# data[].attributes.body
WHAT QUALITIES/ATTITUDES ARE IMPORTANT WHEN INTERACTING WITH ANOTHER PERSON FOR SUPPORTING A POSITIVE EXCHANGE?

The same conversational skills that are usually beneficial are also beneficial in a cross-cultural conversation. The most important skill in conversation is listening. When you truly listen the other person will feel appreciated and you will gain information out of the conversation.

PREPARATION FOR THE CONVERSATION

I honestly wasn’t particularly nervous because from the videos the Japanese students seemed nice. I didn’t have any particular concerns either.

Most of the stereotypes about the Japanese I think is about anime. But I don’t know much about that so I honestly didn’t have that many expectations going in.

AFTER THE GROUP SESSION

1. I assumed that we would be speaking with a Japanese person but we ended up speaking with an American who was studying in Japan. That was interesting to see tht people were coming to Japan to study.

2. Our main strength as a group was that we were relaxed and friendly.

3. A successful collaboration is when several people contribute good ideas and the best ideas are synthesized into a cohesive whole.

# data[].attributes.body
CULTURE SHOCK:

1. The first and most startling time I experienced cultural shock was when I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and I saw the immense poverty there. Seeing so many children without parents around was startling and nothing like anything I had experienced in the United States.

2. For someone experiencing cultural shock my advice would be both to learn about the new culture and to take time for yourself if you need to. Learn as much about the new environment as possible and see it as an exploration rather than an adaptation. Don’t worry about if you “fit in” or not. But then also take time for self-care doing things that you already loved doing in whatever culture you were previously in.

# data[].attributes.body
ON NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION:

1. A major difference in communication that the Moroccan and American students discovered is the amount of emotion that they chose to put into their speaking. For the Moroccans an emotional tone was more natural and for the Americans a more formal tone was more natural. The Moroccans were more concerned with being passionate about an issue and the Americans were more concerned with being agreeable.

2. One potential reason for these different styles could be because of the tense political climate in the US that causes people often to try not to offend anyone. I don’t know enough about Morocco to know what the culture is like there for a just comparison.

3. I notice different communication styles in different settings. For example, most people speak to their friends in a different way than they would speak to their grandparents.

4. I actually have a particular example of this. I took Russian language in high school and my teacher was from the former USSR. She told me a story of how when she first came to the United States and started teaching she called one of the other teachers fat and the woman got very upset. But apparently she was just trying to give her some helpful advice to lose weight and advice in this form is often give in Russia.

# data[].attributes.body
ON SPEAKING A SECOND LANGUAGE:

One can be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles by recognizing different levels of language ability and so being patient and empathetic in explaining the contexts of different things. The use of the English language is symbolic of US-Japan relations in that Japanese students tend to know more about Americans than Americans know about the Japanese. I think it would be good if American students were to learn more about Japan and I think an attitude of curiosity and openness would help most with that.

# data[].attributes.body
ON SPEAKING A SECOND LANGUAGE:

One can be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles by recognizing different levels of language ability and so being patient and empathetic in explaining the contexts of different things. The use of the English language is symbolic of US-Japan relations in that Japanese students tend to know more about Americans than Americans know about the Japanese. I think it would be good if American students were to learn more about Japan and I think an attitude of curiosity and openness would help most with that.

# data[].attributes.body
Catie Mandable

On Speaking a Second Language:

1.       How can one be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles?

I think just taking a minute before beginning a conversation with someone and recognizing that that person might not have the same amount of experience with a language as you and/or might have been raised using a different communication style can really help in cross-cultural situations. It’s important to patient and supportive in these situations.

2.       In what ways is the use of English symbolic for USA-Japan relations?

I think that it portrays that people in Japan are more willing to learn about the US and its culture than the US is of Japan and it gives the US more control/power in cross-cultural situations between the two countries because people from the US will be more comfortable.

3.       How do you want the interaction to be different? What can you do to achieve that?

I think that everyone involved with the interaction should feel as uncomfortable and comfortable as each other so that no one has the “upper hand.” I think that if we were to learn some Japanese phrases that could help and we should be more conscious of making sure the Japanese student has plenty of time to speak, we are not speaking too quickly, etc.

On Non-Verbal Communication:

1.       What major differences in communication styles did the Moroccan and American students discover?

One girl stated how what she did to indicate that she was listening came across as dismissive to one of the people in the group.

2.       What could be reasons for these different styles?

They all grew up in different places and have different experiences and because of that, they learned different meanings for non-verbal cues.

3.       What differences of communication styles did you experience at home, on campus, in society, abroad?

At home, things are more casual. My family interrupts (not in an aggressive way) each other, we hug, etc. At school, things are more formal with teachers and professors.

4.       In what situations can you imagine diverse communication styles create misunderstandings between people of different countries?

I think that there are many things we do not realize are cultural and because of that it is easier to mistake people doing them, not doing them, etc. as something that the other person did not intend for them to be.

Culture Shock:

1.       Have you personally experienced or can you imagine cases where culture shock can occur?

I had a little bit of culture shock when I switched from a more liberal-leaning school to a more conservative-leaning one. Somedays I felt like I had gone back to being a little kid who didn’t know the “right” and “wrong” ways to act.

2.       Remember, this could even be inside your home country. For someone on campus experiencing culture shock, what do you imagine could be supportive to them during difficult moments?

I think just being there for them in a supportive way and guiding them through situations where they feel more uncomfortable. Sometimes explaining why people are doing what they are doing can help.

# data[].attributes.body
On speaking a second language: One can be mindful by being empathetic and supportive to others and providing them with positive reinforcement. The use of English signifies our cultures uniting, and learning about each other in a respectful and enriching manner. I really liked this interaction, but if we could have personally communicated with them before the meeting, it would have been nice.

# data[].attributes.body
On Non - Verbal Communication,
1. They had different expressions, and reactions to things based on culture. 2. The reason is their cultural background, and how they were raised. 3. On campus, communication was informal, and there was lots of non verbal communication among friends. In society, there are little cues for non verbal communication. 4. In a lot of countries, people are not to afraid make contact with others, while Americans are very particular about their space.

# data[].attributes.body
For someone experiencing a cultural shock, one has to be empathetic and supportive of the other person. Talking about the situation and explaining certain things to them is the best thing to do.

