aiMOOC

E7 M - Communicating across cultures

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E7 M - Communicating across cultures

Mini-Beschreibung: Löse fiktive interkulturelle Alltagssituationen durch Nachfragen, Erklären und respektvolle Kommunikation.

Level: English as a first foreign language, Klasse 7, Baden-Württemberg, M-Niveau. English first: try first, use context and media, take an English hint, then use short German help only if needed.

Important: People are individuals. Do not guess how someone thinks or behaves because of a country, language, religion or appearance. Ask, listen and check.

Einleitung

Communication across cultures is not about memorising rules for “how people from country X behave”. It is about staying curious when people have different habits, languages, expectations or ways of speaking. A small misunderstanding can happen anywhere: in a school exchange, a game, a group project, a message or a visit.

Your communication cycle in this course is:

Notice → understand → try → use → communicate → feedback → improve → use again.

This course trains you to exchange ideas about young people’s everyday lives, notice similarities and differences and use communication conventions such as starting a conversation, asking questions, showing interest, agreeing and disagreeing respectfully.

Media start: What do you notice?

Look at the photo first. Do not guess nationalities, feelings or intentions.

Notice: Name three things you can really see.
Think: What could make a first conversation easy?
Try: Write one friendly opening question in English.
Check: Which part is observation and which part is your interpretation?

Hint 1 – English: Start with “I can see …” and “Maybe …”.

Hint 2 – Deutsch: Eine Beobachtung ist sichtbar. Eine Deutung ist Deine Vermutung.

I-can goals

By the end of this aiMOOC, you can say:

I can ask for clarification when I do not understand.
I can explain my meaning with simple examples and reasons.
I can react respectfully when someone has a different habit or opinion.
I can check assumptions instead of turning them into culture clichés.
I can repair a misunderstanding and continue the conversation.

Quick check: What do you already know?

Complete these starters without a dictionary first:

“Sorry, could you …?”
“Do you mean …?”
“I thought … because …”
“Thanks for explaining. Now I …”

Then compare with the phrase bank below. Keep your own version if it is clear and polite.

Notice and understand

Two people can hear the same words and still understand them differently. Context matters: who is speaking, where they are, what happened before and what the speakers expect.

Useful rule: If you are not sure, treat your first idea as a possibility, not a fact.

Example: “Sam looked away while I was speaking.” Better thought: “Maybe Sam was shy, thinking, distracted or following a habit I do not know.” Useful move: “Was that clear, or should I explain it another way?”

Listening and viewing: body language in context

Watch the BBC Learning English video in short sections. You do not need to understand every word.

First viewing – gist:

What is the main topic?
Which examples show that body language can be interpreted differently?
Which new word can you guess from the context?

Second viewing – detail:

Note two words connected with communication.
Find one point that warns against quick judgement.
Say whether the speakers sound formal, neutral or informal. Give one reason.

Hint 1 – English: Listen for repeated words and examples.

Hint 2 – Deutsch: Konzentriere Dich auf Schlüsselwörter, nicht auf jedes einzelne Wort.

Direct feedback: A strong answer separates what the video says from your own guess. It does not turn one example into a rule about a whole culture.

Reading: The mixed-up meeting

Read this fictional situation.

The mixed-up meeting

Maya, Leon and Aisha are preparing a poster with their exchange group. Maya writes, “Let’s meet around four after school.” Leon arrives at 4:00 and waits. Aisha joins at 4:08. Maya arrives at 4:15 and is surprised that Leon looks annoyed.

Leon says, “I thought four meant four.” Maya answers, “I meant about four. I should have been clearer.” Aisha adds, “Maybe we can write an exact time next time.”

Later, they talk about the problem. No one says, “People from your country are always late.” Instead, they explain their expectations. Leon says that he likes exact times for group work because he plans his bus home. Maya says that in her family, “around four” often means a short time before or after four. They agree to write “4:05 at the library entrance” for the next meeting.

