Blog Post 9 International Collaboration

We did a similar project with Kansai University students through another class with Dr. Bert (online collaboration). One of the factors that facilitated this project was that the Asian students all spoke enough English that we could communicate. The one factor that made it difficult was the time difference, and the Kansai students’ time commitments that conflicted when we set aside time to meet. There were a few times that they did not show up.

So a big advantage of this exchange is that it will be f2f, and everyone will show up. So it will be a different set of challenges. Of course, the obvious one would be language challenges, so I would have every participant load Google Translate on their phones, and be prepared for non-exact translations. Another way to prepare for this might be digital vocabulary cards or lists.

Another challenge would be body language. In Japan, bowing is an important gesture and there is meaning behind how you do it. Hawaiʻi students will need to be familiar with this and other gestures so as to not commit faux pas. How would the Japanese students feel about a traditional Hawaiian greeting involving an exchange of breath?

Another Japanese cultural practice is omiyage, the exchange of gifts when you visit a place. Hawaiʻi students should also prepare gifts, not necessarily purchased gifts. I would suggest they make gifts or, for example, even teach the students how to make and exchange lei.

I love Hawaiian music, chants, and protocols, and there may be a few basic ones that the Japanese students can learn.

This sounds like fun!!