# data[].attributes.body
on cultural shock: I have experienced many cultural shocks in my life. When I walked into my first day of seventh grade in the USA, I was shocked. People had different clothing styles and just had different attitudes from where I grew up in India.

# data[].attributes.body
On speaking a second language

# data[].attributes.body
On speaking a second language

# data[].attributes.body
Catie Mandable

# data[].attributes.body
On speaking a Second Language Language is more then just words. Like the guy in the video said, a lot of culture is also represented within language. English is also my second language so when ever I come in contact with a foreign exchange student or with someone who may not be a fluent English speaker, im always patient and never judge their speaking abilities. Non-Verbal Communication In the Non-verbal communication video i watched, there weren't any Moroccan students. It was american and Chinese students. The major differences in communication styles between the Chinese students and  american students is the need to fill the void. If there is a moment of silence, it seems like an American student will try to "fill it up" with small talk. These difference could exist due to the culture. It could be a culture of saying your ideas/points out load vs. taking some time to think about your ideas before saying it. When having conversations with people of different backgrounds/culture, i could definitely see how different communication styles could cause some misunderstandings. Culture Shock: The biggest culture shock I've experienced was when i came to JMU. I went to middle school and HS with basically the same group of people. The environment was super competitive and greatness was what was expected. Then i came to jmu and met some people like myself and a bunch of people the complete opposite of me and it was probably one of the greatest thing that could have happened to me. I think if someone has an open mind and is patient when conversing with someone, i think it'll be a positive exchange regardless of weather you agree with the person or not.

# data[].attributes.body
Hunter Bogard
On Non Verbal Communication
1. In the video it was easy to notice difference between the ways the different cultures communicated non verbally. Many cultures place emphasis on hand gestures as a way to get point across and this can be especially useful in situations when speaking with someone who speaks a different language. There also small things such as when the girl said "mhm" and the boy thought she was being rude. That normally wouldn't be seen as rude in some cultures but it did to him.
2. The reason for these different styles is the way that children are taught when they are growing up. After learning something a certain way your whole life it is hard to make a change.
3. I work at Chick-Fil-A over the summers and we often have customers come in who don't speak english as their first language. Sometimes it is very hard for them to understand what we are saying and in these situations we would give them a handheld menu and allow them to point to the items they want. This is a way that we can successfully communicate non verbally with someone who doesn't speak the same language.
4. It is very easy for misunderstandings to happen when someone is unaware of what exactly the other person is saying. To me the most important thing to do during these misunderstandings is to remain patient and try to figure it out the best way possible.

On Culture Shock

1. I have not personally experienced culture shock but I can definitely imagine situations where I would. I have never been outside of the country so I feel like I would experience culture shock if I was to visit any country, specifically countries that don't use English as their primary language.
2. I think just being a friend to someone if they are in a situation like that would be very helpful. If someone was to feel culture shocked it may be very hard for them to find friends, and it could end up being the stepping stone for them to get past their issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Hunter Bogard
On Speaking a Second Language
To me, the key of helping out when speaking to someone who does not have english as their first language is to not get upset. Sometimes it can be very difficult to understand a language you don't fully understand and it is important to be patient. If someone is impatient and got mad at someone for struggling with their english it could discourage them from trying in the future, which would help no one. It's much better to be caring and try to work with them so they can understand, encouragement goes a lot farther than discouragement.

# data[].attributes.body
On speaking a second language:

We can speak slower and be patient when asked to repeat things. It’s symbolic because it represents America’s tendency to not learn about other cultures and languages. The US is very ethnocentric and demanding of other countries and cultures to learn English. I wish I could speak some Japanese so this conversation could be equally as hard for both of us. It would also be easier if everyone was here so we didn’t have to speak with the computers distorting voices.

On non verbal communication:

They noticed a lot of differences in the way they stopped not just the messages. Like how Americans pause and say “hm” to keep the conversation going but they saw it as disgust. Or how pausing after sentences is arrogant.

These could be different because of the actual construction of the language or because of the culture surrounding it. Hand gestures and facial expressions become associated with words over generations so it makes sense that not all nonverbal communication is the same.

For me, when I went to the Dominican Republic I was not used to people being so relaxed during conversation. Like when I entered someone’s house they greeted me but did not sit up straight to talk to me or have their shoulders facing the person they were talking to or the group all the time. Different communication styles can prevent a lot of deep personal communication because no matter if you realize you’re misinterpreting someone or not, it’s awkward and it’s hard to get to know people.

Culture shock:

I have never experienced full culture shock but I have seen what it’s like a little. Being in a country where you don’t know the language or how to communicate nonverbally is stressful. You’re always on watch to make sure you’re not offensive and learning how to communicate effectively.

Talking to people who are experiencing the same shock and comparing what you’ve learned and how it differs from what you’re used to is a good way to do this. It allows you to realize you’re not wrong for being a little disoriented.

# data[].attributes.body
Marissa Piemonte

I think it is very important to be mindful and supportive regarding language abilities and others communication skills. I thought it was extremely important in the video when the head lady had them switch languages to Chinese and they were surprised how much the one guy spoke. It is very true that a certain confidence and power comes with being able to speak in your first language. I think others can be supportive by talking slower, looking for cues if they understand what you are saying and using a simple form of speaking. One thing we spoke of in class was limiting metaphors as they are difficult for others to understand and cause a lot of confusion. Putting yourself in one anothers shoes definitely helps. It is definitely important to note that we have a leg up by being able to speak the language our whole life. Our Japanese Counterparts are taking the time to speak in English and I know if I was speaking in Japanese I would be very nervous. I think the best way to smooth out the process would be to speak slow and simple and let them know if they do not understand something that it is okay and you do not mind rephrasing it. I give them a lot of applause for being able to speak English so well.

1.The major difference shown was that while the Moroccans thought the Americans were talking over to show dominance, it was just the way they spoke. In this situation, the Americans thought the Moroccans were just being shy.

2. I think the Americans thought the Moroccans were shy because they pause and think about things before talking and are showed as quiet. In the U.S. quiet means shy. I think the Americans filling in gaps is normal but in this culture is perceived as dominance.

3. Some differences I experienced was that my one roommate from the Netherlands said Americans talked way too loud and me and my friends were too loud. My roommate from Switzerland also said we all talk over each other which i feel is true but something I have adapted to. I was not expecting to hear this and never noticed it until they made comments.

