Writing

1. Create a "survival" gesture book for foreign visitors (the do's and taboos).

2. Write an opinion essay “The necessity of incorporating culture into the Foreign Language classroom”, use the text above as an introduction.

Subtopic: III Signs comprehension

1. Follow the activities of the book (14.4 A - С).

2.1 Look at the road sign. It is used to indicate that elderly people might be crossing the road. Think about the following questions:

• What image does it construct of elderly people?

• Do you recognise this representation of elderly people?

Elderly people

2.2 Read the commentary of the way elderly people are represented on this sign and do the task below.

The sign is warning drivers that they need to be alert and slow down because elderly people may be crossing the road. It may well appear near a residential care home or day centre for the elderly and so knowledge of that geographical context would help with an understanding of what the sign means. The implication is that elderly people will take some time to cross, that they may have difficulty in walking or will just be slower than "normal' pedestrians. The elderly are here being represented as different to others who might be crossing the road. The implication is also that "different" equals ‘less able’.

The sign itself shows an image of two elderly people, a man and a woman, stooped over, one using a walking stick, probably a heterosexual (married?) couple. The male figure is larger, as is common in visual representations of males and females within this culture. He is represented as the protector and his female companion follows him and looks as if she is being led along by him. Both are represented as physically weak but within that the male figure is taking the lead. As well as constructing an image of the physical capabilities of the elderly, the sign is also making assumptions about the way they live and the roles men and women have in relation to each other. The elderly are clearly being represented in a way that sees them as needing special care and attention.

The sign does not specify what is meant by 'elderly people' and so this remains open to interpretation. There are many ways in which our society defines its older members and many terms which are used for them. The term "elderly' carries with it associations of infirmity and frailty which are also conveyed by the image on the sign.

While most of us recognise and understand the message of the road sign, and we accept that some older people do need looking after when confronted with roads, this representation of elderly people may well be alien to our own experience. We may know elderly people who are active and proud to be so, who do not live with a partner of the opposite sex or who may need some support and help but do not present themselves in the fragile and vulnerable way this sign suggests. We understand and accept a sort of cultural signposting that may not be in line with our experiences of "reality' and may be objectionable to some people.

2.3 How would the perception of this road sign differ in another context, for example in case it was taken from the Department of Transport’s book Know Your Road Signs, which includes a brief explanatory comment: “Elderly pedestrians likely to cross” (“Elderly” may be varied to “Blind” or “Disabled”)?

2.4 Collect examples of signs or images that are common in our society but which do not represent everyone's experiences of life as it "really' is. Explore what connotations and associations the images have and the ways in which people might react to these representations. Some examples might be:

• Toilet signs

• A sign in a pub or cafe that indicates families are welcome

• Representation of men/women/children/parenthood in advertising

Think about the social context in which each text occurs and the reasons why certain people might be represented in certain ways in it.

2.5 Read the notice which was displayed in several shops situated in an urban residential area. Think about the following questions:

• How is this notice representing young people?

• In what ways are the ideas and attitudes implicit in this notice linked to stereotypes?

ONLY THREE SCHOOL CHILDREN AT ANY TIME

2.6 Follow the activities of the book (14.4 D - F).