Monday, March 02, 2009
Blog #2: Cultural Awareness
As an ethical audience we must respect cultural differences--but how can we do this when we don't have exhaustive knowledge of cultural practice and custom? Share a unique cultural practice or custom for you with the class and explain how a classmate's speech could connect with it in some way--For instance--Respect, body language, word choice, type of visual aids chosen and even a topic for a speech can either be inclusive or leave individuals "out of the conversation"--Have a great week! Review your ethics and speech anxiety chapters in the book--Smiles--S
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32 comments:
Hello, I guess I really did not understand the homework assignment. Actually, I just need to know how to write down what you want. Pick a term, identify it in the speech, and just write what we observed? Also instructions on the blog, are we suppose to just give our answer on this blog posting or do you want something in writing. Sorry so dense. JoAnn
In Vietnamese culture, it is a taboo if you talk about sex in public. So, any topics relating to sexual issues definitely will not be a good choice for public speaking. I think it would be tolerable somehow if a person tries to describe this issue in a sense of humor.
Tu Nguyen
When you talk about your classmate or take your classmate as an example of something, you would make good eye-contact rather than point your index finger to your friend. In my culture, pointing a finger to a person who is older than you will be considered inappropriate and disrespectful
Tu Nguyen
Hello everyone!
I guess when I think about ethics the first thing that comes to mind is the concept of mutual respect. Even though we may not know a whole lot about everyone's culture in the classroom, we can still see plainly that they do exist. Knowing this, I think it's important for us all to be mindful of each other. I don't want to blatantly offend someone and likewise I don't want to have to sit there and be offended either. I think we can do this by making the active decision to respect the many cultures that we have in the classroom. I love the diversity! Look at all the different perspectives we can gain. Anyway, one thing for me that would make me uncomfortable is if someone were to talk too much about religion. Religion is one of those subjects that can get real "touchy" fast. I think we all have an idea why this is. I mean, I don't think we necessarily have to steer completely clear from it, but we do need to make sure that conversation on religion is considered carefully. If anyone really wants to talk about it, maybe the "informative" approach would be best. We shouldn't try and persuade each other that our beliefs are right or better and others are wrong. (At least not in the classroom). Respect is key. Have a great one everybody. Later!
Leilani
Hi everyone!
When you talk to your parents, you have to be respectful and they are always right. eventhough you know they are wrong you are not allow to say it. In my culture, if you disrespect your parents all you family will be against you and you will be considered the bad seed of the family.
Judith
In Brazil giving the Ok sign is equalivant to the middle finger. So if you were speaking around Brazilian's you would want to be aware of that.
I'm from many different English cultures; like German, Irish, Scottish, but I really don't have any modern customs or cultural practices that I do, all me and my family do really is have family night and just hang out with eachother every Saturday.A classmate's speech could connect with this by showing respect and eye contact. It is also very important to have respect no matter what culture you are from. I love to learn about different cultures and i hope to do that in this class with it being so diverse.
Word choice in our culture is very important when giving a speech. Racial comments are highly frowned upon and could result in the loss of respect and credibility. Take Micheal Richards (Kramer from the Seinfeld show)for instance, his stand up comic routine packed with racial epithets, resulted in a loss of many of his fans and his popularity. It is best to chose your words carfully in all cultures. JoAnn
I'm from many different English cultures; like German, Irish, Scottish, but I really don't have any modern customs or cultural practices that I do, all me and my family do really is have family night and just hang out with eachother every Saturday.A classmate's speech could connect with this by showing respect and eye contact. It is also very important to have respect no matter what culture you are from. I love to learn about different cultures and i hope to do that in this class with it being so diverse.
--- Sorry i forgot to put my name
Jacquelyne Berg-------
Hello all!!
