Journal Topics for this week: Due Thursday, July 16

1) Title: Being a foreigner

Think First

Many languages have a word for a foreigner. What does the term “foreigner” mean to you? Do you feel like a foreigner here? If you had to draw a picture which reflects your feelings about being in a new culture, what would you draw? Which colors would you use? Which shapes (lines, circles, squares, etc) would help you express your ideas?

Then Write (and draw)

Draw an abstract picture that describes how you have felt as a foreigner. An abstract picture has shapes and patterns that DO NOT LOOK like real people or things (like Picasso). That is, an abstract picture does not try to show the same things that a photograph does. Remember, there isn’t a right or wrong abstract picture, so just enjoy the process.

At the bottom of the picture, write as many words as you can to describe the ideas that you tried to show in the abstract picture.

2) Title: Communication Breakdowns

Think First

Everyone, even native language speakers, experience a communication breakdown. The consequences of a communication breakdown range from slight to very serious. As a language learner, you have no doubt experienced a time when you didn't understand someone or someone didn't understand you. What happened? What did you do? What were the consequences?

Then Write

Describe the event in your journal. Include this information in your description.

• What happened?
• How did you feel about this experience?
• What did the other person (people) feel and/or do?
• What can you do to avoid this experience next time? What class activities can help you?