Before using the materials, it is important to note that the focus of each situation should not be on finding the “right” or “wrong” answer. Although judgement tasks are rated on a numerical scale indicating acceptability (0 being the least appropriate response and 5 being the most appropriate response), you might also think of this in terms of “more culturally appropriate” or “less culturally appropriate” responses, or even “more constructive” or “less constructive” responses.

Due to the non-binary nature of culture, the judgement tasks and associated ratings are meant to serve as a jumping off point to generate conversation and discussion about varying perspectives. While some situations presented are mostly straightforward, others may not have a clear or precise answer. Some may have multiple methods of approach. It is also useful to take into account additional nuances in the context that may even change the whole outcome or course for dealing with a situation in a culturally appropriate manner. For example, the response to a scenario may depend on several variables, which could alter the way one would handle the situation, such as who is the person performing an action, elements related to time, mode of communication, etc. These, along with many other factors, can all influence the way to successfully manage the outcome of a scenario. By changing even one of these elements, a different result may be the consequence.

By eliminating the focus on finding the “right” or “wrong” answer, these materials aim to generate discussion centered on the implications of each possibility. Culture is subjective in nature, so it is beneficial for the instructor to also weigh in and explain their viewpoint, especially if it is different from the one presented in these materials. In the end, the scenarios are tools to increase pragmatic knowledge, intercultural competence, greater dialogue and overall awareness. Reflecting on the experience, whether it be lived or hypothetical, is essential to strengthen one’s intercultural abilities. To further contextualize the events taken place, all scenarios provide cultural notes after the judgment task as an additional resource, and many conclude with language notes and reflection tasks that can be used for guided discussion and further expansion on the topic in the classroom. These scenarios are intended to be useful in a variety of instructional contexts that include different proficiency levels, previous cultural knowledge, pre-departure orientations and post-study abroad reflection, face-to-face and online delivery, as well as sessions in which role-play and other performative tasks are employed to engage these cultural issues.

Acknowledgements

Brazilian Portuguese Project Lead

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Brazilian Portuguese Project Affiliate

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Principal Author

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Co-Authors

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Viviane Klen-Alves, University of Georgia

Project Consultants

Viviane Klen-Alves, University of Georgia

Robert Moser, University of Georgia 

Content Reviewers

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Orlando R. Kelm, University of Texas at Austin

Viviane Klen-Alves, University of Georgia

Robert Moser, University of Georgia 

Translations into Portuguese

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Ratings Panelists

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Fernanda Guida, University of Pennsylvania

Viviane Klen-Alves, University of Georgia 

Débora Zamorano, University of Texas at El Paso

Data Analysts

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland

Data and Content Entry

Joseph Bass, University of Maryland 

Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland 

Dmitrii Egorov, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Denis Melik Tangiyev, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Stephen L. Tschudi, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Tian Wang, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Images and Graphic Design

Julio C. Rodriguez, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

Modules

Public and Private Spaces

Food and Eating Out

I embarrassed myself, but what did I do wrong?
Hey! You overcharged me!

Spatial Awareness

You want to go WHERE???
Well, this is awkward….
When Partying Becomes a Dilemma
Why can’t I check out here? 

Social Awareness

“First in Flight”
I don’t work here, sir.

Lifestyle and Greetings/Gestures

Going with the Flow

I’m almost there!
There is no way I’m wearing that!
Are we shopping or “passeando”? Maybe I should say something?
Is now a bad time?

Greetings, Gestures, and Showing Affection

Did I just offend grandma?
Why did you have to make things weird?
What did you call him?!?!
You’re my boyfriend, so start acting like it!
Should I stay or should I go?

Celebrations and Traditions

Have I just eaten the saint’s food?
French exit, not so much.

The Flagship Culture Initiative was supported by a 3-year grant (2017-2020) to the University of Maryland from the Institute of International Education (IIE), acting as the administrative agent of the National Security Education Program (NSEP), Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) for The Language Flagship.

The Language Flagship is a national initiative to change the way Americans learn languages through a groundbreaking approach to language education through a network of programs at institutions of higher education across the United States. The Language Flagship graduates students who will take their place among the next generation of global professionals, commanding a superior level of proficiency in one of ten languages critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

This website has been developed and is maintained by The Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center. The content of this website and of the Culture App do not necessarily reflect the position of policy of the U.S. government. No official government endorsement should be inferred.