Transcending Cultural Differences David Oglesby Karen Sacre Defense

Transcending Cultural Differences Ø David Oglesby & Karen Sacre Ø Defense Language Institute Ø English Language Center

Culture Is Evident in… Lexicon (vocabulary) Syntax (grammar) Segmental Phonemes (individual sounds) Suprasegmental phonemes (stress, intonation, plus juncture) Paralanguage (kinesics, proxemics)

Examples Lexicon NW Canada: 13 terms for snow Nigeria: 3 basic colors + B/W Syntax Exclusive/Inclusive “We” Formal/Informal “You” Phonology Tones dependent on addressee

DLIELC’s Dual Challenge Familiarization with American Culture Cross-Cultural Awareness

American Culture Ø Field Studies Program for all students Ø Cultural Notes in the ALC Ø Specific lessons/ modules for international instructor courses

Any Given Day… 70 -80 countries on campus 6 -10 countries in a class

Potential for …

Cross-Cultural Awareness For DLIELC Teachers Pre-Service Training (PST) In-Service Training (IST) Pre-Deployment For DLIELC Students

Please write your full name. How long did it take you? How much conscious thought did you put in to it? What adjectives would you use to describe the experience?

Now do exactly the same task again. . . but with the other hand. . . and please write backwards. How long did it take you? How much conscious thought did you put in to it? What adjectives would you use to describe the experience?

DLIELC Teachers Demographics 38% of ESL-related employees have chosen spouses from 33 cultures Pre-Service Training - Theories Universalism versus particularism Neutral versus emotional Achievement versus ascription Tolerance of ambiguity High vs Low Context Pre-Service Training - Scenarios

In-Service Training Conversational Styles Bowling Basketball Rugby Developed by Susan Steinbach Fluent American English video “Conversational Style in the USA” Steps 1 - 12

Multi-Cultural Classes Appreciation and respect for other cultures

Cross-Cultural Awareness For DLIELC Students New Student Briefing Monday Morning Briefing Specialized English Courses International Instructor Training

1. Respect your fellow students. 2. Be polite; say “Please” & “Thank you”. 3. Call people by their rank/title & last name. 4. Be open-minded towards others’ opinions. 5. Ask relevant questions. 6. Pay attention to classmates. 7. Assist others. 8. Give instructors your full attention. 9. Always speak English. 10. Arrive on time to class.

Punctuality Showing esteem for other people and their time. üBe at the right place at the right time. üPrepare for unexpected delays. üDo your work ahead of time. üPlan a daily schedule and stick to it. üLatecomers are reported. ü 15+ minutes is an absence! That means in the classroom, not the hallway!

Specialized Classes Aviate, Navigate, Communicate Military Supply and Logistics Specialized Academics Military Discussion Skills Military Speaking/Writing Skills Specialized Group Academics Service specific modules

Composite Identity = Sociability (Outgoing) = L 1 (Arabic) = Gender (Male) = Age (30 s) = Job (Pilot) = L 2 (English) = Religion (Islam) = Family (Eldest Son) = Nationality (Saudi) = Education (University)

International Instructors Basic Instructor Course Integrated into Methodology 20 hours INTRO to ALC Culture Seminar 110 hours (including tours) Management Course Component 20 hours

Cross-Cultural Topics Definition of Culture Elements of Culture Cultural Priorities / Values Cultural Influences in Human Transactions Cultural Factors in Language Cultural Factors in Education and Training

Facets of Interaction Topics of Interest / Taboos Perceptions of Time Styles of Negotiation Attitude towards Individualism Proxemics Kinesics Culture Shock

Materials / Methodology Cultural Questionnaire Written materials Observation assignments Videos /audio recordings Teacher-led discussions on crosscultural awareness Student-led seminars on American culture

American Culture Topics Native Americans / Immigrants Geography / Exploration Government / Political System History / Economy / Jobs Holidays / National Identity Family / Education / Moral Codes Arts / Sports / Recreation Lifestyles / Environment / Health

DLIELC Vision Statement A world-class language institute… Building bridges through communication and peace through understanding… Shaping tomorrow’s future today.