GBPGBP (Global Business Program)

Without cultural knowledge, language users may not fully understand the meaning of a message. Even with perfect grammar, we could completely offend our conversational partners without using language in a culturally suitable manner. In this course, we will take a close look at the face-saving strategies used in world languages. We will also consider and discuss diverse cultural values and orientations that are closely connected to verbal and non-verbal behavior. Enhanced linguistic and cultural awareness will help you become a more tactful and respectful user of your first and second languages and prepare you for effective intercultural communication.

In this course, you will become able to 1) cultivate your understanding of the relationship between language form, meaning, and context, 2) become familiar with the notions of face and politeness, 3) collect and analyze authentic language samples, 3) understand cultural values and orientations behind language use in world languages. The course will also provide an opportunity for you to reflect on intercultural misunderstandings and respectful communication strategies with which to relate to others.

英語 / English

Before class you are required to work on reading and complete assignments. In class we study relevant material, complete tasks in small groups, and share your discussion with the whole class. You are encouraged to actively participate in this problem-based learning (PBL). Feedback will be given orally in interaction throughout the course. Written feedback will be provided for your written assignments and class presentation within a week.
This class involves a number of highly interactive activities. Depending on the pandemic situation, class may be delivered face-to-face, online, or through combination. Please check the announcement to be made on Hoppii before the start of the course.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Self-introduction, course information, ice-breaking activity

2[オンライン/online]：Greetings

Analysis of authentic language data

3[オンライン/online]：Face and politeness

Positive and negative politeness

4[オンライン/online]：Giving and responding to compliments - 1

Linguistic aspects of compliments/responses

5[対面/face to face]：Language data collection

Designing DCTs and role-plays

6[オンライン/online]：Giving and responding to compliments - 2

Cultural aspects of compliments/responses

7[対面/face to face]：Refusals - 1

Language of refusals, data collection, signing up for the final project

8[未定/undecided]：Refusals - 2

Cultural similarities/ differences in refusals

9[対面/face to face]：Language analysis discussion, peace linguistics

Analysis of spoken or written language

10[オンライン/online]：Data collection methods

Pros and cons of data collection methods

11[対面/face to face]：Implicature

Relevance and implied meaning

12[対面/face to face]：Apologies, thanks

Student presentations, language analysis of invitations

13[対面/face to face]：Requests, invitations

Student presentations, language analysis of requests

14[対面/face to face]：Complaints, wrap-up

Student presentations, language analysis of complaints, and final reflection

You should complete assigned reading and/or writing before coming to class. Come ready to discuss the material with your classmates coming from different (sub)cultures.
According to the university guidelines, the preparation and review time of approximately two hours a week is recommended for this course. 本授業の準備学習・復習時間は、合わせて2時間を標準とします。

Readings will be made accessible through the course website (Google Classroom). Become familiar with this online resource to read and complete your assignments before class. You are also expected to check your university email account daily to keep up with course announcements.

Handouts and resources related to the course content will be made available in Google Classroom or distributed in class.

You will receive a formal evaluation of your work at the end of the term. The grade on a late assignment will be lowered. You will be graded on:
1) Participation (20%)
2) Language analysis quizzes (34%)
3) Language analysis assignments (16%)
4) Final presentation and materials (30%) (tentative percentages)

Regular attendance is essential in order to benefit from the interactive nature of this course. You will not be able to pass this course if you miss more than three class periods a semester except in extreme circumstances.

Because this course is to be conducted in English, students must be competent speakers/writers of English (e.g., native or proficient with TOEFL® iBT 61 or above). International and Japanese students of any majors are welcome as long as they are interested in world languages. Students should view each other’s languages and cultural experiences as an asset to this course and create a friendly and respectful learning community.

Be prepared to use Hoppii, Google Classroom, and Zoom with your university account and check your university email daily. You will need to use a headset with a microphone when you attend class on campus.