Notes: Writing to the World (SMH 26) [504] and Common Ground (SMH 27)[511] 26a Thinking about

what seems normal 1. We all see our own way as the normal or right way. How does family do dishes? Dinner rules? 2. Ways of communicating differ from culture to culture: smile training for the 2008 Olympics 3. Be flexible. How would you refuse an Asian person if you knew that saying no directly was an insult? Examples: you cannot attend a meeting, help with a project, lend your computer out. 4. Account for individual differences. Examples from Chapter 4 of a stereotype, or someone who was different from a general group. (See p. 34) (Latin Woman, Arabs, Vietnamese, Disabled) 26b Clarify meaning : How? (example: original to Filipina student vs. to Massachusetts student.[505]) 1. Listen. How can you listen? Ask people to explain or repeat a point. 2. Explain the meanings of words you use: original means your own ideas not original source. 3. Invite response: ask for questions or paraphrases 26c Your authority as a writer. Are students in US expected to write with authority? Asia? 1. What is your relationship with your reader? Does age or position matter? 2. What knowledge should you have and should you demonstrate it? (boss, policeman) 3. What is your purpose? (prove a point, make a sale, to agree, something else?) 26d Audience expectations In the US? Asia? Europe? 1. Who has responsibility to make the message clear? (student centered vs. teacher centered class; typical US report vs. Chinese read-between-the-lines report) 2. Informality or Face? Power distance or Equality? Indirectness or directness 26e Persuasive evidence What is most convincing in an argument in US? 1. Facts? Concrete examples? Firsthand evidence? 2. Expert testimony? Who are expert? 3. Religious or philosophical texts? Allusions, proverbs, common wisdom? Other sources? 4. Analogies or symbolic stories? 5. What works for you and what might work for other cultures? 26f Organization: What pattern is favored in US? (Intro and thesis, Systematic body, conclusion=linear) 1. When should you state your main idea (beginning, end, not at all?) 2. Are digressions a good idea, a requirement=circular? 26g Style: Err on the side of formality 1. Use proper titles? 2. Slang? Informal structures such as fragments? 3. First names? 4. Contractions? Abbreviate dates? 5. House style rules!

See also SMH 27 (511) on Language That Builds Common Ground Two tasks in each group: (Choose someone different to report what your group discussed about each one) 1. Think of ways that SMH 26 and 27 apply to Chapter 4 (Identity, Image, Stereotypes) Consider thoughtless language, assumptions, or insensitivity in these areas: Group membership (Chess club, fraternity) Gender Race and Ethnicity Age Economic class Geographic area Physical ability or health Others 2. Think of ways world perspective and common ground MIGHT apply to Chapter 6 on Faith and Religion, especially writing on topics such as Controversial Issues Morality Legislation Politics Doctrine or theology What approaches would be most sensitive, credible, and persuasive?