Pluricultural Competence in Action

Session 3:   Cultural differences

Teacher:       Athena Alchazidu and Kateřina Sedláčková

Term:            Spring 2024


Session objectives

●     This session aims to acquaint students with a variety of tools and approaches that will help
them understand the reasons of cultural differences and how to cope with them. This will allow them
foster their pluricultural repertoire and develop their pluricultural competence.


Key concepts

●     Ethnocentrism

●     Otherness


1 Group work - preparation

Form pairs, or groups of 3 and choose one of the topics to learn about and present.
  * Ethnocentrism
  * Otherness


Each group has a set of learning tasks to complete that include listening and reading tasks.


·         Work together as a group to finish all the tasks.

·         When you’re ready, prepare a mini presentation for the other people in the class.

·         The mini presentation should cover the following points:

o   a description of the main point(s) of the concept

o   some examples


·         Prepare notes with the most important points to be able to cover key information and
speak fluently.














Also, prepare a few questions for your audience to make sure they understood your presentation.



2 Group work – presentation


·         Recreate groups so that there’s at least one person knowledgeable about each concept.

·         Take turns and present your concept.

·         As you’re listening to the presenters, take notes.

·         You can ask them as many questions as you want to make sure you understand their
presentation.











3 Class discussion


·         Rearrange groups.

·         In your group, discuss the following questions related to your topic:











Category

                                             Questions

Ethnocentrism

1. What is it?

2. How can we tell that an approch may be ethnocentric?

3. Can you any example where this approach was applied?

4. Why do you think it is important to avoid ethnocentric perspectives?

5. Does giving up ethnocentrism include resigning to your national/ethnic identity?

6. What are  the best ways to be proud of your indentity?

Otherness



1.     What are some examples of otherness that you have encountered in your daily life?

2.How does the perception of otherness influence social interactions and relationships in a
multicultural society?

Can you think of a situation where otherness had a positive impact? How about a negative impact?


3.How are individuals or groups perceived as "others" typically represented in media, literature,
or art?

4. Have you ever felt like an "other" in a particular situation? How did it affect you?



5. What strategies can individuals and communities adopt to reduce the negative effects of
otherness and promote inclusivity?

These questions are designed to stimulate discussion and reflection on the role and impact of
concept of otherness in various social and historical contexts.




4 Sharing


·         Choose any example to illustrate the cultural difference in everyday life, and share with
your  peers.

·         Explain how it reflects the cultural backgrand in the society.

·         Put down key ideas that define that situation.













New vocabulary

Go through the material once more, and list any new words you do not know and consider useful to
learn. Write at least one example sentence for each word.