Our Own Stories: Readings for Cross-Cultural Communication
by Norine Dresser
Category: Foreign Language Study

Written by a professional folklorist, "Our Own Journeys" draws on compelling tales of communication miscues to stimulate discussion and sharpen reading, writing, and speaking skills. Each of the text's 20 units begins with a story about customs and beliefs that lead to miscommunication among various cultures. "Our Own Journeys" transforms cultural differences into classroom assets, as students validate their own backgrounds while getting to know their classmates. Topics include business practices, table manners, gift giving, weddings, and the hidden meanings of colors and numbers. Two exercises follow each story to gauge comprehension and confirm content knowledge. Vocabulary exercises help students incorporate new terms into their everyday lexicons. Dictionary Discoveries, such as alphabetic searching or selecting a definition, increase students' comfort with English-only reference tools. Culture Capsules describe specific aspects of U.S. culture as related to the story, while Cultural Exchange stimulates lively discussion about students' own backgrounds.