Филологические науки/ 1.Методика преподавания языка и литературы

Samoilenko S.A.

Alfred Nobel University, Dnipropenrovsk, Ukraine

Using films for intercultural training (additional aspects)

Films about cultural traditions and intergenerational conflict

Conflict often ensues when a traditional value system is upheld in spite of the influence of modernization. Oftentimes, members of the younger generation adopt modern ideas, even though they live in a traditional environment. The following films provide examples of different cultural traditions and intergenerational conflict due to cultural expectations:

• Monsoon Wedding offers an interesting glimpse into a Punjabi wedding and can be used in the classroom to compare wedding traditions and discuss the concept of arranged marriages.

• Whale Rider In general is about a Maori girl in New Zealand and her conflicted relationship with her grandfather and culture.

• The Story of the Weeping Camel deals with a family of camel herders in Mongolia.

• Double Happiness is about a young Chinese-Canadian woman who comes into conflict with her traditional family.

Paraverbal and nonverbal communication

Paraverbal communication is how individuals use different voice qualities to communicate; it includes aspects such as volume, intonation, speed, and pitch. Nonverbal communication refers to the communicative use of body language, including proxemics (the distance between speakers), haptics (touching), oculesics (eye contact), and kinesics (body movement and gestures). Silent viewing is a suitable technique to study nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication in different cultural contexts appears in:

• The Joy Luck Club (Chinese).

• Bread and Roses and Real Women Have Curves (Mexican).

• My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which contains an example of proxemics.

Films that deal with different patterns of behavior

Cultural differences are often perceived in how individuals or societies regard time, organization, communication, and relationships. The following categories explain some behavioral patterns that are also represented in film:

Monochronic and polychronic perceptions of time

Monochronic individuals or societies tend to be data-oriented and value planning, structure, and punctuality. Polychronic individuals or societies accept unstructured activities and interruptions and do not mind improvisation or a change of plans.

• Cast Away questions the monochronic concept of planning and efficiency.

• My Big Fat Greek Wedding shows examples of polychronic behavior.

There are several self-tests to determine whether one tends towards a monochronic or polychronic personality.

Individualism vs. collectivism

In general, people or societies that gravitate towards individualism value self-sufficiency and independence, while those who embrace collectivism value group involvement when it comes to making decisions or attaining goals. A number of contemporary filmmakers explore the topic of second-generation immigrants who are torn between the traditional values and the collectivism of their parents and the liberalism and individualism of the modern Western societies they live in.

• Bend It Like Beckham is about a teenage Pakistani girl who has grown up in Britain and wants to be a footballer.

• Real Women Have Curves shows the dilemmas a young Mexican girl experiences when she has to decide between the demands of her Mexican family and her aspirations as a young American.

High vs. low context styles

Basically, a high-context style describes a society or subculture consisting of members who have long-term bonds and relationships and know the rules of society almost unconsciously. Very little is stated explicitly and much communication is indirect, which creates problems for an outsider. The Joy Luck Club, about Chinese immigrant families in the United States, has examples of the high-context style.

A low-context style describes a society or subculture that has many short-term connections and bonds, which necessitates explicit rules, accessible information, and more straightforward communication.

Formal and informal communication

In many cases, different communicative situations require different degrees of formality. However, not all cultures have the same social rules, and many films depict the embarrassment or miscommunication that occurs when a person acts informal in a formal setting, or vice versa. For example, in some cultures humor is employed strategically in formal situations to relieve tension, while in other culture such behavior is taboo. Humor is an important element of an American presentation, while German presentations tend to be more sober and factual. The film Gung Ho illustrates differences in formality by portraying an informal and humorous American-style presentation that does not go down well with Japanese businessmen.

References

1. Beer, J. E. 2003. Communicating across cultures: High and low context. Culture at work. www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html.

2. Kramsch, C. 1995. The cultural component of language teaching. Language, Culture and Curriculum 8 (2): 83–92. http://zif.spz.tu-darmstadt.de/jg-01-2/beitrag/kramsch2.htm.

3. Kwintessential. 2009. Hofstede’s intercultural dimensions. London: Kwintessential. www.kwintessential.co.uk/intercultural/dimensions.html.

4. Larson, C. U. 2009. Persuasion: Reception and responsibility.12th ed. Boston: Wadsworth.

5. Sherman, J. 2003. Using authentic video in the language classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.