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David Oglesby & Karen Sacre Defense Language Institute English Language Center. Transcending Cultural Differences. Language. Reflects. Culture. Language. Affects. Culture. Culture Is Evident in…. Lexicon (vocabulary) Syntax (grammar)
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David Oglesby & Karen Sacre Defense Language Institute English Language Center Transcending Cultural Differences
Language Reflects Culture
Language Affects Culture
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 • Field Studies Program for all students • Cultural Notes in the ALC • Specific lessons/ modules for international instructor courses
Any Given Day… 70-80 countries on campus 6-10 countries in a class
Potential for … Culture Bumps
Cross-Cultural Awareness • For DLIELC Teachers • Pre-Service Training (PST) • In-Service Training (IST) • Pre-Deployment • For DLIELC Students
How long did it take you? Please write your full name. 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% ofESL-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
Rules to Live by: • Respect your fellow students. • Be polite; say “Please” & “Thank you”. • Call people by their rank/title & last name. • Be open-minded towards others’ opinions. • Ask relevant questions. • Pay attention to classmates. • Assist others. • Give instructors your full attention. • Always speak English. • Arrive on time to class.
Punctuality Showing esteem for other people and their time. • Be at the right place at the right time. • Prepare for unexpected delays. • Do your work ahead of time. • Plan a daily schedule and stick to it. • Latecomers are reported. • 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) = L1 (Arabic) = Gender (Male) = Age (30s) = Job (Pilot) = L2 (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 cross- cultural 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.