Participation Observation

1. Participation Observation By Lorie Katherine Scovish

2. “Every country has its own way of saying things. The important thing is that which lies behind people’s words.” —Freya Stark, The Journey’s Echo

3. “What he probably means is that since culture is such an important ingredient in all behavior, and so much of behavior is spent in one type of communicating or another, then it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other takes over.” pg. 75 Styles of CommunicationChapter 3

4. Indirect/High Context— These cultures haveless need to be explicit and rely less on words to convey meaning— and especially on the literal meaning of the spoken word— and more on nonverbal communication. People often convey meaning or send messages by manipulating the context. Because these cultures tend to be collectivist, people work closely together and know what everyone else knows. The overriding goal of the communication exchange is maintaining harmony and saving face. Direct/Low Context— Low context cultures tend to be more heterogeneous and individualist. Less can be assumed about the other person in a heterogeneous society, and less is known about others in a culture where people prefer independence, self-reliance, and a greater emotional distance from each other. They cannot depend merely on manipulating context—not doing or not saying something that is always done or said in that situation—or communicating nonverbally to make themselves understood; they must rely more on words, and on those words being interpreted literally. Getting or giving information is the goal of most communication exchanges. Indirect & Direct Communcication

5. Different styles of communication mean an increased possibility of misunderstanding and misinterpretation.

6. 1. American communication is more direct than most cultures. In the United States, we simply blurt out things that are on our mind as opposed to other cultures which are more geared towards respect and keeping thoughts to oneself. • 2. Nonverbal communication is just as important. What did I learn about culture & myself?

7. This includes hands, arms, fingers and whole body communication. Eye contact is also a major role in communication. Gestures The meaning of gestures, eye contact, and conversational patterns may not be the same in the host culture as in American culture.

8. 3. Facial expression is also a crucial part of communicating. Whether it be the head, forehead, eyes, eyebrows, the nose, the chin or the jaw. • 4. Personal space is a factor when evaluating communication. Will it be easy to see a difference between personal space when communicating in Jamaica vsAmerica?

9. 5. Touching may differ from country to country. Observe how much and in which parts of the body the following people touch each other : • 2 men • 2 women • Husband and wife • Parent and child • Boss and insubordinate • Unrelated opposite sex • Older and younger person

10. 5 observations to make in the Jamaican classroom:

11. The first month or two in class I was always saying, “Look at me when I talk to you,” and the kids simply wouldn’t do it. They would always look at their hands, or the blackboard, or anywhere except looking me in the face. And finally one of the other teachers told me it was a cultural thing. They should warn us about things like that. —Tony HillermanSkinwalkers CULTURE SHOCK

12. How do people dress? • How do they greet each other in the morning? • What is the protocol for going in and out of someone’s office? • Do people maintain eye contact when they talk? • How far apart do people stand? I anticipate Jamaican culture will differ from American culture immensely. For starters, I expect to see a more cultural dress, warmer dress and more laid back dress then here in America. The greeting in the morning will be friendly and bubbly and possibly include music or rhythm. I anticipate the protocol of leaving and entering to be a question of “may I come in,” or “may I leave,” very proper and considerate. I think eye contact will be evident and people will be able to stand close and occasionally touch one another’s arms or shoulders while talking. 1. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

13. Do people come to work on time? Who does and who doesn’t? • What happens when someone who is talking to someone else gets a telephone call? • What does a third person do when approaching two others who are already in conversation? • Do meetings start on time? • How long do people with appointments have to wait? I predict that being to work on time will be expected from all. If a phone call comes in during a conversation, I feel that it may be appropriate to answer the phone and address the caller. A third party approaching an ongoing conversation is predicted to be warm and inviting and allowing themselves to participate in the conversation immediately regardless to whether the two conversing give an indication. I will guess that meeting times may be more lenient then in here and America and people may not have to wait anytime at all for an appointment. 2. MONO/POLYCHRONIC BEHAVIORS

14. How do subordinates treat their superiors? • How do superiors treat subordinates? • Do you see evidence of bosses delegating authority or holding on to it? • Do you see evidence of subordinates taking initiative, or just waiting for instruction? • Whom do people eat lunch with? Do they eat only with their peers, or is there mixing of the ranks? I think subordinates would treat their superiors with an extreme amount of respect, regardless to the situation. In America, this may not always be seen but I think most countries outside of the US would not even dare to act any differently. However, superiors will not treat their subordinates without respect either, in their eyes it will be rather equal. I assume that in the classroom the “boss” would be seen as the teacher so delegating authority will be required to have classroom management. Subordinates may take initiative and I’m assuming lunch will be broken into areas with their peers. 3. POWER DISTANCE BEHAVIORS

15. How is conflict handled? • How is disagreement expressed? • How is bad news or a negative concern communicated? • Are people generally direct or indirect in their conversation? I predict conflict will be a matter addressed immediately, rather than waiting and I think a disagreement would be vocalized and verbally fought over. I anticipate that this culture is based on pride and their opinions and views are n exception. I would assume bad news would be approached with caution and member of this culture would be direct with their conversation, speaking exactly what is on their mind. 4. COMMUNICATION STYLES

16. When people interact, do they get to the task right away or talk more generally? • Do people work closely together or more independently? • Are women treated differently from men? If so, in what way? • What does the prevailing attitude seem to be about rules and procedures and the need to follow them? Although I feel that conversation is direct in this culture, I feel that people may interact more generally at first, not avoiding a task but taking their time, being more relaxed then the typical American “GO GOGO” approach. I see Jamaica working as a team closely together and that women may be treated differently. Not necessarily a bad thing, I feel that woman may be more respected for their birthing abilities and their dedication to their families and home lives. I assume rules would be followed, possibly broken occasionally like most places. 5. OTHER WORKPLACE NORMS

17. 1. Examine preparation for the Grade 1 ‘Readiness Test’ and analyze results. • 2. Language arts and compare their lessons with American culture. 5 AREAS OF FOCUS FOR CURRICULUM (Primary Education)

18. 3. Mathematics approach, how is this subject taught? • 4. What is writing instruction like in Jamaica? Continued…

19. 5. A literacy test is in place for the fourth grade. I would like to see preparation for this important assessment. Continued…

20. http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/education_in_jamaica.html • Chapter 3: Styles of Communication • Chapter 4: Culture in the Workplace Resources