Intercultural competence as an aspect of the communicative ...
Intercultural competence as an aspect of the communicative ...
Intercultural competence as an aspect of the communicative ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
9. Veljko is <strong>an</strong> exch<strong>an</strong>ge student <strong>of</strong> electronics, who is spending a year in Chicago. He’s<br />
doing quite well, but since his test is coming in two weeks’ time, he w<strong>an</strong>ts to check few<br />
problems with his micro engineering teacher. At <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> semester <strong>the</strong> teacher<br />
told <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>as</strong>s that he would be in his <strong>of</strong>fice every Tuesday from 1 till 3 p.m. should <strong>the</strong>y<br />
need him. So, Veljko is in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice a few minutes before 1 <strong>an</strong>d he knocks on <strong>the</strong><br />
closed door <strong>an</strong>d enters. The pr<strong>of</strong>essor is surprised, <strong>an</strong>d not very willing to talk to Veljko –<br />
why might this be?<br />
a) Veljko is too early, he should’ve waited for 1 o’clock.<br />
b) The pr<strong>of</strong>essor believes that he explained everything <strong>an</strong>d wouldn’t be bo<strong>the</strong>red<br />
with it again.<br />
c) Veljko w<strong>as</strong> not supposed to enter <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice when <strong>the</strong> door is closed, that is<br />
considered rude.<br />
d) The pr<strong>of</strong>essor w<strong>as</strong> concerned that he would spend too much time with Veljko<br />
because he is not a native speaker <strong>of</strong> English.<br />
Rationale<br />
a) Even though <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essor’s <strong>of</strong>fice hours were scheduled for 1 o’clock, being <strong>the</strong>re<br />
only few minutes earlier should not be <strong>the</strong> problem. Try <strong>an</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r option.<br />
b) Pr<strong>of</strong>essors are obliged to meet students outside <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>as</strong>sroom, even if <strong>the</strong>y believe that<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lectures were completely clear. Try <strong>an</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r option.<br />
c) In every culture <strong>the</strong>re are some rules that are not obvious, but are tacit. While in Serbia<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essors are in <strong>of</strong>fices with doors closed, knocking <strong>an</strong>d entering is <strong>an</strong> appropriate way<br />
<strong>of</strong> interaction. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r h<strong>an</strong>d, in <strong>the</strong> States, if pr<strong>of</strong>essors do not have secretaries in<br />
front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>of</strong>fice, <strong>the</strong> sign that students are free to enter is <strong>the</strong> open door. If <strong>the</strong> door is<br />
closed, it is a sign that students would probably interrupt. This is <strong>the</strong> right <strong>an</strong>swer.<br />
d) There is nothing in <strong>the</strong> incident that might point to this. It is said that Veljko is doing<br />
well, <strong>an</strong>d while his l<strong>an</strong>guage pr<strong>of</strong>iciency does not have to be excellent, he is obviously<br />
capable to get by. Try <strong>an</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r option.<br />
10. Iv<strong>an</strong>a is a newly arrived exch<strong>an</strong>ge student at <strong>the</strong> University Delaware, USA. She h<strong>as</strong><br />
been introduced to her academic advisor, had couple <strong>of</strong> cl<strong>as</strong>ses <strong>an</strong>d she is supposed to<br />
take a round around <strong>the</strong> campus. As she is walking down <strong>the</strong> corridors, <strong>the</strong>re are o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
students who nod, or smile, some even say hello <strong>as</strong> <strong>the</strong>y approach her, <strong>as</strong> if <strong>the</strong>y knew<br />
her. She is ra<strong>the</strong>r puzzled, <strong>an</strong>d does not know whe<strong>the</strong>r to say hi, or not. What could be <strong>the</strong><br />
re<strong>as</strong>on for <strong>the</strong> students’ behaviour?<br />
a) She is walking along with her advisor, so <strong>the</strong> students are actually greeting him<br />
b) It a usual thing when people approach in <strong>the</strong> hall to show some kind <strong>of</strong> greeting<br />
c) Iv<strong>an</strong>a looks different <strong>an</strong>d <strong>the</strong> students w<strong>an</strong>t to show that she is welcomed,<br />
never<strong>the</strong>less<br />
d) Iv<strong>an</strong>a h<strong>as</strong> met all those people (students <strong>an</strong>d faculty) but since it’s all been quite<br />
recent she c<strong>an</strong>not remember everyone.<br />
Rationale<br />
a) This might be <strong>the</strong> c<strong>as</strong>e, however, <strong>the</strong> incident says that o<strong>the</strong>r students nod or smile at<br />
her, <strong>an</strong>d not only <strong>the</strong> advisor. This c<strong>an</strong>not be <strong>the</strong> only expl<strong>an</strong>ation, so try <strong>an</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r option.<br />
b) As a way <strong>of</strong> maintaining social harmony, especially in a closed ‘community’ such <strong>as</strong><br />
students <strong>an</strong>d pr<strong>of</strong>essors, nodding or smiling is a actually acknowledging o<strong>the</strong>rs, without<br />
necessarily me<strong>an</strong>ing o<strong>the</strong>r people actually know you. This is <strong>the</strong> right <strong>an</strong>swer.<br />
287