4. Anything from being in the workforce to being in a relationship to how you act in the street. I think it is important to be informed of others norms before going to a country.

Culture Shock:

Definitely. When I went to live in Ireland for 2 months I experienced a lot of culture shock. Some being how my coworkers perceived Americans and others being my idea of the people there and how it differed. No one owned rain boats in Ireland and it is a country known for heavy rainfall. Additionally, the whole summer it was sunny and rained 3 times and I even went to the beach multiple times. Also, on public transportation people tried to sit next to me even if seats were available which is very odd in the United States.

Positive Exchange:

One should be open to the conversation and different ways it may go. They should be alert for miscommunications and make it clear that it is okay if they happen. They should speak clearly, slowly and simply and before meeting research the cultures nonverbal communication or ask the one they are speaking to about it. I think the most important thing is to never assume.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The major difference noticed was that they thought American students may talk more to show dominance while Americans thought they were just shy the whole time.

# data[].attributes.body
Mari

# data[].attributes.body
Marissa Pieimonte

# data[].attributes.body
CBE Video On Speaking a Second Language

One can be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles by listening politely and inquiring questions out of interest about how to speak or understand the culture better. English is the main-spoken language for most people in business relations, so Americans would have the language privilege. The interaction could be different if more people were interested in learning Japanese or weren’t afraid to ask a fellow Japanese peer to teach them. This could be achieved by allowing more opportunities for people to potentially meet these other peers or if by chance Japanese culture would spark a genuine interest in them.

CBE Video On Non-verbal communication

1) Moroccan communication is different in a sense that they are more direct when they disagree with someone’s opinion or statement. The US tends to avoid debates or conflicts in fear of offending the other person or having a dispute.

2) The culture they grew up with could’ve been different. This could stem from how they were raised, their schooling or education experience, and how they interact with their friends on a daily basis.

3) I do a lot of non-verbal communication everywhere I go. It’s more common with people my age and at school with my classmates, because we give each other looks or nods to indicate another message or that we’re both horribly exhausted.

4) I could imagine that a more touchy or friendliness of another culture might quickly surprise a culture where people keep in their personal bubble or are more reluctant to open up or be friendly with strangers as fast. For example in the US, on a public bus with many empty seats people will always start off by sitting at seats farthest away or not directly next to other passengers.

CBE Video On Culture Shock

1) I have experienced not culture shock exactly, but a moment where I was really intrigued by another person’s culture as a young kid. One example is going to my old friend’s Ankitha’s house as a kid. They ate their meals with their hands and it was the norm in their culture. I thought the experience was really fun, but bringing the idea back home to my mom was greatly disapproved.

2)  I would offer them an ear if they wanted to talk, company if they wanted someone to comfort them, or if the scenario allowed I would reach out to someone close to them (a best friend, family member, or significant other) to call them and cheer them up.

What qualities/attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?

Some important qualities include being open-minded, patient, empathetic, respectful, and of course friendly (no emitting hostile energy, that would make anyone more hesitant to approach or discourse with you).

Experience Writing Exercise:

1) My current impressions overall remain the same. My group’s counterpart was polite and friendly just like he seemed in his selfie video.

2) Strengths include being thoughtful in our responses and actively listening to what each person had to say.

3) A successful collaboration is when people are all involved with getting work done together, offer iteration and good constructive criticism when necessary, and just a basic agreement in pulling the load together by communicating and being productive.

# data[].attributes.body
Christina Ward

·     On Speaking a Second Language

o  One can be mindful of language ability and communication styles by trying not to use slang, or verbal shorthand, that may not be familiar to those with English as a second language. The use of English in this relationship between the JMU students and our Japanese counterparts is representative of how we can see English (and by extension English speaking countries) as being more of a leader or more powerful, as it immediately allows the person who knows English to have an advantage in the conversation. I would like there to be little to no power imbalance by making sure my counterpart has room to speak and trying not to use very technical terms.

·     On Non-verbal Communication

o  Although this video does not include the Moroccan students, I do remember how the Moroccan’s were more expressive and immediately touchy, while the Americans were generally more reserved and preferred a sense of space. The reasons for this include the culture they are in, the values and tendencies their families hold, and the way that their culture views ownership of space. JMU is a great space to see these differences, as there are people from everywhere in the country and even those from across the world. It can be as simple a difference as the way someone interacts with professors or if they happen to say ma’am/sir or not. This can cause misunderstandings, especially in the way that we are communicating solely through limited video calls and scarce written posts as there is only room for interpretation with very little direct messaging going on.

·     On Culture Shock

o   I don’t believe I have ever experienced true culture shock, in every place I have been to I can find at least find some semblance of my identity being present. Whether that be in Spain, Panama, or the United States I go there to further explore my own culture not to immerse myself in another. I can imagine that someone with no connection to these places might feel internally/mentally lost by not having someone or something to compare themselves to. You can get through this by fully understanding your own culture and self first, and then realizing that you may be alone in that aspect but that doesn’t always mean that those that are so different from you are completely foreign.

·     What qualities/attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?

o   Openness and mindfulness are important.

# data[].attributes.body
Culture shock is a phenomenon where newly-exposed individuals to new cultures often have doubts, misunderstandings and confusion about the new culture in which they are facing. I personally have never left the country, but have moved five times through my life throughout the south and have visited various cities throughout the US. And even though I have remained in the same country all of my life, I have been thrown off by differing cultural cues that abound in the multiple cities that I have traveled to. Culture can be defined not only by the overarching values of a society, but by the subtle differences and nuances between them that truly distinguish them from the others.

# data[].attributes.body
Culture Shock

# data[].attributes.body
As many have heard before, around 90% of total communication between humans is non-verbal. This can all range from facial expressions to tensing or loosening of muscles and posture, to just simply how the way a person walks. When being faced with exposure to new cultures, an individual, in addition to learning the spoken language, must have experience with the non-verbal cues that are prevalent in the culture to truly understand how the members of the particular cultural community interact and express themselves on a daily basis. It's like becoming bilingual or multilingual in non-verbal communications, and once an individual can "translate" the non-verbal cues from their multi-cultural counterparts, then they will be able to comprehend true communication within the culture itself.

