A multicultural group of beginning French speakers gained confidence and communication skills by discussing the reasons for failure in communication among individuals. Techniques for dealing with problem situations are presented. (MSE)

The different concepts underlying the terms "foreign language,""second language," and "native language" are examined in the context of social change that blurs cultural delineations. The implications for language instruction in a variety of contexts and with a variety of objectives are discussed. (MSE)

Describes two approaches for teaching international business communication: (1) an upper-level undergraduate international business communication course which stresses global management in the cultural context, breaking down international communication barriers, etc.; and (2) integrating elements of international business communication throughout…

Describes the experiences of one American business communication teacher in Shanghai as she dealt with culture shock and taught intercultural communication. Lists and discusses four stages of adaptation to another culture: (1) "how quaint"; (2) irritation; (3) adjustment; and (4) acceptance and enjoyment. (RAE)

Contrasts Japanese language habits with Western language habits, asserting that Japanese need to speak more concisely, express themselves clearly and frankly, and eliminate superfluous polite language and preliminaries in order to be successful in the efficiency-oriented civilization that is a product of Western culture. (RAE)

Discusses the significance of the reference interview and the need for better communication between Black students and White librarians. Sensitivity and understanding of Black behaviors are recommended as ways of building trust between librarians and students. (52 references) (MES)

Describes a community college English teacher's year spent in China and recommends that anyone interested in a similar experience be prepared to sing, dance, or entertain in some way before an audience, in addition to handling regular teaching duties. (NKA)

Investigates Puerto Rican leaders' perceptions of English-language media regarding the issues of media coverage, fairness, access, and availability. Compares these perceptions with those of Mexican-American leaders, noting that both groups voiced dissatisfaction with the quality of news about Hispanics. (MM)

A biblical story about the mispronunciation of Shibboleth introduces a discussion of the notion of cultural codes and cultural traits relating to language, science, and popular culture that commonly mark an individual as an insider or an outsider of a particular culture. (MSE)

It is suggested that a policy of multiculturalism is the most appropriate for the United Kingdom as a response to cultural diversity, rather than assimilation or dominant separatism. The long-term outcome will depend on the extent to which linguistic values become shared values. However, it is important that interaction take place for shared…

Teachers are not always sensitive to the fact that students of different races may possess differing communicative codes. Differences between the nonverbal communication of blacks and whites are discussed. (CB)

Notes that those cross-cultural classroom exchanges that yield the most energy, intensity, and recognizable change are those centered upon students' simple needs, feelings, and fears. Uses such exchanges as the focus for wide-ranging questions about how best to modify language arts curricula and teaching to meet students' needs. (HTH)

An essential task in foreign language teaching is to develop students' abilities to look at other cultures by confronting them with themes in the foreign culture that are strange or exotic to them, inviting them to interpret what they see and leading them through a process of clarifying, correcting, and adjusting their initial hypotheses. (MSE)

It is proposed that the transfer of current European foreign-language teaching methodology for use in Arab countries is inappropriate and creates more problems than it resolves because of basic cultural differences and that a better approach would be to create new methodologies appropriate to the Arab cultural context. (MSE)

Illustrates Rehearsal Demonstration Modules (RDM) using seven situations developed as a workshop for bilingual teachers. The situations describe what teachers, students, and parents really think as well as what they actually say. Each script deals with intercultural communication. (JAC)