Event

A Comparison of US and Japanese Group Discussion

Sunday, September 12th, 2004, 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Speaker: Suwako Watanabe, Portland State University

Dr. Watanabe reports findings from studies that compared US and Japanese group discussions, focusing on turn-taking strategy, procedural strategies, reactions to conflicting opinions, and the leader's function. In the Japanese group discussions, the participants tended to use non-confrontational strategies, and the framework of vertical hierarchy seems to play a role. It is also likely that the primary goals of group discussion are different between the US and Japan. The effect of culture in language usage appears to be significant and this has implications for foreign/second language education
About the speaker: Dr. Suwako Watanabe is an Associate Professor of Japanese at Portland State University.

Organization: Matsuyama Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Matsuyama JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1000 yen

Venue: Shinonome High School Kinenkan 4F

Location: Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Contact Matsuyama JALT

Kiyoshi Shioiri

Work phone: 089-931-6211