Congratulations!
You have passed through the first and most difficult month of this online learning. You will be more comfortable with this online program. The content of the course will be more and more interesting and useful for your self-study. I have read all your diaries and am content with most of them. The thing that people hate the most in this Overview: The conversation between Kit and David seems typical, but it actually reflects a lot of cultural confusion and misunderstanding. For example, Kit is trying to be very helpful and considerate, according to what he has learned from Thai culture, but David thinks that Kit is trying to sell him things.
Task:
1. One example of cultural confusion is Kit’s greeting to David: Kit thinks it’s a normal greeting, but David thinks it’s a little strange. Why isn’t it a good greeting for David?
2. Identify some examples of this misunderstanding in the words that Kit and David say. Choose three situations from the following list, and write the phrase or words that cause the misunderstanding. Then explain how those words reflect misunderstanding.
A. Kit’s first suggestion to go on a tour of Bangkok attractions, and
David’s response.
B. David’s comment that people here (in Bangkok) only seem to like
sitting around and sleeping.
C. Kit’s suggestion about pubs and nightlife in Bangkok.
D. Kit’s second offer to book a tour of temples for David, and
David’s response.
E. Kit’s suggestion to take a taxi, and David’s response.
F. Kit’s warning that David will be tired from walking, and David’s response.
Criteria:
1. Complete all the items on your worksheet.
2. Write your answers in English or Thai.
3. Your answer must be approx. 150-200 words in length.