ERIC Number: ED278270
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Nov
Pages: 46
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Expressions of Social Conventions and Language Features in Arabic, German, Japanese and Korean and Their Importance in a Proficiency Oriented Classroom.
Armstrong, Marianne; And Others
Teachers of Arabic, German, Japanese, and Korean at the Defense Language Institute describe classroom activities that have proven effective in preparing their adult, military language students for contact with another culture. Cultural awareness and understanding of the culture's sociolinguistic features are emphasized because of their importance in communication with natives and in determining the student's reception in a foreign country. An American living in an Arab, Japanese, or Korean culture must be familiar with the behavior unique to the country in order to survive. When cultural differences are less obvious, as in German culture, factors affecting communication may be quite subtle but are equally important. Idioms (including proverbs and other sayings) and gestures are highlighted because of their usefulness to individuals with a limited command of the language. (MSE)
Descriptors: Adults, Arabic, Class Activities, Classroom Techniques, Cultural Education, Culture Contact, Eye Contact, German, Group Dynamics, Idioms, Intercultural Communication, Japanese, Kinesthetic Methods, Korean, Language Proficiency, Language Usage, Military Training, Nonverbal Communication, Postsecondary Education, Role Playing, Second Language Instruction, Uncommonly Taught Languages
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A