Week 6 Question

First, I'd like to say that your week 5 blog comments are very well-written and interesting to read.
Next week's topic has to do with how different cultures around the world celebrate rites of passage; that is, a formal event/ritual/celebration that marks a transition/change in a person's social status. While most Americans probably don't think about it, there are, in fact, a number of rites of passage here in the U.S. Examples include baptism and confirmation (religious), graduation (coming of age), and the African-American tradition of giving a child their first haircut on their first birthday (also coming of age), to name a few.

Think about the rites of passage performed in your culture. Describe one important rite of passage in your country. Make sure to explain who, what, when, why, and how.

Week 5 Question

Our next topic in Mosaics 2 deals with appearance. More specifically, we will look at an article that explains the history and significance of tattoos in different cultures around the world. Since arriving in the U.S., you've probably noticed that tattoos are quite popular among men and women of all ages and backgrounds (though not everyone thinks them socially acceptable, just ask my mom!).
Are tattoos socially acceptable in your country? Why or why not? If yes, how popular are they? Who usually gets tattoos? Would you ever get a tattoo?

Week 4 Question

The topic for chapter 3 is gender differences in communication, which we will talk about later. On a similar note, let's talk about body language. One way people communicate is through body language (gestures, eye contact, how close we stand when speaking to someone, etc.). After traveling to a number of different countries, I'd say that understanding a new culture's body language can sometimes be more important than learning the language itself (only sometimes!).

Based on your experience here in the U.S., how do the ways people use body language in your country differ from the body language you observe and experience here in the U.S.? Give some specific examples/personal experiences to illustrate the differences.

Week 3 Question

In some countries, there is a lot controversy over whether native language teachers are necessary in order for people to become proficient in a a language.
What do you think? Do people need native teachers to attain proficiency in a target language? Explain your answer.