# data[].attributes.body
Non-verbal Communication

# data[].attributes.body
When it comes to speaking a second language, I feel that it is an extremely difficult endeavor to undertake. There must be constant practice, repetition and true comprehension of the words and ideas expressed through the secondary tongue. I personally believe that true mastery of a second language occurs when you can become your true self and express your thoughts and desires that you would express normally in your mother tongue. This is a challenge for second-language speakers, as they must identify their own personality within the confines of the new language. However, speaking multiple languages brings differing cultures and ethnic groups closer together as they now share a common bond of vernacular.

# data[].attributes.body
Speaking a Second Language

# data[].attributes.body
·     Nadine Parra

On speaking a second Language:

It is important to put yourself in the shoes of others and be supportive and respectful. From personal experience I know that when you are speaking a second language you tend to get a lack of confidence since sometimes it tends to be hard to express what you have to say. In this case the use of English is symbolic since it is the language that we are using to communicate and learn from each other. On this Japan-USA relation the students that speak English as their first language have an advantage compared to the students that use English as their second language. Something different I would like to change from the interaction could be to try and learn about the other language.  Although it is not possible to learn everything in a language in such a short time, I think we could have a cultural exchange where people who do not use English as a first language teach words or phrases.

On Non-Verbal Communication:

Non- verbal communication can have different meanings depending on the culture. For one person a non-verbal communication like a sound or use of hand gestures might be completely fine to use on a specific situation, if the other person doesn’t share or understand the culture there can be miscommunication since it can be offensive.

A difference that I have noticed is that in Colombia sometimes we use a lot of hand gestures that we use without pronouncing a word but in USA these don’t exist so I try not to use them.

I believe that there is not an specific situation since there can be a misunderstanding at any point you are having a conversation with a person from another culture.

On Culture Shock

Yes, I have personally experienced culture shock. Coming to study to the US is very different from the place where I am from. I get surprised almost every day with new things. I believe that culture shock is not something bad, but it is an amazing way of learning and becoming more

# data[].attributes.body
Kara Cacioppo      Speaking a Second Language:  to be mindful and supportive of different language capabilities let people make mistakes when they are trying to speak. It is not going to be perfect so be patient.  Also try to put yourself in there shoes when speaking with them.  Think of the way you would want to be treated if you were in that situation. The use of English is symbolic of US- Japan relations because it represents just how much the US expects the rest of the world to speak English without putting any real effort to learn another language. It is a privilege that I think a lot of Americans take for granted when communicating with other nations. The only way the interaction could be different is if the students at JMU took and were able to effectivley communicate in Japanese.                                                                         On Non Verbal Communication: 1: I did not see any Moroccans in this video I did however see the differences between the Chinese and the Americans. The Chinese had very different gestures to acknowledge that they were listening this resulted in a misunderstanding when communicating. 2:  Different communication  styles come from the fact that we come from different cultures. Every culture has their own way of communicating and it does not always have to with language. 3: At home I communicate very differently depending upon who I am talking to. If I am talking with my mom or dad I tend to communicate in a more professional and respectful way. When I am talking to my brother I tend to communicate in a less serious and an almost sarcastic way. 4: I think anytime people are communicating with people from another country diverse communication styles can lead to misunderstandings.                                                                      On Culture Shock: I experienced culture shock when I went to Hong Kong over the summer. Everything was so different from the food to the way they drove. At first it was a bit overwhelming but then I started to get used to it and I felt comfortable. 2: I think just recognizing the fact that everything is so different from where ever the other person is from is very important when trying to help someone that is experiencing culture shock.

# data[].attributes.body
Tania Parrales Speaking a Second Language:  Being patient is one way to be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles. Sometimes when one is speaking in a language that is not their native tongue one maybe really timid and scared to speak that language. Therefore, one needs to be patient. The use of English being used represents how there is many people who speaks English take for granted the ability to communicate. Personally I would like my interaction to be different, and one way to do this is if we (the JMU students) knew Japanese. The only way that this can be achieved is if I learn Japanese.                                                                                                         Non Verbal communication: 1.) I could not distinguish who was moroccan in this video. 2.)  3.) On campus , since I am with my friends I am very goofy and usually talk very informally with my friends. At home I speak more formally 4.) In diverse communication styles sometimes misunderstanding can occur because there are different expectations for what one means.                                                                                                                                                On culture Shock 1.)Yes I have experienced culture shocks. When I traveled to France I was shocked by the how everything closes very late at night and on Sundays. 2.) To explain in greater detail why that may be how that culture acts                                                                                                                                                                                        -Being open minded is very important for someone to have a positive exchange. Because one might have to try to understand the perspective of others.

# data[].attributes.body
Richard Riehl
First Prompt:  One way to be mindful and supportive is to avoid laughing or making fun of someone's attempts at speaking another language.  You can be supportive by encouraging them to keep trying, even if they are just butchering their attempts.  The only way to get better is to keep at it.  I guess using English is symbolic of the USA-Japan relations in that the US is considered more of a global powerhouse, so the US usually makes other countries learn their language.  It could also show that Japan is more willing to accommodate foreigners, while Americans may be less willing to go out of their way to do something like learn a language just to make others feel more comfortable.

Second Prompt: 1. I couldn't tell who was Moroccan.  But it was interesting to see how some things I don't even think about could be interpreted completely differently by other cultures.  One example they had was filling that quiet space after a statement with small talk.  Other cultures could interpret that as being rude, like you are not giving them time to respond.  2. A reason for the different styles could be that their communication styles were formed by social norms.  So if a certain style is fine in the US, people in the US might use it and get accustomed to using it, but people from another country where that style goes against some of their social norms, they might not use it at all and might be offended when they do see it.  3. One difference in communication styles I've experienced is just some of the slang used by different groups.  My friends and I might use certain words that others don't, and vice versa.  We might not have any idea what the other group means by that slang and not know how to interpret it.  4.  I think one situation where different styles could create misunderstandings between people could be in a business setting.  I remember hearing in one of my management classes about how the Japanese like to get to know each other before settling a deal and really even before fully talking about the deal; they basically want to get to know the other person and become friends with them, before actually getting around to the talking about the deal.  Whereas American business people tend to get right to the point and discuss the deal, trying to close the sale as quickly as possible.

