View Content #25763

Use this link to access the online interactive simulated conversational encounter (the link can be reused multiple times and is unable to track identifying information). Go through the scenario several times, choosing different responses each time. Like real life conversations, the scenario will play out differently depending on the responses you choose. For example, in the opening scene, you have four choices for greeting your friend. One choice will be a bit off-putting to your friend. If you don’t repair the miscommunication on the next conversational turn, you won’t get the invitation to the party.

The greeting scene allows learners to demonstrate Knowledge about interactions with people they are socially close to. Since there are several choices that friends might use with each other, learners also demonstrate Subjectivity when they choose less common greetings which they personally prefer.

Here are other scenes that occur in the scenario. Try to identify them in the scenario. Then think about whether the scene allows learners to demonstrate Knowledge, Analysis, Subjectivity, and/or Awareness.

Finally, consider the following reflection questions:

1. What are some structures (for example, asking yes/no questions) or grammatical concepts (for example, formal vs. informal forms of address in some languages) that are relevant to this situation in the language that you teach?
2. What other techniques might you use in your classroom to improve your students' interactional pragmatic and intercultural competence?