Reading tasks

What caused the misunderstanding?
Which sentence repairs the situation?
Why is the final solution better than blaming a culture?
Write a new one-sentence message that would have prevented the problem.

Hint 1 – English: Look for words about time, expectations and the next meeting.

Hint 2 – Deutsch: Suche Ursache, Reaktion und Lösung. Du musst den Text nicht vollständig übersetzen.

Try the language

Vocabulary in context

Phrase	Use it when ...	Example
clarify	something is unclear	“Could you clarify what you mean by ‘later’?”
assume	you think something is true without checking	“I assumed you meant 4:00.”
context	the situation helps explain meaning	“In this context, ‘fine’ sounds neutral.”
misunderstanding	people understand a message differently	“I think we had a misunderstanding.”
explain	you give a reason or example	“Let me explain what I meant.”
respectful	your words show care for the other person	“I disagree, but I understand your point.”

Mini-task: Choose three words and write one short school-exchange sentence with each.

Pronunciation: clear and friendly

Your goal is understandability, not accent-free English.

Say these phrases at a calm speed:

“Could you say that again, please?”
“Do you mean this Friday or next Friday?”
“I’m not sure I understood.”
“Thanks for explaining.”

Notice: Important words usually carry more stress. Polite questions often sound friendlier when the voice is calm and not rushed.

Practice: Say one phrase once too fast, then once clearly. Which version is easier to understand?

Private option: You may record yourself only if you want to. Keep recordings private unless you have clearly agreed to share them. No upload is needed.

Listening and speaking: asking for clarification

This BBC Learning English clip is set at a university, but the communication strategy also works at school.

Before viewing: Predict two details a student might need to ask about.

While viewing: Listen for questions that ask for clearer information.

After viewing: Change one useful question so it fits a school project.

Example: “How many words do you want?” → “How long should our poster text be?”

Direct feedback: Your new question is successful if it asks for one clear piece of information and sounds polite.

Phrase bank: ask, explain, check

Function	Useful English
Ask for repetition	“Could you say that again, please?”
Check meaning	“Do you mean …?”
Ask for an example	“Could you give me an example?”
Explain	“What I mean is …”
Give a reason	“I think that because …”
Correct yourself	“Sorry, I said that badly. I mean …”
Check understanding	“So, if I understood you correctly, …”
React respectfully	“I see your point, but I think …”

Functional grammar: language that helps you communicate

Use grammar as a tool, not as a separate puzzle.

Polite requests with could: “Could you repeat that?” “Could you explain what you mean?”

Meaning checks with do you mean: “Do you mean we should meet online?” “Do you mean everyone brings food?”

Reasons with because: “I was confused because I understood ‘later’ differently.”

Suggestions with maybe / could: “Maybe we could choose an exact time.”

Simple past for what happened: “I thought the meeting started at four.”

Do not introduce passive voice or reported speech here. They are not needed for this communication goal.

Optional E-outlook only: In later English, you may meet the past perfect to show which past action happened first: “When I arrived, the others had already started.” For this M-course, noticing the meaning is enough; you do not need to produce it.

Use: fictional intercultural situations

All people below are fictional. Their behaviour is individual. It is not presented as typical of a country or group.

Situation 1: The snack offer

During an exchange afternoon, Jamie offers Noor a biscuit. Noor says, “No, thanks.” Jamie asks again twice because Jamie wants to be friendly. Noor becomes quiet.

Your move: Continue the conversation with one question and one explanation.

Try first: Jamie: “________________________________” Noor: “________________________________”

Hint 1 – English: Ask what the other person wants instead of guessing.

Hint 2 – words: offer – prefer – okay – no problem

German help if needed: Frage nach dem Wunsch der Person, nicht nach einer angeblichen Kulturregel.

Direct feedback: Good communication gives Noor a real choice and lets Jamie explain the intention without pressure.

Situation 2: The short message

Alex sends: “Sure.” Morgan thinks Alex is angry because the message is very short. Alex was only in a hurry.

Your move: Write two follow-up messages:

Morgan asks without accusing.
Alex explains the context.

