4 Course. 7 semester

2015-2016 a.y.

Module 1

Instructions: In groups of 4 students choose one of the projects and make it. Make sure that themes are not repeated among the groups. Make a ppt presentation for 3-4 minutes taking into consideration all the aspects of the theme.

Project 1

Study the given information and make a presentation about different aspects of cultures (e.g. attitudes to time, respect to elder people, etc.) of different nations

Waiting for trains and planes

It has been said that a German speaker’s whole world and value system is disturbed if trains are delayed. These are cultures which place a lot of importance on punctuality to the minute in public transport and professional settings. The same approach in Britain or the Netherlands is simply unimaginable. And in these latter cultures, the best description of passengers’ attitudes to delays is “resigned”.

In the United States, the phrase “time is money” seems to be even more valid than else where. When you miss a connection due to delays or overbooking, American airline stand to offer generous compensation, for example free tickets, for your loss of time.

• How does your culture and other cultures you know compare to the ones described opposite when it comes to delays in public transportation?

• What is the attitude of passengers if trains and buses and planes are late? Angry? Resigned? Accepting?

Project 2

Make a presentation about verbal and non-verbal means of communication similar to those you’ve read in the text. In addition, give the answers to the following questions.

What does “tomorrow” mean to you?

In much of the Arabic-speaking world, “tomorrow” is a polite way of saying, “I

don’t know” or “never” in answer to such questions as: “When will you have the

spare part so you can repair my car?” (In fact, this is not strictly connected with

time, but more a polite response, and all Arabic speakers understand what it means.)

The Spanish word “manana” seems to carry a similar meaning in South American cultures.

Questions:

• Would a similar use of this word cause misunderstandings in your culture?

• How do you think such misunderstandings could be avoided?

• Are there similar time-related responses in your language that could be easily misinterpreted?

Project 3

Make a presentation about notion similar to that you’ve read in the text. In addition, give the answers to the following questions.

Rites of passage

Many societies and cultures have “rites of passage” which are largely time determined. In some countries, young women and men are expected to undergo “initiation” through ordeals at the age of about 13. In Europe we send children to school or church which perform a similar function, though it takes much longer than hunting down a leopard or spending the night unprotected in the jungle.

The Jewish bar mitzvah and the Christian confirmation are religious rites of passage, while social/political “thresholds” are marked by laws, for example the right to buy and consume alcohol, the right to drive a car or the right to vote. Asocial “rite of passage” in Austria might still be the first official “ball” you can attend after having passed through dancing school (usually 16 for girls, 17 forboys). This is still referred to as young people’s official society debut. However,this latter rite is very much class-dependent!

• Are there similar social or religious rites of passage in the cultures you know?

Project 4

Look at the picture and Make a presentation about gesture systems in different countries. In addition, give the answers to the following questions.

What's the message?

• What does each gesture mean?

• Which ones could you use in the UK, in the US or in your country?

• Which of the gestures, if any, are different from the gestures use in your culture?

• In what situations do you use gestures?

• Are there any gestures you should not use with certain people?

Project 5

Make a presentation about dating customs. Make a research and give the answers to the following questions.

• What have you learned about relationships between men and women in the UK and the US from this activity?

• Can you make any generalizations about relationships between men and women in the UK and the US?

• In what ways are the relationships different from the relationships in your culture?

• In what ways are they similar?