Feb. 28

I think that one of the most interesting things that came from the Baker article was that the Thai student, Nami makes a comment that when she speaks English she is not following native English speaker conventions. She also doesn’t feel as though she is following traditional Thai communication modes either. Rather she feels that she is drawing upon conventions of a “new generation” in Thailand. Similarly Por makes the conclusion that for her, there is no “real” American or Thai culture when she speaks English. She feels that cultural practices are mixed and hybrid much like Nami.

I have no personal experience to draw from on this topic since I am monolingual. However, it makes sense when I stop and think about it. For one, if a native Thai speaker is speaking English as a Lingua Franca I would see how the speaker feels detached from their native culture. In other words, the speaker would not feel connected to their Thai culture or really connected to the American, British, or Australian (English speaking) culture either. When speaking English it is almost as though a “third space” is created – an identity which is specific only when using of the Lingua Franca.

Since we are beginning to focus on gathering data with our next assignment I can see how Marra’s article proves useful. The LWP had to be very respectful of Maori culture and follow the seven culturally specific ideas (p. 309). The one idea that made me stop and say “oh yeah” was the one about face to face contact, (#2 Kanohi kitea). When writing about data collection the LWP made a point that they had to make an effort to follow up with the Maori participants by telephone over email and preferably face to face. This is due to their culturally specific ideals.

I can apply this idea to my own academic life. When I have to collect data or work with students and people I need to keep in mind the differences between their culture and mine. When I think email is an appropriate mode of communication it could be very insulting to someone else of a different culture. The preferred way of contact may be telephone or in person. I just have to ask questions and respect the wishes of the people I am interviewing. I found the first discussion question interesting (p.319) from this chapter. It is written below.

The final point I want to make is that of the “let it pass” unwritten rule in ELF talk. I thought it was interesting that if something didn’t cause a breakdown in understanding in ELF talk the “non-fatal” misunderstanding was allowed to pass. However, if this interaction resulted in breakdown of understanding when mutual meaning was essential the speakers would make a point to clear up the confusion.

This must be a principal that is understood to help keep ELF talk effective. Many people with many different cultural backgrounds interact with ELF daily. If they had to stop to explain every misunderstanding the conversation would not be fluid and meaningful.

Question:

Consider your own culture and another culture with which you are familiar.

What type of changes would you need to make in order to behave appropriately and ethically for this culture?