Overview
COM 233 Final Exam – watch the short videos (2 to 4 minutes each) below and complete the short essay-style questions; title each section with the Chapter Number. Be sure to give me specific examples so I can accurately gauge your level of application of the key course concepts.
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Question 1
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After watching the Chapter 1 video, write about the following:
1. How much could you understand?
2. What culture(s) are represented?
3. What forms of communication are used?
4. What group of people is represented in the video?
5. How are those outside this group likely to react to it?
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Question 2
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After watching the Chapter 2 video, write about the following:
1. What evidence does the one black man give of prejudicial treatment in the restaurant?
2. What is the stereotype about tipping that is mentioned?
3. What happens when the black men and the white couple see each other?
4. What role does the environmental context play in the encounter?
5. To what extent are stereotypes refuted or confirmed in this scene?
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Question 3
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After watching the Chapter 3 video, write about the following:
1. What do the signs indicate about differences between English and Chinese?
2. Many Chinglish signs are professionally printed or type-set - how could such flagrant language mistakes escape proofreading or even spell-checking?
3. Do the Chinglish signs reveal anything culturally about China?
4. What will likely be the reaction of young Chinese who have learned English when they see Chinglish?
5. Are there any counterparts in American culture to the Chinglish phenomenon?
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Question 4
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After watching the Chapter 4 Video, write about the following:
1. What cultures are represented in the clip?
2. What problems are the sales representatives having?
3. What does the clip have to say about English as a national language?
4. Why is it important for Chicago to be pronounced with a nasal twang?
5. Besides pronunciation, what other differences are demonstrated in the varieties of English used?
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Question 5
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After watching the Chapter 5 video write about the following:
1. What messages are sent by the restaurant manager's body language?
2. How about the body language of Joanna, the waitress (Jennifer Aniston)?
3. What's the relationship between the body language and what's said?
4. What's the role of dress at Chotchke's restaurant
5. Is the body language used here universal across cultures?
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Question 6
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After watching the Chapter 6 video, reflect on the following:
1. How does the American greet the assembled Japanese executives?
2. What communication style does he use?
3. How could one characterize the kind of English he speaks?
4. What differences are there between the Americans and the Japanese in terms of non-verbal communication?
5. What topics does the American bring up that might not be appropriate, given the context?
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Question 7
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After watching the Chapter 7 video, reflect on the following:
1. What are some aspects of life in Vietnam shown here that would strike most Americans as different or even strange?
2. What kinds of feelings is Heidi having?
3. What does she want to do? Why?
4. What does Heidi's translator reveal about Heidi's sense of the trip before coming to Vietnam?
5. How do you suppose Heidi did for the rest of her trip to Vietnam?