Role cards - an intercultural roleplay on accepting compliments too easily
Korean:
Korean
You just gave your child's new American spouse a compliment; you told them they were brilliant. However, they didn't reply modestly so you're a little surprised. You ask, "Do you agree that you're smart?" and the American answers, "Of course." Is your new family member a braggart?
Cultural note - Modesty is important in Korea so it can be polite to reject compliments. If you say you agree, it may see you are bragging. When speaking Korean it is common to say no when you receive a compliment.
American:
American
Your father-in-law complimented you, saying you were brilliant because you published a book. You said thanks and added that writing the book was really hard work. He laughed and asked if you agree that you're smart. Of course you agree but your father-in-law seems surprised that you do. Does he think that you think you're stupid?
Cultural note - Accepting compliments is normal in America. Americans almost never say no when they receive a compliment. It is possible to reject a compliment but you have to say a lot more than no to do it politely. After giving a compliment, asking if the other person agrees with the compliment seems very strange to an American.
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.