Pluricultural Competence in Action

Session 6:   Etiquette and Manners

Teacher:       Athena Alchazidu and Kateřina Sedláčková

Term:            Spring 2024


Session objectives

This session aims to acquaint students with the etiquette and manners as a concept that has diverse
manifestations in particular cultural and social settings. As a result, participants will foster
their pluricultural repertoire and develop their pluricultural competence.


Key concepts

●     Etiquette

●       Good manners

●       Respectful Behaviour


1 Group work - preparation

Form pairs, or groups of 3 and choose one of the topics to learn about and present.
  * Etiquette:

  * changes and evolution in time within the same society/cultural area/region, etc.
  * Cultural differences in etiquette and how they influence Social interaction

  Politness and good manners.
  * Changes and evolution in time within the same society/cultural area/region, etc.
  * Cultural differences in etiquette and how they influence Social interaction


Each group has a set of learning tasks to complete that include listening and reading tasks.

·         Work together as a group to finish all the tasks.

·         When you’re ready, prepare a mini presentation for the other people in the class.

·         The mini presentation should cover the following points:

o   a description of the main point(s) of the concept

o   some examples


·         Prepare notes with the most important points to be able to cover key information and
speak fluently.














Also, prepare a few questions for your audience to make sure they understood your presentation.



2 Group work – presentation


·         Recreate groups so that there’s at least one person knowledgeable about each concept.

·         Take turns and present your concept.

·         As you’re listening to the presenters, take notes.

·         You can ask them as many questions as you want to make sure you understand their
presentation.











3 Class discussion


·         Rearrange groups.

·         In your group, discuss the following questions related to your topic:



Concept

                                             Questions

Etiquette

- What is the definition of etiquette, and why is it important in social interactions?

- Can you provide examples of etiquette rules in different cultures?

- How does business etiquette differ from social etiquette?

- What are the consequences of not following proper etiquette in professional settings?

- How can understanding etiquette improve cross-cultural communication?

- In what ways can etiquette evolve over time and adapt to changing social norms?

______________________________________________________________

Good Manners

- What are some fundamental principles of good manners?

- How do good manners influence the perception of an individual in society?

- Can you describe a situation where good manners helped resolve a conflict or misunderstanding?

- What role do parents and educators play in teaching good manners to children?

- How do good manners differ across various cultures and social settings?

- What are some examples of good manners in digital communication, such as emails or social media?

______________________________________________________________

Respectful Behaviour

- What constitutes respectful behaviour in personal and professional relationships?

- How can individuals demonstrate respect in a multicultural environment?

- What are the potential impacts of disrespectful behaviour on team dynamics and productivity?

- How can respect be communicated nonverbally, and why is it important?

- Can you share an instance where respectful behaviour led to a positive outcome in a challenging
situation?

- What strategies can be employed to foster a culture of respect within an organization or
community?

These questions are designed to prompt discussion and reflection on the concepts of etiquette, good
manners, and respectful behaviour, emphasizing their importance and application in various social
and professional contexts.









4 Sharing


·         Choose a  manifestation of etiquette/(tabele) manners, etc., you really like  and present
it to class mentioning its cultural significance in the country/region/community, it comes from.

·         Explain how it represents key aspects of the culture it comes from.

·         Put down key ideas that define that tradition.













New vocabulary

Go through the material once more, and list any new words you do not know and consider useful to
learn. Write at least one example sentence for each word.