Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings and Their Resolutions: A Case Study of Vietnamese Student Volunteers in Laos

Body language in cross-cultural communication: A comparison between Vietnamese and Westerners

Each group creates one video that shows a cross-cultural communication misunderstanding. Your video must include:

1. A short scene with a clear setting.

2. A story that shows a misunderstanding.

3. A host or MC who explains:

o What happened.

o Why it happened.

o How to fix it.

4. A second scene that shows the solution.

Video length: 3–4 minutes.

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2. Group Topics

Each group works on one type of misunderstanding:

• Group 1: Misunderstanding based on language.

• Group 2: Misunderstanding based on nonverbal behavior.

• Group 3: Misunderstanding based on communication styles.

• Group 4: Misunderstanding based on conventions and practices.

• Group 5: Misunderstanding based on cultural values: individualism vs collectivism.

• Group 6: Misunderstanding based on other cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance, long-term vs short-term, indulgence vs restraint).

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3. Content Requirements

Your video must show:

A. Story Scene

• Clear characters and roles.

• Clear setting (school, office, cafe, online meeting).

• A real misunderstanding linked to your topic.

• A short conflict or problem that comes from culture.

B. MC Analysis

The MC needs to cover:

• What caused the issue.

• What cultural idea links to the issue.

• How people from each culture might see the scene.

• A simple solution or strategy.

C. Solution Scene

• Show the characters using the correct behavior.

• Show how the problem is solved.

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4. Format Requirements

• Video length: 3–4 minutes.

• Language: English.

• Use clear audio and steady video.

• Every member must appear at least once.

• Use captions if sound is unclear.

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5. Submission Steps

You must submit the video in three places:

1. Upload the video to YouTube (public or unlisted).

2. Post the YouTube link on Padlet (your class wall).

3. Submit the same link on the eLearning system under your group task.

Make sure the link works before submitting.

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6. Rubric (100 points)

1. Content Accuracy – 30 points

• Scene matches the assigned topic.

• Misunderstanding is clear and realistic.

• Cultural explanation is correct.

2. Analysis Quality – 25 points

• MC states the problem clearly.

• MC explains the cause with simple cultural terms.

• Solution is correct and useful.

3. Creativity and Storytelling – 20 points

• Clear structure.

• Engaging story.

• Smooth link between scene and analysis.

4. Teamwork – 10 points

• All members take part.

• Good coordination.

5. Technical Quality – 15 points

• Clear sound.

• Stable video.

• Good pacing.

• Proper captions if needed.