Conversational Patterns

In her book You Just Don't Understand, the sociolinguistic researcher Deborah Tannen discusses the notion that people from some cultures value "high involvement" conversation patterns, while others value "high considerateness" patterns¹. Many people from cultures that prefer "high involvement" styles tend to:

1. to talk more;

2. interrupt more;

3. expect to be interrupted;

4. talk more loudly at times;

5. talk more quickly;

6. enjoy arguments;

7. think that others are not interested if they are not ready to engage in a heated discussion.

On the other hand, people from cultures that favor "high considerateness" styles tend to:

1. speak one at a time;

2. use polite listening sounds;

3. refrain from interrupting;

4. give plenty of positive and respectful responses to their conversational partners.

The first group is represented by Russian, Italian, Greek, Spanish, South American, Arab, and African¹. The various communication styles in Asian cultures would be characterized as "high considerateness." Mainstream American conversation style also belongs to the second group, although differs significantly from Asian patterns.

Americans prefer dealing directly with issues rather than avoiding them. Honesty and directness are interrelated.

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	Exercises

Phonetic Exercises

1. Get ready for expressive reading.

By an anonymous author ¹

They dress in what they like;

They are interested in sport;

They partake in all activities

If they think they ought.

They all succeed in doing

Their job in five short days,

Which leaves them the two longest ones

To spend in different ways.

Then some indulge in gardening,

Or walking in the rain.

And some delight in cricket.

Or in riding in the plain.

In spite of what’s around him,

The average Englishman

Does crosswords in the newspaper

In pencil – if he can.

Involved in any accident

The English take a pride

In being unemotional:

They take things in their stride.

In any circumstances –

Whatever they may be –

The English solve their problems

With an English cup of tea.

Vocabulary Exercises

1.Describe Ukrainians, Russian, Americans, Englishmen, Germans, and Frenchmen using five adjectives for each nation..

2.Give definitions of the following.

Stereotype, mainstream culture, individuality, ethnic mix, virtue, rhythm, majority, minority, multiculturalism, identity, ethnic group, mainstream values, spiritual values, "pot luck" dinners, financial assets, social ritual, gender issues, antagonism, social/ political enemies, a social occasion, refugee group, casual friendship, compromise, misconception.