5/26/22 Week 6:

Response to:  Personal space difference how does it affect English TESOL? 

Brother Ivers (teacher in a BYU Idaho) explains in the video's class, the Personal Space Difference between cultures, Japan, North America, Africans, etc. Additionally, was a surprise for me to see the subway’s video from Japan’s culture, it’s incredible how the people are like canned sardines; in a culture where you can see the woman walking behind his husband; I never thought that they can lose their personal space like this. Is very necessary to know everything about where your students are from, culture, customs, and traditions; to prevent invading personal spaces and embarrassing situations, also between students.

In TESOL Class we can have challenges with situations of invading personal spaces, for example, if your student is from South America (Hispanic Culture) or Brazilian Culture, they are very friendly and spontaneous to greet and free to give the hand or give a hug; but retiming again to the prudential physical distance of 46 cm. And they can talk with other students from their desks normally. If your student is from Thailand, it probably can have a shock, if other students give a hug or give a kiss on the cheek, to say hello, since they do not do it in public. What can you do how teacher?  Well, is a good option from the first-class ’day introduce in our lesson topics that can explain each culture with the support of the students. This helps cross-cultural understanding in our classroom and prevents future embarrassing situations.

Besides, include topics teaching for the students, where they can share personal experiences from their cultures, and situations, to learn from each other. Of course, conserving respect of not invade the private lives of students. Sharing the differences between each culture and comparing, enriches the knowledge of general culture.