Suggests some specific things to consider when preparing print, interactive electronic, or visual materials for clients outside of North America. (SR)

Examines the impact of culturally conditioned conversational strategies on student-teacher interactions. Contrasts conversational patterns with patterns demanded by the essay form. Notes that teachers should view a student's work as a process of translation from the student's conception of everyday conversation toward academic discourse. (MM)

This paper examines cultural differences between Japan and the United States and presents materials designed to help learners of Japanese understand patterns of behavior in that country through realistic episodes and situations. Understanding status differences is important for effective social and business communication with the Japanese. Status…

Education and training of management personnel in developing nations have been patterned after the American system. Unfortunately, efforts at transplanting such knowledge has neglected the cultural nuances unique to the various nations, resulting in incomplete success. Intercultural communication barriers can be posed by such cultural features as…

As camps employ more international staff, effective intercultural communication becomes important. Tips include being aware of cultural differences in the meaning of smiles, eye contact, and hand gestures; speaking slowly and clearly; avoiding slang; explaining common camp phrases; asking people how they would like to be addressed; learning common…

An adventure educator's anecdotes of international experiences illustrate the gap between the instructor's intended goals of an experiential exercise and participants' perceptions. Offers seven suggestions for structuring a dialog evaluation that works through different culture-based understandings of the same words, so that subsequent activities…

This paper provides Indian parents of children with disabilities with information from the Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs Project concerning communication between Indian parents and non-Indian service providers. Five basic strategies for effective communication are reviewed: (1) when you do not understand, ask for…

This article discusses "difficult discourse" or the psychological and sociological difficulties that arise in the conflict of language, ideology, and cultural identity occurring between students/families who are limited English proficient (LEP) and the American mainstream education system. A case example of a fifth-grade Asian student is provided…