Differences: National Geographic

National Geographic highlights how Sudanese (from the country of Sudan) feel cultural differences when they lived in America.