Day 2
Mon. Jan. 11
Questions from a “cultural outsider”
Observations and discussion
Intro to “cultural scripts”
Homework
➤ Read Meng Hongdang (2008), “Social Script Theory and Cross-cultural Communication”
As you read, try to think of at least three other types of situations in which “social scripts” vary significantly between cultures. (You could start by thinking about what you know and have experienced — what are some situations where the “social scripts” followed by teachers and students are different between Chinese and American cultures?) Be ready to share your examples next class.
➤ Describe a social script
In a couple paragraphs, describe an interesting situation where people behave according to a complex set of unwritten rules or steps — what Meng Hongdang would call a “social script” — that might be mysterious or hard to understand for someone outside the culture. (Try to think of a situation other than the ones described in the Meng article.) Who are the “actors” and what are their roles? What is the “script” that is being followed in this situation? Try your best to explain the steps of the process or the unwritten rules governing the interaction. Upload this piece of writing as a .doc or docx file to the folder “Social Scripts” on Box.
This writing assignment will be ungraded. As long as you complete the assignment on time and in good faith, you’ll receive full credit.
➤ Speakers: Jerry, George, and Wu You
Come to class ready to tell us about the type of situation you wrote about — describe the unwritten rules or steps that the “actors” follow when in this situation. Also please tell us why you picked this particular situation — why you find it interesting or worth analyzing. Plan to talk to us for about 3 minutes.
➤ Read “Rituals of the Esenich”
Skim through your classmates’ “Rituals of the Esenich,” and read a few of the ones of the most intrigue you. Come to next class ready to read aloud for us one specific passage that you particularly liked, and explain why you liked it.