Third Prompt:  1. I haven't really experienced that much culture shock that I can think of.  The only recent example I can think of would be when I went to a dinner event for a firm, KPMG, that I was applying to.  The dinner was in a really nice restaurant, and everyone was dressed up in fancy suits and all that despite the reservation saying "business casual."  Then the way they were all acting and everything just seemed very pretentious.  It was my first dinner event like that so it was just very different to me and I felt uncomfortable.  They were handing out extremely small but very fancy appetizers that I didn't even know what to do with so I avoided them.

# data[].attributes.body
Brady Atkins
On speaking a second language :
I think a part of being mindful and supportive of language ability is being patient and not being too direct as the other person may perceive it in the wrong way which could lead to one thinking a certain way about the other person or similar people. The use of English is symbolic between US and Japan relations because it is usually all done in English, we have become privileged. I think it will be hard to be different because many if not all of the Japanese students have been exposed to English while us Americans have not at all been exposed to the Japanese language.
On nonverbal communication :
In the video the Moroccans were more way more expressive about their opinions when they were talking about certain issues and were not afraid to say what they were thinking, while the Americans were a little less expressive due to probably not wanted to be disliked or noticed. I think the reasons for these difference is that culturally we as Americans do not like to be the odd one out in an environment that we are not comfortable in. There is a very big difference in communication style from my school to my friends to my home. At home with my friends or at school with my friends we have a lot of slang words where many normal people have no idea what we are talking about, but to us it makes complete sense, they probably think that we are crazy. I think that in any situation where there is a language barrier it will always lead to or could potentially lead to miscommunication between parties.
On culture shock :
I cannot think of any personal experiences where I had a big issue with culture shock. But I went abroad and there could have been a culture shock but maybe I was oblivious to the fact. TO be supportive you have to let the other person know that you are mindful and patient and seeking to understand what they are going through, just be their crutch in their time of need.

# data[].attributes.body
On Speaking a Second Language:

# data[].attributes.body
Rafiq Abdus-Sabur
It is important to be mindful of the fact that when communicating with people who do not share the same first language as you. In the video they switched from having the conversation from English, to having it in Chinese, this was a very powerful eye opener. Putting your self in the shoes of others is the best way to be mindful of how they may feel.
On Non-Verbal Communication
I am not sure who is Moroccan. However, I would assume that non verbal communication is different among anyone who is from different nationalities. For example, a thumbs up here in America is a good thing, but in other places its like saying "F U". The main reason for the different styles is the difference in cultures and nationalities. People here at JMU use very different terms to the ones I use in my home town. When I first got here, there was a long adjustment period. During that time I had to learn a new set of "slang" terms and become more familiar with the language of my peers. An example of misunderstandings between people of different countries would be tipping your waiter. Here it is frown upon if you do not, but there are places around the world tipping your waiter is not a good thing.
Culture Shock
I have not really had any culture shock experiences, other than the ones previously mention. I imagine these cultures shocks occur in places of unfamiliar environment. For example, when you are traveling to a new place, unless you have done some serious research, or have been told information, you are bound to have a culture shock to at least one thing that you encounter.
In these moments of culture shock, it is important to feel supported. I feel like this sense of comfort, and encouragement can come from other like you. Believe or not, there is always someone going through the same thing you are, it is important to reach out to find these people. To make your experience more enjoyable, and make you feel more at peace.

# data[].attributes.body
Sara Rakas
Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish major

Speaking a Second Language -
Language is and will always be a barrier because the majority of communication is expressed through the use of language. When we hear a language that is foreign to us, we tend to be uncomfortable and self-close ourselves. What we can do to be more supportive in understanding a foreign language is first, be open-minded about learning a new culture, custom, and maybe even identity (of the person you talk to.) We could also play question games to learn people's language more and who they are as a person. Having KU and MI share the English language is helpful because that allows for a better, much flowy communication. If we had a language barrier, that could've made it a bit challenging. I do not wish to only get to know about their language but where they are from, where they want to be once they graduate, and why?

Non-Verbal Communication -
1) They discovered that the tone of voice, hand gestures, or visual looks were a major difference in every country. For example, in the video, it showed a girl answered a boy with "mhm" by signaling that she understood what he was saying. But, the boy thought she was being rude by brushing it off so there was a miscommunication there in a non-verbal way.
2) People are educated, brought up, and nurtured differently culturally, socially, and economically. What may seem "right" or "appropriate" to you may not be the case for another. You have to be aware and mindful of the person (whom you are talking to) of their culture.
3) Growing up, when meeting new people (any gender or age) I had to double kiss them meaning one kiss on one cheek and another kiss on the other. This meant "hi! Nice to meet you. We are going to be friends now" People who do not underatdn this method/style of communication, would look at us as to what we were doing and say it is weird to kiss twice because normally you just handshake the person.
4) I live in Washington D.C. so we have many tourists from all over the globe and I see many sometimes bow, or handshake, or kiss, or simply does not do any of the previous ones mentioned. If we ever put a group of individuals with different backgrounds, ethnicities, age, and gender, there would definitely be a diverse exchange of communication.
Culture Shock -
1) When I moved for the first time to N. America, it was a cultural shock because I was never brought up with so much diversity. It was eye-opening, alarming, and super intrigued by what and who I would I find.
2) For someone experiencing a moment of cultural shock, I would recommend them to first, stay calm because everything is going to be fine. Do not judge a book by its cover because that is how many can view you as narrow-minded. Ask many appropriate questions to get to know better the person so you can potentially become friends!

# data[].attributes.body
On Speaking a Second Language:

-       How can one be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles?

I think it’s most important to have patience when communicating with someone form a different cultural and language background. Learning a new language with its own different syntax, mechanics, and grammar is an amazing and difficult feat so it’s important to think about that when listening to someone speak a second language. Also, for both communicating partners involved speak slowly and clearly without over enunciating or using exaggerated movements. Ask questions about what someone has said or for them to repeat what they said in a respectful manner to avoid further confusion.

-       In what ways is the use of English symbolic for USA-Japan relations?

It’s symbolic to use English as main language of communication for this project because it really pushes the idea that the English language is some how the default, or superior language that everyone has to learn. Makes it seem like other languages are inferior when they aren’t and that people who primarily speak English don’t have to put it the work to learn about other cultures and languages.

