Date/Time: June 30, 6:00PM
Location: Phone
Topics: Speaking presentation & cultural differences
Abdulrahman talked on the phone about his presentation for his speaking class. He told me that he presented on his favorite football (soccer) team. We discussed his presentation and I corrected some of the grammar issues that came up. We also discussed how he thought he did and what feedback he received from the class and instructor. We talked about which CIES faculty he enjoyed taking classes with and why and which courses were his favorite. I also taught him a new idiom, "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch". Last time we hung out, I taught him "absence makes the heart grow fonder". In my opinion, idioms are the hardest part of learning a new language because they do not translate well for non-native speakers.
Abdulrahman and I also discussed how in Arab, specifically Saudi Arabian culture, you can not tell your elders no. It doesn't matter if it is just your older brother or sister rather than a grand parent or boss, you are not allow to decline a request of any sort. Not only is it frowned upon, it is shameful and simply unallowable. I thought that was very interesting considering that we can decline requests, although it might be considered rude, we are not obligated to say yes and carry out the action. His specific example was his older brother doesn't like to drive places so he's always asking Abdulrahman to either drive him places or to do things for him so that he doesn't have to go and Abdulrahman has to do it. It's quite different.
Abdulrahman has gotten much better at English since I first met him. It's astonishing to think that when he arrived in Tallahassee in the spring of 2017, that he didn't know any English. I reminded him to keep practicing and remain patient and he will continue to improve.
Abdulrahman talked on the phone about his presentation for his speaking class. He told me that he presented on his favorite football (soccer) team. We discussed his presentation and I corrected some of the grammar issues that came up. We also discussed how he thought he did and what feedback he received from the class and instructor. We talked about which CIES faculty he enjoyed taking classes with and why and which courses were his favorite. I also taught him a new idiom, "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch". Last time we hung out, I taught him "absence makes the heart grow fonder". In my opinion, idioms are the hardest part of learning a new language because they do not translate well for non-native speakers.
Abdulrahman and I also discussed how in Arab, specifically Saudi Arabian culture, you can not tell your elders no. It doesn't matter if it is just your older brother or sister rather than a grand parent or boss, you are not allow to decline a request of any sort. Not only is it frowned upon, it is shameful and simply unallowable. I thought that was very interesting considering that we can decline requests, although it might be considered rude, we are not obligated to say yes and carry out the action. His specific example was his older brother doesn't like to drive places so he's always asking Abdulrahman to either drive him places or to do things for him so that he doesn't have to go and Abdulrahman has to do it. It's quite different.
Abdulrahman has gotten much better at English since I first met him. It's astonishing to think that when he arrived in Tallahassee in the spring of 2017, that he didn't know any English. I reminded him to keep practicing and remain patient and he will continue to improve.
No comments:
Post a Comment