I completely agree with Leilani's opinion on this. I think that it is awesome that our school and more specifically our class is so diverse. Therefore, it is important to be aware of that and try to not use or reference topics or ideas that could be controversial. For instance talking about different ethnic groups with negative connotation or using "slang" to describe someone would be inappropriate. Also I agree again that personally for me, discussion about religion can be touchy unless it is informative. Otherwise it can definately make people of differing beleifs feel uncomfortable.
Ashleigh
Well I come from the indian/fijian culture. we dont have any specific things to be aware of...but in india, i dont think you can kiss in public
Hello everyone!
I would have to agree with Judith. Like other cultures, in a Vietnamese culture you have to be respectful to your parents and any relative older than you. I am the youngest one in my family and a few years ago, I would always yell and talk back to my parents. I learned that it is very important to respect and appreciate my elders in a Vietnamese culture. When you make a speech, show respect and good eye contact. In return, the audience will listen with respect as you speak.
-Lisa Huynh
Hello classmates!
In the Hmong culture we have to be very respectful to our elders especially those that are well known and very well respected. Word choice in our culture is very important. A comical person is not considered an important person. When a person speaks he or she cannot joke around and must be serious. I do not think that I will be offended by anyone's word choice or way of giving his or her speech. Although we still have to remind ourselves that there are other students in the class that will not tolerate this and be respectful to them also.
--Julie---
Hello class =) I would have to agree with my sister, Lisa. In the Vietnamese culture, respect is very important, especially to elders. It is considered disrespectful when you refer to an elder by using the Vietnamese equivalent word "you". You must use one's name to show respect. It is also very disrespectful when you talk back to older people in our culture. Even if you believe they are wrong, you must remain respectful by not talking back. Respect is very important in every situation, from making a speech to everyday life. So, respect the audience and the respect will be returned!
-Samantha Huynh =)
Hi everyone,
In Vietnamese culture, word choice in a speech is very important because it shows the speakers' respect toward the audience. If the speakers' audience is older people, they have to use the "respect word" in every sentence. For example instead of saying "yeah", they have to say "yes", with a nod and a sincere eyes even when they disagree. Since Vietnamese tradition is very conservative like other Asian's, talking about sex in public is banned. Talking using slang is not appreciated either. I noticed in the first speech, most Asians were shier than non-Asians. It could be because they are raised not to speak up whatever they want to and to be cautious with their words, so in public speaking they will feel more pressure than others because they are not used to such "freedom".
-Ngoc Nguyen-
Hello everyone,
As you discovered in class last Friday is the fact that I'm Lebanese. In Lebanon, as should be (and probably) is the case in other cultures, respect is essential. Eye contact is most definitely a sign of respect, and hand gestures are actually considered disrespectful. Another cultural fact is that teachers and professors should be shown the ultimate respect. A professor is insulted if addressed by his first name, which as i noticed in USA is not a big deal. There is a saying in my country that says: show your teacher the utmost respect, as he plays the role of a prophet!
Bassam
My family and I celebrate the Chinese New Years. A couple of our "superstitious" beliefs include not taking your trash out on the Chinese New Years day, because that represents throwing out money, we do not wear white because that represents death, for example I was T.P'd one year for my birthday, my birthday is always around the New Years, and when my mom saw what was outside on our lawn she about had a heart attack! We also try to do everything we can to be punctual and happy on that day because whatever happens on the New Years will happen the rest of the year so you always want your New Years Day to go well. This year is the year of the Ox, just a little info for those who do not know. I think that a lot of my classmates can also relate to this because most of us celebrate this time of the year.
My family and I celebrate the Chinese New Years. A couple of our "superstitious" beliefs include not taking your trash out on the Chinese New Years day, because that represents throwing out money, we do not wear white because that represents death, for example I was T.P'd one year for my birthday, my birthday is always around the New Years, and when my mom saw what was outside on our lawn she about had a heart attack! We also try to do everything we can to be punctual and happy on that day because whatever happens on the New Years will happen the rest of the year so you always want your New Years Day to go well. This year is the year of the Ox, just a little info for those who do not know. I think that a lot of my classmates can also relate to this because most of us celebrate this time of the year.
