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ashley's blog

reflections of the week

wednesday conversation: calvin and hobbes

6/29/2016

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chronemics and deadlines

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As a reforming procrastinator, I identify with Calvin. But what we're going to talk about is chronemics, not procrastination.

Chronemics refers to the role of time in communication. The two basic orientations are monochronic and polychronic.

​Monochronic
cultures, such as in the USA, time is linear. Output is prioritized so, wrapping up projects and punctuality are important. You may hear phrases like, "time is money," and "Early is on time. On time is late" in monochronic environments.

​Polychronic engages in many things at one time. With juggling so many balls, deadlines are flexible and breaks are welcomed. Think "Island time" and "mañana, mañana" mentality.

​Read an example of how cultures view deadlines differently.









​




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FRIDAY SIGN-OFF: A Poem from "bone" by yrsa-daley ward

6/24/2016

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“Do not go too far for peace and quiet do not run too far because the country can be as loud as the city too noisy in its stillness and anyway, there will always be your breath which, hard as you try, you cant do without you cant run away from. There will always be your heart beating stronger and louder the harder, the further you run.” 
― Yrsa Daley-Ward, bone
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WEDNESDAY conversation: CALVIN AND HOBBES

6/22/2016

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THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSUMING POSITIVE INTENT

As interculturalists, it is imperative to assume positive intent in conflict situations where there is miscommunication,

Positive intent embraces the notion that people are making the best choices, with the best of hopes, with the best of their resources, to the best of their abilities. Essentially, instead of believing people are "out to get you," you give them the benefit of the doubt. 

This is not "letting people off easy" or being naive; it's recognizing our human inability to know other people's true motives. This is hard work but important work for three key reasons:

1. Assuming positive intent allows us to reframe the conflict. Bernard Mayer says reframing is the ability "to maintain the conflict in all its richness but to help people look at it in a more open-minded and hopeful way." It's deeper than looking at conflict from a different perspective. It separates the person from the problem and focuses on the miscommunication or misunderstanding that needs to be address.

2. Assuming positive intent puts us in a position to consider that maybe the person is not "stupid, spiteful, evil" but has limited information, resources, or preoccupations which validated the actions or inaction s/he has taken. When knowledge and information is incomplete, behaviors may seem questionable to those with a fuller understanding

3. Positive intent recognizes we are imperfect people and to quote the truism, "Interculturalist are never perfect; they are forgiving." Assuming positive intent in others allows us to extend the same grace to ourselves when we make a mistake.

Book Recommendations:
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William L. Ury
Communication Highwire: Leveraging the Power of Diverse Communication Styles by Dianne Hofner Saphiere, Barbara Kappler Mikk, and Basma Ibrahim Devries
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world refugee day 2016

6/20/2016

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Today is World Refugee Day.

I recognize how privileged I am to travel by choice with the knowledge that I have a nationality and nation to come back to. This is not the reality for millions of displaced people around the globe.

With 65.3 million people displaced or seeking asylum, collectively refugees would make up the 24th largest nation*. Children compose 50% of that number.

The United Nations recognizes 193 nations, with about 30 countries regularly resettling those who are displaced, including the USA.

That means in the United States, there's an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people who may have experienced unspeakable trauma, a loss of home, family, or identity. One thing we can do is educate ourselves and our communities about these realities. 

Check out ways educators can help.

Other suggestions: mentor youth in your community, host a student through a reputable exchange program, volunteer at a refugee resettlement center, teach or volunteer at a Citizenship or ESL class, be a friend!

*
UNHRC
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Friday sign-off: "native land" BY KING

6/17/2016

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WEDNESDAY conversation: Family circus

6/15/2016

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40 CHALLENGING IDIOMS TO TRANSLATE

If you formally study a language, you know an indicator of cultural and lingual understanding is using idioms and cultural sayings appropriately.

One day, I walked into my office and casually asked a coworker how she was doing to which she responded, "Hanging on like a hair on a biscuit*."

I was tickled by the visual simile and promptly asked for translation to ensure my interpretation was correct.

Of the many changes I anticipated moving from New York to a small town in Tennessee, developing an arsenal of colorful southern phrases was not one. ​


Check out this list of idioms in other languages.

*Hanging on like a hair on a biscuit: Said when things are not great but could be much worse. Similar sentiment as, "I'm hanging in there."
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Welcome

6/12/2016

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Thanks for stopping by and getting to know me more intimately.

Let's start with introductions! These are a few of my favorite things:

Foods
Cheese, Bread, Roti Canai, Lahmacun, Spicy Sichuan Eggplant

Films
The Incredibles, In The Mood for Love, Bella, Remember the Titans, Rush Hour

Animals
Birds, Zebras, Elephants, Turtles, Giraffes
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