Discuss:
Think in terms of Ken Quilty's story: What is something similar that you would like to share with us? Here, you are required to describe (or show) a short story of conflict or frustration that comes from a clash of different systems of cultural values.
You can describe a story of your own, something told by a friend or relative, or show something from media (news, YouTube etc). Describe the story in about 200 words (or show something 1 or 2 minutes long) and then, in 150-200, provide an argument based on this week readings on what values caused the conflict/misunderstanding you will describe.
Your main posting should be between 350-400 words. Add four more comments by the end of the week for full credit. Click the link below to post your discussion.
(actual misunderstanding from 1:00-end)
To summarize the video, the two roommates get into a misunderstanding due to cultural barriers exhibited through the Indian roommate's accent. He is trying to tell his roommate to warm his food up in the microwave, while his roommate hears "vomit in the microwave". Although this video went viral among the Indian/Pakistani community 7 years ago, it is still relevant.
The main contributing factor to this misunderstanding is the difference in linguistic style as outlined in Ferraro Chapter 4. There are many different languages explained in the linguistic diversity section, although there is not a language barrier, an accent can hinder the communication process. Throughout the video while the Indian roommate is talking about different foods, he pronounces things like pizza, hamburgers, and tomato different than what the American ear is used to. There is a clear misunderstanding shown due to the accent, but in addition there are euphemisms misreported. At the beginning of the video (0:35), the Indian roommate says, "look who the cow bring home" probably instead of "look what the cat dragged in". This shows that there is something that impedes communication and can lead to misunderstanding. Although this instance was harmless, in different situations it can lead to greater conflict. Lastly, both roommates are dressed very differently. The Indian roommate is dressed in traditional garb and the white roommate is dressed in business casual, dress shirt and tie.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c5x9543dknbcz3w/Attachments.rar?dl=0