Cultural Rhetoric in the Writing Classroom By Rebecca Torres Valdovinos

1. Cultural Rhetoric in the Writing Classroom By Rebecca Torres Valdovinos

2. My Story “Psychologists investigating perception are increasingly insistent that what is perceived depends upon the observer’s perceptual frame of reference”. Robert T. Oliver, “ Forward,” Philosophy, Rhetoric and Argumentation, ed. Maurice Nathanson and Henry W. Johnstone, Jr. (University Park, Pennsylvania, 1965), pp. x-xi

3. The Theory of Contrastive Rhetoric By Robert B. Kaplan • Language Learning. Cultural thought patterns in intercultural education. 16(1): 1-20.Rhetoric (1966)

4. Three decades of research: • 60’s - Kaplan discovered problem of L2 organization

5. Designing curriculum based on critical contrastive rhetorical theory

6. A Dynamic Model Of L2 Writing By P. K. Matsuda Educational Explanations – reviews the background of how writers developed their organizational skills Cultural –organizational structures strongly influenced by background of the student Linguistic – emphasizes the influence of the writer’s first language (L1) organizational structures L1 writer is using a schematic code natural to their background while the native English reader is using theirs.

7. Language and writing are cultural experiences Linguistic patterns and rhetorical conventions from a first language often transfer to writing in ESL and can cause interference. When international students or bicultural students are made aware of their natural pattern they develop an awareness of this tendency in their own writing. When their linguistic / cultural tendencies are made clear, students can develop effective strategies for adapting to meet the expectations of the “target” language community. Awareness of cultural rhetorical patterns can help teachers support success of international/ bicultural students in academic courses. Contrastive Rhetoric In the Classroom

8. Application

9. Reverse Engineering • Short text selection

10. “Breakdown” the context in a visual form, example graphic organizers • Energizer Batteries • Recreate text using “outline form” • Australian Advertisement • Different Styles of communication • Outline for Advertising All Over the World • I. Australian Advertisement • A. Energizer Batteries • B. “Jacko” – Australian football hero • C. Failed in US • a. Different customs • II. Selling products is the goal • A. Advertising global • B. New way to sell • C.Worldbecoming smaller • III. Problems with language and culture • A. Customs • B. New messages in ads • a. Translation doesn’t work • i.Example–Chevy Nova • ii. Example – Brannif Airlines • IV. Different Styles of communication • A. Firms write new ads • B. Exact words • a. U.S., Britain, Germany • C. Ads with feelings • a. Japan “Jacko” Advertising All Over the World • Selling products is the goal • Problems with language and culture • New messages in ads • Advertising global • New way to sell • Customs • Students compile linear information into paragraphs and essay

12. This method prevents plagiarism.

13. . " . . . A pedagogy of critical contrastive rhetoric calls for the initiation of broad educational initiatives among teachers, whether of writing or of subjects that require writing, so that expectations are situated within the multiple realities of a myriad of students writing in English for numerous purposes . . . "   (R. Kubuta, Toward Critical Contrastive Rhetoric).