CM 1: Confounding Cultural Contexts

Communicative aim: To enhance sociolinguistic competency through role-playing the differences that cultures exhibit in gesture frequency, pointing conventions, use of space and touch, and form and frequency of listener feedback (ex.: head-nodding, shaking, vocalizations, etc.).

Level: All

Preparation

Write the following instructions on separate index cards:

• Card A: Gesture and nod your head continually

  • Make your movements large

  • Point to things with your index finger

  • Stand very close to your conversation partners – invade personal spaces

  • Intermittently touch your partner

  • Use wide vocal variation (quiet and loud, high and low pitch, etc.)

• Card B: Do not gesture or nod at all

  • Use your lips to point to things

  • Stand far away from your conversation partners

  • Speak slowly and softly using baby-talk

• Card C: Gesture and nod your head at times

  • Make your movements small but noticeable

  • Use your foot to point to things

  • Stand about three feet from your conversation partners

  • Speak rapidly, melodically and with a deep voice

Procedures

• (1) Preface this technique by explaining that, even though there may be individual variation in people's nonverbal conduct, one's culture is still very important in forming nonverbal habits.

• (2) Place learners in three groups and give each group one of the prepared index cards. Explain to them that in this activity, they are at an international airport and that their plane is delayed. The airline has invited them to their lounge to pass the time. Tell them to use the index cards that were distributed and use those cues in their interactions.

• (3) Allow the three groups to mingle for several minutes and then call time.