Melissa W. CP#2

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Date/Time: Thursday Jan 21st at 1

Location: CIES student lounge

Topic discussed: Cultural iceberg, the things that make us who we are on the surface and the parts of us that are less visible/more deeply embedded.

Cultural and/or linguistic topics you and your partner learned: We discussed multiple topics; personal distance, rules of politeness, classroom behavior, gift customs and more. I had a partner from Argentina and one from Saudi Arabia, classroom behavior seemed to be much the same in these other nations as it has been my experience here in the States. One thing I was charmed by though, which I don't see happen often on FSU campus, is a group of students following a professor after class and continuing the dialogue. I was told this was common in one man's country and I was touched by the image. Rules of politeness were interesting because there are subtle and not so subtle responses one may have that are considered outright rude in cultures other than mine (accepting a drink with your right hand instead of the left, not greeting a person in your apartment complex, wearing non-traditional clothing to a government office, keeping an email efficiently brief).  Concepts of time seem to vary vastly depending not only on the region/culture but also on the person. Both partners expressed it was safe/normal to be late to a public event or party, but it was not considered polite to be late to a one-on-one hang with a friend. I can't remember the last time my best friend was on time (now I'm feeling slighted haha). Another topic we all touched on that was interesting to me was how a culture handles their parents ageing and passing slowly. In Argentina it seems, it is common for a helper to live in the house with an elderly adult and for the immediate family members (children mainly) to pay for their parents living situation/food/etc. Saudi Arabia was not discussed in length but it was made clear that parents don't go to a nursing home. I reflected on this later privately, what have I learned to consider normal in terms of taking care of an elderly family member? I am constantly impressed with the varied professions/interests/life experiences of the conversation partners I've met. In what situation would I normally find myself surrounded by people of a different world knowledge that are engaging openly and warmly about their lives/opinions. It seems that missing family is a huge part of being here for many of the people I've spoken to. This may appear be an obvious thing, but I think it's still too easy to take for granted how near family may be, and imaging that kind of distance from the place you call home and the people you call family is enough for me to feel fear. It's a brave thing to be that far away, and it makes sense that there is a strong camaraderie between many of the students. Did I forget to mention one man generously supplied coffee and dates!? That was awesome! I've never had coffee spiced that way before and I was tempted to steal his pot. Seriously though, very tasty and very sweet of him to do. He looked proud to present the food and share a part of his usual custom.  I feel like these workshops do wonders for me in terms of imagining a possible classroom environment. I am undoubtedly learning how to be sensitive in ways I was previously unaware I needed to be. I am learning that students are here for a great many reasons, and they are eager to learn and be heard. I am learning that they deserve mad respect and that there is much more to be learned from them.