-       How do you want the interaction to be different? What can you do to achieve that?

For this interaction to be different, a more collaborative and a better intercultural experience, maybe over the course of this project there could be time set aside to exchange common phrases in each other’s languages or time to talk about what makes communication difficult with language as a barrier. I think it would be beneficial to have time to get to talk to each other and know each other outside the project to make project and discussions more fruitful.

On Nonverbal Communication:

-       What major differences in communication styles did the Moroccan and American students discover?

The Moroccan students were visibly more emotional and passionate with their stances and arguments when talking with one another; one guy from Morocco even said I feel more comfortable and identify as Moroccan when I can speak with my hands, move my body, etc. The Americans were quieter during the exchange and just observing and then afterward one American guy explained that in America there’s a lot more hesitance to disagree publicly and loudly.

-       What could be reasons for these different styles?

Definitely a cultural difference. I feel like maybe in the U.S. there are so many co-cultures and different backgrounds and identities, that at least in my experience, it may be easier to offend people or not know how to talk about certain topics that are sensitive because you don’t know enough about who you’re talking with.

-       What differences of communication styles did you experience at home, on campus, in society, abroad?

I think all communication changes with the different contexts listed above. At home and on campus with friends and family there is a more relaxed and more informal atmosphere to talk freely, joke around, and use different types of language (slang, nicknames, etc.). During classes and office hours where there is one-on-one time with professors the communication definitely shifts, there is a certain level of respect for the elder/teacher position that’s universally acknowledged, more formal language used, and at least in my case there’s a lot more listening on my part versus asking a lot of questions in class too. I’ve never been abroad before, but I know that every culture has different communication methods, behaviors, and expectations based on power dynamic, individualist vs. collectivist society, etc.

-       In what situations can you imagine diverse communication styles create misunderstandings between people of different countries?

I think really in any situation where two distinctly different cultures interact with one another there will be a level of misunderstanding, confusion, hurt feelings, etc. Especially during difficult/opinionated discussions about politics, history, religion, etc. Part of this comes from different cultural communication expectations, like how it can be deemed inappropriate to discuss such topics with strangers/people you’ve just met, etc. in one area but encouraged and normal in another.

On Culture Shock:

-       Have you personally experienced or can you imagine cases where culture shock can occur?

Although I’ve never been abroad, I have experienced culture shock within the states. For example, I was involved in a volunteer program in Wise County Virginia when I was in high school, where we helped poor/low income communities receive medical/dental supplies and get checked out for free. I’m fortunate enough to come from family and means where health care is accessible, and I live comfortably but looking at the participants who showed up for care it was definitely a wake-up call for me. People’s southern dialects and accents were thick and very hard to understand and some patients that I saw had missing teeth, broken limbs, injuries, etc. that looked painful and serious but treated it like it was nothing for months and even years. I can imagine that culture shock cases could be even more jarring when you don’t know or speak fluently a language in a new environment, have little money or education, don’t know anyone/have no support, etc.

-       Remember, this could even be inside your home country. For someone on campus experiencing culture shock, what do you imagine could be supportive to them during difficult moments?

In my experience, when facing or anticipating a case of culture shock it’s important to seek out individuals you feel can support you in any role you need, be it translator, friend, cook, tour guide, etc. Also, it’s important to observe your surroundings, people’s behaviors/actions so you can follow their lead in certain situations. In difficult moments it’s important to know that it’s okay to ask for help from others and to lean into the discomfort/confusion to make meaningful connections/memories and learn from those experiences to keep from making those same mistakes.

Extra Question:

-       What qualities/attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?

When interacting with a new person it’s important to be open, ask questions, and try your best to have an overall positive attitude to lessen the tension, awkwardness, and discomfort of being out of one’s comfort zone. Also, I think that if you aren’t afraid to laugh of simple miscommunication errors and let embarrassment and mistakes roll of your back the experiences will be much more meaningful.

# data[].attributes.body
Kosuke Takemoto
On Speaking a Second Language

It is important not to forget that its usual we have differences and the mnd of "love mistake" We can't communicate in a second language perfectly so we should recognize it.

On Non-verbal Communication
1.I guess Moroccan people have the mind to use strong/strict words.

2.one possibility is that Moroccan people are not good at showing their feeling like american people. The others is Morrocan people have reason of deciding things as quick as they can.

3.In my university,my friends often tell me that im using strict words or way of saying something that make them umconfortable. But we don't have any problems when we talk with our rural friends.

4.I think The body language will make misunderstanding. I heard that nodding means "Yes" in some culture,and "No" in other culture.

On culture shock
1.I hev no experience of it,but i guessit may occur when people who are from different countries or regions intaract.So i think the culture shock is occuring among Japanese pople.

2.Sharing the situation among us and consider why the culture shock has occured. Then we recognize the experience will help us to expand our world together by chatting. Not Looking for a difference,but looking for the common things among us will make us feel better. Being positive is the start of knowing each other.

# data[].attributes.body
Nick Aubin

# data[].attributes.body
Yuki
@ Speaking a second language
As for speaking second language, I reckon we have to consider that each language implies the social backgrounds where it is spoken. What is appropriate to say or not is occasionally different between languages.

@Non-verbal communication
1. Moroccan tends to show their feelings strongly and that is how they behave in their culture.
American tries not to be offensive when they express their opinion.
2. One of the reasons for that could be their cultural differences.
3. In Australia everyone expresses their opinion explicitly, but in Japan, I do that implicitly because that is the appropriate behavior here.
4. When they have a conflict, or when they are in a relationship.

# data[].attributes.body
Lam Lai Yan

On Speaking a Second Language:
There are various levels for second language speakers, sometimes when they are not familiar enough with the language, they would need more time to translate and organize their expression. I think being patient and encouraging is important; listen to what they say first, then give them suggestions (not to deny or correct them strictly) how to better express the ideas. Myself as a languages learner, I constantly make mistakes and having people around to provide feedback is a good way to improve. Also, shadowing and learning about the culture would help to learn the language. English is symbolic in a way that some terms are deeply involve in Japanese daily lives in katakana.

