I am also very surprised that other classmates have a clear opinion/many experiences around communication though communication study is not their specialty. Many of them went to SEA program this summer and I guess each of them really faced cultural difficulties.
As to Barna's article the six concepts of stumbling blocks are considerable and examples help readers' understanding. However, these examples seem to be somewhat stereotyped such as "Japanese students..." or "An Oregon girl...." I worried about these usage because Barna has authority in communication study. If students who learn communication study for the first time accept her examples with no doubt, these stereotypes will get reinforced more. This result is probably far from her thought.
I think McDaniel's writing style is too difficult or technical for most of us. I guess his style prevents us from understanding his idea.
Hello Sayuka.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to know that we have similar ideas about McDaniel's article. It will make our opinion stronger.
I also agree with you about Barna's essay. She use some stereotyped phrases, while she discuss about danger of stereotype.
However, according to McDaniel, to a degree subjective approach is needed for communication study. I realized this idea today, but I think it is still arguable about the problem you pointed out.
Thank you for reading my blog and making comments. I hope your study of communication will be enjoyable.
I think so to, but I think publishing article is like religion because it attract people and make them believe. So, no one can do anything against the anxiety for student.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Barna, I decided to keep her advice in my mind. The more frequent we encounter another culture, the more usefull her advice will be.
ReplyDeleteWhat she wanted to write may be advice, not examples appeared in article. Therefore, I think that it is no need to worry about some stereotyped usages.
Readers who finished Barna's article can notice that there are some streotyped examples also in this article.