Section: Module 3 Effective communication | Intercultural Awareness in Central and Eastern European Context

Select activity Watch the introduction to Module 3, in which you m...

Watch the introduction to Module 3, in which you meet the authors and learn about what to expect in this module materials. To watch the video, click
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Authors:
Małgorzata Adams-Tukiendorf (University of Opole, Poland)
Ieva Margeviča-Grinberga, Egija Laganovska (University of Latvia, Latvia)
Vytautas Kontrimas (University of Lithuania, Lithuania)
Siqi Lyu (Tartu University, Estonia)
Select activity Module 3 Introduction

Module 3 Introduction Page

Get familiar with MODULE 3 Content. Discover the main points of effective communication that will be discussed in this module, the leading aim and the didactic types of activities prepared for you.
Select activity Module 3 Task 1

Module 3 Task 1 Page

Warm up to the notion of contract, which is at the core of effective communication.
Select activity Module 3 Task 2

Module 3 Task 2 Page

Read the definitions of a contract (see Learning Point 1) or watch the video material (see Video 2). Find key phrases that point to a common feature that makes contracting part of human communication. Take the quiz and compare your answers with the explanation in Ponder Point 1. Take notes on why becoming aware of contracting may help you communicate effectively with foreigners.
Select activity Module 3 Task 3

Module 3 Task 3 Page

Read about three levels of contract (see Learning Point 2) or watch the video material (see Video 3). Match each level with potential pitfalls to avoid when establishing any contract.
Select activity Module 3 Task 4

Module 3 Task 4 Page

Using the knowledge you have gained from the previous Task (see Learning Point 2), analyse the two exchanges of messages between an international student and a university teacher. Observe the questions asked. Which levels of contract were possibly addressed in those exchanges? Check with the Key. Then consider answering the questions in Ponder Point 2.
Select activity Module 3 Task 5

Module 3 Task 5 Page

Read about high-context and low-context communication styles (see Learning Point 3). Take the multiple choice quiz.
Select activity Module 3 Task 6

Module 3 Task 6 Page

Using the knowledge you have gained from the previous Task (see Learning Point 3), analyse the situation 1. What is a possible reason for the Indian student’s emotional reaction? What rules of contracting have not been met/understood in the communication between the teacher and an international student? Consider Ponder Point 3 as a follow-up.
Select activity Module 3 Task 7

Module 3 Task 7 Page

Take the quiz to answer the true/false questions first. Then, read the text on the purpose of contract (see Learning Point 4) or/and watch the video material (Video 4) to confirm your choices.
Select activity Module 3 Task 8

Module 3 Task 8 Page

Read the text and point to the cultural norms that you identify with. To what extent do they match the cultural values represented by the East European countries? Using the knowledge you have gained from the previous Task (see Learning Point 4), think about how the social and cultural rules protect interlocutors from various cultures engaged in communication.
Select activity Module 3 Task 9

Module 3 Task 9 Page

Read the description of one cultural tradition specific to Latvia, then answer the questions. Compare with the comments in Ponder Point 4.
Select activity Module 3 Task 10

Module 3 Task 10 Page

Read the situation 3 about understanding a promise in Estonia, then answer the questions. Compare with the comments in Ponder Point 5.
Select activity Module 3 Task 11

Module 3 Task 11 Page

Read two situations illustrating refusing an invitation in Estonia. Choose one and write your own short response. Consider the answers from students representing two different cultures. What are the similarities and differences? Compare with the explanation in Ponder Point 6.
Select activity Module 3 Task 12

Module 3 Task 12 Page

Read the definitions of stroking (see Learning Point 5) or watch the video material (see Video 5). What makes stroking part of human communication? Take notes on the types of stokes and why becoming aware of stroking may help you communicate effectively with foreigners. What types of strokes are enumerated?
Select activity Module 3 Task 13

Module 3 Task 13 Page

Read the description of three situations illustrating three types of strokes in the cultural context of East European countries. Match each description with an interpretation that explains the validity of gift giving. Consider questions in Ponder Point 7 as a follow-up.
Select activity Module 3 Task 14

Module 3 Task 14 Page

Read the description of how to understand cultural etiquette in Latvia, then answer the questions. Compare with the comments in Ponder Point 8. Then watch the video material (Video 6) to get a gist of the cultural norms guiding the nonverbal channel of communication in Eastern Europe.
Select activity Module 3 Task 15

Module 3 Task 15 Page

Read the description of cultural differences in recognition and feedback in Latvia vs Spain, then answer the questions. Compare with the explanation in Ponder Point 9.
Select activity Module 3 Task 16

Module 3 Task 16 Page

Take the quiz to learn about the notion of boundaries of privacy in the Enst European cultural context. To what extent are your cultural customs regarding privacy boundaries similar or different from the tendencies practiced in East European countries? Compare this with the comments in Ponder Point 10.
Select activity Module 3 Task 17

Module 3 Task 17 Page

Watch the video material (Video 7 and Video 8) to find out how Lithuanians respect social boundaries. Compare with the comments in the Key.
Select activity Module 3 Task 18

Module 3 Task 18 Page

First, read the situation illustrating how a foreigner copes with a lack of signs of recognition in Estonia and/or watch the video material (Video 9) that illustrates the actual case. Then, take the quiz and tick Yes/No to confirm your understanding, and compare your results with the explanation in Ponder Point 11. Take notes on coping strategies that might be useful should you experience a similar situation.
Select activity Module 3 Task 19

Module 3 Task 19 Page

Take the quiz to find out about communication strategies that may help or hinder making friends between a Chinese employee (Jiaqi) and her Estonian co-worker. Then, take the test and tick those that could bring Jiaqi closer to her Estonian colleague and those that would make the Estonian colleague feel uncomfortable. Compare with the comments in Ponder Point 12.
Select activity Module 3 Task 20

Module 3 Task 20 Page

Here is a collection of short video materials to become more familiar with verbal and non-verbal expressions influenced by cultural norms as observed in Lithuania. Watch the videos (Videos 10, 11, and 12) to find answers to the following questions. Check with the Key.
Select activity Module 3 Task 21

Module 3 Task 21 Page

How, in your opinion, do people from different cultures differ in their everyday social rituals and ways in which they spend time at work? Read the explanation (see Learning Point 6) and take the quiz to confirm your understanding.
Select activity Module 3 Task 22

Module 3 Task 22 Page

What do you know about how East Europeans behave in formal business meetings? Answer the true/false questions first. Then read the text on East European culture and work-related social rituals (Learning Point 6) to confirm your choices. Consider Ponder Point 13 questions as a follow-up.
Select activity Module 3 Task 23

Module 3 Task 23 Page

Read the three situations and explain the potential tension between the boss and the foreign employee. To what extent can the misunderstanding be rooted in cultural differences regarding how work time is perceived in East European countries? What should the foreign employee do next time? Compare with comments in Ponder Point 14.
Select activity Module 3 REFLECTION

Module 3 REFLECTION Page

Answer the questions to reflect upon your progress in this Module.
Select activity Module 3 Final Quiz

Module 3 Final Quiz

Take the quiz to confirm your understanding of effective communication in the Eastern European cultural context.
Select activity Module 3 References

Module 3 References Page

Check out the references for Module 3 textual and video materials.
Select activity Module 3 Evaluation survey

Module 3 Evaluation survey Page

Section outline