Michelle Williams (I forgot to put my name :))
In my culture, I must regard my elders (this includes my older siblings) with a prefix before their name. If translated it would be "sister anna" or "brother ben". It is considered rude if I just called them by their names. Traditional Vietnamese families are hierarchical and it is necessary to call us the correct prefix. In my family i must speak to everyone (im the youngest) in a very respectful tone or else I would get scolded. =]
Nha Nguyen
In most African Amercian homes Sunday dinner is extremely important. It goes back to slavery. Sunday was the only day most slaves had off. It has to do with communion. Communion was a meal, a feast of love. It was, and in most cases is still the only time the entire family can get together and share what is going on in their lives without any outside distractions.
Lashanda
These are rich beautiful examples and I enjoyed them all! Thanks Tu and Judith for extra insight--that really helps a teacher too! Smiles--SANDRA
I am from Mexico and in my culture we are really big on family. family traditions are very important to us and the relationship we maintain with our family members as well. We are also very respectful people. Music and Food are a big part of culture as well. They are a big part of our strong traditions. I look forward to learning more about everyone's culture! see you tomorrow!
Zaira Guzman
I'm from Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong was a Britain's column, and we accept English and Chinese education, we still follow some chinese tradition convention. For example, we will buy something modeal that is made by paper, strings and glue like shoes, clothes, gold, etc. And we will burn those paper product when someone died. We believe that the people who passed away will receive and use them in other world. Many people may think that it is a superstitous belief and no any fact to support that they can receive and use it, but I think it is a way to respect to the died people and hope that they can have a good life in the other world.
Ka Yi Leung
During my deployments into the Middle East, it seemed that people in that region tend to be more conservative. However, I spoke to a person from Lebanon who said that the Lebanese are real party animals. According to him, a Friday or Saturday night party in the States occurs every single night in Lebanon. It seems like a fun place to visit.
Eric
Well since I am a Jehovah's Witness, I do not believe in blood transfusion's. So it would really leave me out of a conversation if someone gave a speech about the importance of giving blood to someone else. But as Leilani has said, mutual respect is a must. So I won't throw a bible at someone that believes in giving blood :)
Matt Schrick
One of the coolest things about this class is how diverse we are. We can really gain great insight amongst one another and our cultures. Its very important to respect each other and have an open mind regardless if we agree or disagree. I come from a Filipino background where we like to get our "GRUB" on and if you don't eat at a function its kind of disrespectful. LOL!
Josh
Hey guys. I come from a Vietnamese background, and like Tu Nguyen said, 'it is taboo if you talk about sex in public'. Traditional Vietnamese or any Asian parents in general don't really communicate about things like that openly. So i guess for a Vietnamese person that is traditional, a presentation that involves something inappropriate and disrespectful would be pretty offensive. Sorry for posting so late again!! :]
-Mary Dang
From my background, I'm Chinese. You don't yell, hit, or tease those who are older than you. It is very inappropriate and disrespectful. From a tradition setting, we have to greet those who are older and serve them.
Charlie
ahh..three more sentences..
We have to care for the elderly like i care for my grandparents. What they say is the final say even if they're wrong. hm, for me, I have to excuse myself from the dining table after dinner.
Sorry, i didn't mean to forget to blog. My father-in-law passed away this morning after getting Pneumonia this past week. I was afraid i would forget something. Oh well, next time. You all are so interesting. Keep blogging, Margaret
In Iranian culture, it is illegal to hold hands or kiss in public. I believe that keeping in mind of things that are taboo in other cultures should be practiced well in speech preparation.
Leila
Snugglebumms is back in the HOOOOUUUUSSEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here in the D-Town we roll on our bicicletas, hug our sexy trees and arrest people for snoring. If you call us hippies, tree huggers, bicycle wedggie machines or pot heads in your speech I will be very dissappointed in you and walk up in the middle of class and call you a dumb Repub and ride out of class on my bike.
Peace Out
Snugglebumms
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