Role cards - an intercultural roleplay on giving and rejecting compliments
Korean:
Korean
You are a Korean exchange student at a university in America. When talking to a classmate from your Shakespeare class, they tell you that you seem smart. You modestly say, "No". The American seems confused so try to find out what's wrong.
Cultural note - Koreans give and receive compliments less often than Americans, especially with people they don't know well. When they do get compliments, Koreans are more likely to reject them out of modesty. Sometimes accepting a compliment can be seen as bragging.
American:
American
You are a US college student and were making small talk with an exchange student from Korea when you offered a little compliment. You told the other person you thought they were smart because they had a good idea for the essay assignment in your Shakespeare class. They responded, "No". This seems a little rude to you. Is the other person being rude on purpose?
Cultural note - When Americans give compliments, usually the other person will accept the compliment. If the other person does not accept the compliment they need to explain or expand.
Teacher's notes
An assessment rubric for this roleplay is available: Intercultural communication roleplay assessment rubric.
1. I use this for teaching intercultural communication. I start with an introduction/discussion of the conflict resolution process for intercultural communication.
2. Set the scene. Give students a context and possibly some planning time.
3. Students work in pairs. If necessary there can be one group of 3. I believe it's best for the teacher to circulate and listen to the language being produced and the way students negotiate the conflict resolution.
4. It is important to give and get feedback from students. I suggest a discussion after each round of roleplays in which one pair describes their exchange to another pair. Students can then try the roleplay again with a new partner or after trading roles). I've also had students write reports on what they said to come to an understanding. Students found this very difficult, which is helpful because it identifies where they have trouble in the conflict resolution process.