Case 1
Questions:
1. What makes Fra bibliotekittle Waverly unhappy and rebel against her mother? What did she say? 2. What is Lindo's idea of daughters? Why does she think so? 3. Do you think the argument between Linda and little Waverly would happen to ordinary Chinese mothers and daughters? Why or why not?
Different Family Values
Chinese: most of the parents think that they have right to arrange their children’s life and point out their mistakes, meanwhile, the children have obligation to take care of their parents well, it is necessary to obey parents’ instructions. American: people advocates the freedom, equality and democracy. Parents let children to make choice themselves. Children have responsibility to their own action.
Case 3
Questions:
1.What do you think of Rich’s behavior at dinner? Do Lindo and the other family members accept it? Can you guess their opinions on Rich? Why do they think so? 2.Does Rich realize the mistakes he has made? Why?
Different Culture Value
Individualism: refers to the tendency to focus on the needs of self as opposed to community and society. Collectivism: refers to the tendency to focus on the needs of community and society as opposed to self.
Individual should resist personal ambition and try to blend in with the crowd Emphasize common interests, conformity, cooperation and interdependence. Expect people who are involved in a group relationship to have duties and obligations to one another
Individualism
(American)
Individual as key element Personal happiness is ultimate goal
Collectivism
(Chinese)
Society as key element Society’s prosperity is ultimate goal
Case 2
Questions:
1.Do Suyuan and Lindo really complain of their daughter’s ignorance to each other? What is the real purpose of their words? Why do they express their feelings in that way? 2.What is the expressive differences between Waverly/June’s dispute and Suyuan/Lindo’s flaunt? Why do they have such differences?
Case 4
Questions:
1.What makes June unpleasant to her mother? Does she know the deep idea of her mother? 2.Does Suyuan love her daughter? Does she know her daughter? Does she always express her real idea to her daughter?
Dining Culture
Chinese: people never speak insincerely. We don’t say what we think. American: Express their need straightforward. enjoy themselves, say what they want, accept what they need.
Different Communication Style
Chinese: use indirect way to express one’s feeling, speakers do not always express their meaning fully in words. Listener should try to understand other’s meaning in context. American: express their feelings directly, communication depends on verbal messages. Listener should try to understand what people say, not how they behave
Individuals are encouraged to improve themselves through learning To think for themselves, to express their ideas and opinions and to make their own choices To consider themselves as individuals who are responsible for their own actions as well as for their destinies