On Non-verbal Communication:
1. Language is only part of communication, there are also, body gestures, facial expression, space in between statement, and other non-verbal communication. And people from different cultural background receive and understand these message and information differently.
2. Verbal communication provide certain information. There are some information easier to express in non-verbal ways under different cultural content like emotion or feeling with facial expression or body gestures.
3. I think I have experience most of the communication styles mentioned in the video. At home, I think more often verbal or non-verbal like "hmmm" or "emmm". On campus may be body gestures and facial expression, and space in between talks.
4. In my opinion, body gesture and the non-verbal communication with sound like "huh" would easily cause misunderstanding same as the video said people understand them differently as from various cultural background.

On Culture Shock:
1. Yes, I have experience culture shock when I first abroad to America and Japan. The way people interact and response are not the same as my culture; the distinct lifestyle and food culture felt nervous, fun, and maybe strange.
2. I think guiding them, letting them know how to response, being around and available to help are good.

Important qualities/attitude when interacting with other person for supporting positive change:
In general, being encouraging and friendly are some of the elements. Maybe try to be open minded to other cultures and not judgmental as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Nick Aubin

Speaking another language

This video made me thing about the foreign exchange students that I come in contact with at my school.

I usually question why these students are shy and don’t speak much considering my teachers that use English as a second language are very outgoing. This video made me realize that confidence in the language I speak can have a huge affect on when I choose to speak and I want students that are speaking English as a second language to know I am not judging them for not using English correctly. I achieve this by being very open and supportive when speaking with students that are learning English.

Non-verbal communication

1.       The major differences the Moroccan students witnessed was that American students may talk more to show dominance while the American students just thought the Moroccan students were shy.

2.       The reason Moroccans may have thought this is because of the American way and their strong ability to speak English. The Americans may think the Moroccans are shy because of their soft speech and difficulty in the English language.

3.       The differences I have experienced when I was in Europe was that I felt like an outsider and a tourist from the body language of Europeans.

4.       I think communication issues arise in business communication most often. In business conversations there is a motive to be conversing and if things are taken the wrong way communication issues can change business decisions drastically.

Culture Shock

1.       When I moved to a new school district in 7th grade I experienced a culture shock in the totally different way friends were made compared to the last school district I was in. Making friends was very different and it shocked me.

2.       The best support comes from the people who love you and/or that can relate to you and show empathy.

Qualities

An exchange that is happy and meaningful. I believe a positive exchange includes common body language that shows openness and support.

# data[].attributes.body
Huang, Tsai-Lun (Tiffy)

Speaking a Second Language

I was afraid of making mistakes when I was speaking English. However, after having more experience of chatting with English native speaker, I found that it is totally fine for me to making mistakes. Some people even told me that as long as I could communicate with others, that will be enough. Also, I realized that even a native speaker is possible to make mistakes. Therefore, I’m now not afraid of making mistakes anymore.

On non-verbal communication

1.      Moroccans express their own thoughts without hesitating or afraid. Even though they’re going to deny other’s ideas, they would say it directly. On the other hand, when it comes to deny other’s idea, American rarely tell 100% of their thoughts.

2.      These people are from two different countries. Their living styles, education background, thoughts, and even history are totally different from each other, so that they have different styles of communication.

3.      Most people have different communication styles in different situation. You speak to elders and teachers in a way, and then you speak to friends and families in another way.

4.      If I was seriously denied by one who I’m not familiar with, I would feel really bad without doubt. Because of the bad experience of the conversation, I might decide not to be a friend with this person. If I couldn’t have chance to know this person well, then there’s no friendship between us. Time can make misunderstanding be solved.

On Culture Shock

1.      When I saw the video that Moroccans disagree with others directly, I was shocked. However, I haven’t had seriously culture shock experience yet. I guess it’s because I didn’t go other countries besides Asia. I found fewer differences between Taiwan and Japan. If I went to western countries, maybe I could have experienced culture shock.

2.      Being culture shocked is because they haven’t understood the culture enough yet. Forcing someone to fully adapt to another culture might be too difficult. But still, the person who has serious culture shock needs time to know this culture more, and experience more in person. Asking for others help is also a useful way to get used to new life. In my opinion, time can solve this problem.

What qualities/attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?

Be a polite speaker and good listener. Sharing own opinions and then respect and understand others’.

# data[].attributes.body
Daniel Carmichael

On Speaking a Second Language
When it comes to speaking a language that is not your own you must realize the inherent differences between it and your mother tongue. Language goes beyond just speaking, it also encompasses the thought processes that lead to the creation of sentences. But like learning any language you must not be afraid to make mistakes. Since being corrected on your grammar, word choice, or other things can help you to improve your ability to think in the language you are learning.
The use of English in U.S. - Japan relations is symbolic of the history between the two countries. It can be seen in the slang of young people to the prevalence of English advertisements downtown. I think it's kind of unfortunate that a holdover from the American occupation of Japan continues to be relevant. It is sad, to me, that Japanese businesses have to cater to American tourists and customers by training their staff in English. I would like to see more Americans take the initiative to learn basic phrases before traveling abroad, instead of feeling entitled to the ability to speak English regardless of where they go. I hope when I get a chance to speak to future IGP students I can convince them to study Japanese more than the bare minimum.

On Non-verbal communication
1. I noticed that the Moroccans were quick to initiate physical contact, something Americans might find a bit weird. Even though all he did was put an arm around him in the market, it shows how Moroccan culture emphasizes intimacy in friendship relationships. It was also interesting to see how passionate they were about their opinions. They were not afraid to voice their disagreements to their friends, something Americans might see as antagonistic or aggressive.
2. I think the history of Morocco and their culture has a big influence on their communication style. In America at least, civility seems to be prized above actual reason and persuasion. But maybe Moroccan culture has placed the ability to debate and argue inside the realm of politeness.
3. I have noticed that Japanese people can be a little bit hesitant to voice their true opinion. Although Americans can be similar, they are usually quick to voice disagreements if they feel something conflicts with their values. With my Japanese friends I can have a bit of trouble with understanding their positions. My Taiwanese, Korean, and European friends are quick to voice their true feelings, in contrast.
4. I think a communication style like we saw in Morocco could cause problems in America or Japan. Although the Moroccans might not mean offense, it could be taken as a sign of aggression or contempt if they were to speak so passionately about a disagreement they have with a friend. Americans and English people are known for being sarcastic, and I have seen firsthand the problems that can cause in Japan; since Japanese people with less-English skills usually don't pick up on what is a joke and might take it to be serious.

