P.S. to "Noticing the Differences," writing #6

You have the assignment to write about cultural differences, as explained in Post 5 below. Let me give you some more specifics which may help you with the writing:

a. Write your article and post it on your blog. It should be posted by 8 a.m. on Thursday. Run the spell check!

b. Having a problem getting the three quotes? Talk to your classmates. Ask them questions on your topic. Write down what they say and use it in your article. Interview them during class on Wednesday. You can have more than three, by the way.

c. Write 350-500 words. My NEW article (below) is 440 words. Use the following structure:

1. Introduce your topic in paragraph 1.


2. Develop the topic in paragraphs 2 and following. You may want to change paragraphs when a new person speaks.


3. Sum up your topic in the final paragraph.

d. Approach your article in one of three ways:

1. Write about a single difference (e.g., wearing or not wearing street shoes in the house). Compare how it's done in Turkey and in, say, the US. Have three quotes from people who say something about the topic.
   
2. Write generally about the fact there are cultural differences between Turkey and your passport country. Have quotes from three people, each citing a difference he/she has noticed (e.g., (a) wearing or not wearing street shoes in the house; (b) greeting friends by kissing, hand-shaking, or hugs;(c) making eye contact (or not) with strangers on the street.
   
3. If you know about other countries (besides Turkey and your passport country), compare them as well. Have quotes from three people.

---------------
Here is my sample article, using the third approach.


CROSSING CULTURES AND GIFT GIVING?

What do you do when visiting someone's home for dinner or the evening? Do you bring a gift or not? Do you offer to bring part of the meal? What is the proper etiquette?

Apparently the answers depend on where you live. In Tokyo, Japan, the proper gifts for a host or hostess are either flowers or chocolates or fruit. "I once received a pint of strawberries from a guest,” Harumi Oka Jones says. “It sounds odd, but it was an exquisite gift: at the time, strawberries were more than $10 a pint. The bowl was wrapped beautifully in cellophane and ribbons.” In addition, Harumi notes that if one wants to be completely proper, the gift is given using two hands and while bowing slightly.

In Istanbul, Turkey, people may give flowers, chocolates, fruit or even a baton cake from the pastry shop. Another practical gift is something to drink: one might bring two or three liters of juice or a large bottle of cola if it's known that many guests will be attending. The gift is handed without fanfare to the host / hostess upon arrival or quietly placed in the kitchen. "If you bring a gift, your friends appreciate the gesture, though they may not say anything to you,” says long-time Istanbul resident Pete Sanders. Perihan Winston agrees, adding, "How elaborate and expensive a gift I bring depends on the occasion. Of course if I'm just stopping to say 'hi' to a neighbor, no gift is necessary."

In the US, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on what to give—or whether it is necessary. "When invited to a friend's for dinner, I'll ask what I can bring," says Cindy Henders of Ft. Worth. "I may show my appreciation by making a salad or dessert. My bringing something means less work for the hostess."

Of course, not everyone wants assistance with the meal. “When I offer help, my friends usually say, ‘Just bring yourself,’ " says Margaret McDonald of Denver. She adds, "If I don’t bring anything, I’ll write a thank you note or e-mail expressing my appreciation for the dinner." Millie Howell of Philadelphia has a different approach: "I always bring a box of After Eights dinner mints, even if they tell me not to bring anything." The gift doesn't have to be food, however. Wikihow suggests wine or gourmet coffee, a plant, gift certificates, nice-smelling candles or soap, charitable donations. No money for a gift? The website suggests staying to help clean up.

And in Rome…? What about other parts of the world? It appears there are no precise rules of etiquette that cover all situations or cultures. Best to follow the adage, When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Ask.

--------
article: pjfs 2009.
photo: cdn-write.demandstudios.com/.../70/7/22877.jpg