Intercultural competence as an aspect of the communicative ...

9. Veljko is an exchange student of electronics, who is spending a year in Chicago. He’s
doing quite well, but since his test is coming in two weeks’ time, he wants to check few
problems with his micro engineering teacher. At the beginning of the semester the teacher
told the class that he would be in his office every Tuesday from 1 till 3 p.m. should they
need him. So, Veljko is in front of the office a few minutes before 1 and he knocks on the
closed door and enters. The professor is surprised, and not very willing to talk to Veljko –
why might this be?
a) Veljko is too early, he should’ve waited for 1 o’clock.
b) The professor believes that he explained everything and wouldn’t be bothered
with it again.
c) Veljko was not supposed to enter the office when the door is closed, that is
considered rude.
d) The professor was concerned that he would spend too much time with Veljko
because he is not a native speaker of English.
Rationale
a) Even though the professor’s office hours were scheduled for 1 o’clock, being there
only few minutes earlier should not be the problem. Try another option.
b) Professors are obliged to meet students outside the classroom, even if they believe that
their lectures were completely clear. Try another option.
c) In every culture there are some rules that are not obvious, but are tacit. While in Serbia
professors are in offices with doors closed, knocking and entering is an appropriate way
of interaction. On the other hand, in the States, if professors do not have secretaries in
front of their office, the sign that students are free to enter is the open door. If the door is
closed, it is a sign that students would probably interrupt. This is the right answer.
d) There is nothing in the incident that might point to this. It is said that Veljko is doing
well, and while his language proficiency does not have to be excellent, he is obviously
capable to get by. Try another option.
10. Ivana is a newly arrived exchange student at the University Delaware, USA. She has
been introduced to her academic advisor, had couple of classes and she is supposed to
take a round around the campus. As she is walking down the corridors, there are other
students who nod, or smile, some even say hello as they approach her, as if they knew
her. She is rather puzzled, and does not know whether to say hi, or not. What could be the
reason for the students’ behaviour?
a) She is walking along with her advisor, so the students are actually greeting him
b) It a usual thing when people approach in the hall to show some kind of greeting
c) Ivana looks different and the students want to show that she is welcomed,
nevertheless
d) Ivana has met all those people (students and faculty) but since it’s all been quite
recent she cannot remember everyone.
Rationale
a) This might be the case, however, the incident says that other students nod or smile at
her, and not only the advisor. This cannot be the only explanation, so try another option.
b) As a way of maintaining social harmony, especially in a closed ‘community’ such as
students and professors, nodding or smiling is a actually acknowledging others, without
necessarily meaning other people actually know you. This is the right answer.
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