Culture Shock
1. Personally, I have not really experienced culture shock. Sure, Japan is a bit different than America; but there was never a point in time I felt uncomfortable or lost. It wasn't that hard to adapt to life in Japan, for me. I enjoy walking around my neighborhood and discovering new things. But for others I can definitely see how coming to a country like Japan, from any non-Asian country, could be a cause of culture shock.

2. I think the best way to get over culture shock is to find something that reminds you of your own culture. Whether that be making friends with people from your same country; finding restaurants that serve your countries food; or staying at home and watching TV shows from your country; these are just a few ways that could comfort someone who might be feeling lost or out-of-their-comfort-zone. But they should also remember what they hope to achieve by studying abroad, and becoming familiar and comfortable in a culture besides their own is something they should try to achieve; rather than avoid.

# data[].attributes.body
Alecsander Bucklin

On Speaking a Second Language
It is important to keep in mind that norms of communication can be very different across and even within cultures. I think it helps to be observant of others' reactions and attitudes towards one's style of communication in order to communicate most effectively. The dominant nature of English in cross cultural interactions in Japan seems to be a result of the cultural influence that the US has in Japan. I would hope that in the future there is an effort made by both sides to best understand the other, rather than the current largely one-sided situation. Personally I try my best to understand the local language and methods of communication in order to balance the scale of effort put forth in cross-cultural interactions.

On Non-verbal communication
1. In Moroccan communication it is very common to directly disagree with someone in conversation and communicate this with emotion, while in the US people often make an effort to not upset one another and find common ground.
2. Moroccans may not be as adverse to conflict and arguing, since they figure they are still friends at the end of the day. Americans may have a harder time working through conflict with one another, and possibly see this as risky for relationships.
3. In Japan I have to keep in mind that people tend to communicate rather indirectly, so I feel I have to do a little bit more work in wondering what someone might genuinely feel or mean when they say something.
4. If someone from a high context culture assumes or forgets that their assumptions are lost on those from other cultures, it may lead to misunderstandings when their way of communication isn't picked up by someone from a different culture.

Culture Shock
1. I do not feel as though I have personally experienced culture shock in any major way. I can imagine a situation of experiencing culture shock as being in a country with radically different standards for safety or sanitation. In this situation I would likely find myself very out of my comfort zone while those around me are all very accustomed to these norms.

2. For someone else experiencing culture shock I imagine it would help them to momentarily withdraw from the host culture they are in and spend time with something familiar. Although they may eventually have no choice but to adjust to the culture, it may help to give them some extra time to get used to it.

# data[].attributes.body
Yuki Kataoka
@ On culture shock
1. I was shocked at skin ships Italian does as I was in Italy.
On the first day, when I got to my girlfriend's(at that time) house, her parents went out of home and hugged me & kissed on my cheeks. I was confused why they did such things to me at that moment, but I learnt it is common to hug and kiss to welcome people who are quite important for them in Italy as she taught me later. On the other hand, kissing and hugging are morally accepted only between people in a relationship in Japan (Those behaviors tend to be seen between females, though). At first, although I was quite awkward when I received them, I got used to it and now I do hug my friends(from especially European and North American countries) a lot.

2. Give a listen to the people in trouble, first. Then I would talk with them as much as they want; I would not try to give any advice from my own perspectives as it could worsen the situation.

# data[].attributes.body
Takaaki Maki

Speaking a Second Language:
To get them to be confidence to make mistake in using the second language and stand on the same position of them doing some activity such as learning the first language from them.

On Non-verbal communication:
1. I could not detect who is the Moroccan.
2. The reasons why are derived from their cultures, for example, Japanese people use gestures or facial expressions not to say negative things directly.
3. I experienced the change of use of language in the difference of status, i.e. I can say “Take my bag” to my brother, but I can not say to a professor .
4. I imagine that the situation where make the misunderstandings is appointing situation, especially between Japanese people and foreigners, because Japanese people tend not to say ‘Yes” and often beat around the bush to say ‘No’.

On Culture Shock:
1. Yes, I have. When I went to Philippines and Vietnam, I saw the crowd of motorcycles which ran freely. I thought the traffic lights are really shortages, but the way of think to use the road in them are different from me and my culture.
2. First of all, I will have to hear the problem for the counterparts spontaneously. Second, I will talk or discuss the route of the shock, e.g. why are Japanese people so shy.

What qualities/ attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?
ーI think that it is important for each person to  receive and enjoy the difference in such a situation.

# data[].attributes.body
AFTER THE GROUP SESSION (HOMEWORK due on April 25, 2019)                                                                                               POST EXPERIENCE WRITING EXERCISE:

1.  Think back to your impressions before you met your counterparts.  What are your current impressions?

2. What strengths does your group have that will help you work well together?                                                         3.What does a successful collaboration look like to you?

# data[].attributes.body
For the online converation on April 18th: please prepare to be able to share your thoughts on the following:        Dialogue Prompts: What thoughts or emotions did you feel as you prepared for this interaction?  What are your concerns about this project?                                                                                                                                                   Dialogue Prompt: What messages, stereotypes, or ideas about your COIL peer’s country do you get from your social media, family, professors, or peers?

# data[].attributes.body
What qualities/attitudes are important when interacting with another person for supporting a positive exchange?

Make a posting on the above question.

# data[].attributes.body
On Culture Shock

1.Have you personally experienced or can you imagine cases where culture shock can occur?

2. Remember, this could even be inside your home country. For someone on campus experiencing culture shock, what do you imagine could be supportive to them during difficult moments?

Make a posting on the above topic.

# data[].attributes.body
CBE Videos

On Non-verbal communication

Prompts for all students:

1.What major differences in communication styles did the Moroccan and American students discover?

2.What could be reasons for these different styles?

3. What differences of communication styles did you experience at home, on campus, in society, abroad?

4. In what situations can you imagine diverse communication styles create misunderstandings between people of different countries?

Make a posting on the above topic.

# data[].attributes.body
CBE Video On Speaking a Second Language

Prompts for all students:

How can one be mindful and supportive of language ability and communication styles? In what ways is the use of English  symbolic for USA-Japan relations? How do you want the interaction to be different? What can you do to achieve that?

Make a posting on the above topic.