Make a posting on the above topic. 

 On Non-verbal communication

Make a posting on the above topic. 

Make a posting on the above topic. 

Make a posting on the above question. 

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. 

 

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.

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. 
 

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’.

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 7^th 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. 

 

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.

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. 

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.

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:

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. 

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. 

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. 

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:

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. 

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.

 

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! 

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.

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. 

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

 

·     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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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