Model after you try: Morgan: “Hey, just checking — is everything okay?” Alex: “Yes, all good. I was on the bus, so I wrote a very short reply.”

Mini-transfer: Change the situation from a text message to a face-to-face conversation.

Situation 3: Different ways to join a discussion

A group of four students plans a class presentation. Priya speaks quickly and often. Ben waits for a pause but cannot find one. Sofia notices this.

Your move: What can Sofia say to include Ben without blaming Priya?

Hint 1 – English: “Ben, would you like to add …?”

Challenge: Add one sentence that helps the whole group take turns.

Direct feedback: A good solution changes the communication pattern and respects everyone.

Situation 4: A greeting surprise

Two fictional exchange students meet for the first time. One reaches out for a handshake. The other pauses and smiles because they expected a different kind of greeting.

Your move: Write a friendly repair with 2–3 lines.

Possible start: “Hi! I wasn’t sure how you wanted to greet.” “No problem. What are you comfortable with?”

Rule: Do not write “In country X, everybody …”. People and situations vary.

Communicate

Speaking: repair a misunderstanding

Work with a partner. Choose one situation above.

Round 1: Play the scene for about 45–60 seconds.

Round 2: Repeat it, but add:

one clarification question,
one explanation with because,
one respectful reaction,
one final understanding check.

Observer feedback: “Your clearest question was …” “One place you could make clearer is …” “You repaired the misunderstanding when …”

Mini-presentation: After round 2, explain your solution for about 30–45 seconds: What happened? Which question helped? What did the speakers agree on? You can use “At first … / Then … / Finally …”.

Recording is optional. A live pair dialogue is enough. Do not upload recordings or private information for this task.

Viewing: polite English

Watch for language that makes a request or opinion sound less direct.

Try: Turn these very direct sentences into polite classroom English:

“Explain that.”
“You are wrong.”
“Say it again.”
“Give me the details.”

Hint 1 – English: Use “Could you …?”, “I’m not sure …” and “I see your point, but …”.

Feedback: Polite does not mean unclear. Your sentence should still show what you need.

Writing: a structured email

Write a short email of about 90–120 words.

Situation: Your fictional exchange partner invited you to a school event. You understand the date, but you are unsure about the meeting place, what to bring and what time the event ends.

Your email should:

open politely,
thank the person,
ask three clear questions,
explain why one detail matters to you,
close politely.

Support: Subject: Question about Friday’s school event

Hi …, Thanks for … Could you tell me …? Also, do you mean …? I’m asking because … See you soon, …

Self-feedback before finishing: Underline your three questions. Circle one reason with “because”. Check that the tone is friendly.

Short writing transfer: Turn the same event into a 70–90 word report or mini-story: What happened? What was unclear? How was the problem solved? Finish with one short opinion about the best communication move.

Mediation: help without translating everything

A German school notice says:

“Treffpunkt für den internationalen Spielenachmittag ist am Freitag um 14:10 Uhr vor der Aula. Bitte bringt eine Trinkflasche mit. Die Veranstaltung endet gegen 16:30 Uhr. Wer direkt danach mit dem Bus fährt, kann um 16:25 Uhr gemeinsam zur Haltestelle gehen.”

Your English-speaking exchange partner asks: “What do I really need to know?”

Give the key information in simple English. Do not translate every word.

Hint 1 – English: meeting point – bring – ends – bus stop

German help if needed: Vermittle nur die wichtigen Informationen für die Person.

Direct feedback: A successful mediation keeps the important time, place, item and bus information, but it does not copy the German sentence structure.

Feedback and improve

Use this quick feedback code after a dialogue or text:

Check	Ask yourself
C – Clear	Did I say what I mean?
Q – Question	Did I ask instead of assume?
R – Respect	Did my words leave room for the other person?
K – Check	Did I check whether we understood each other?

Choose one improvement only. Then use your improved sentence again in a new mini-situation.

Mini-transfer: use again

New situation: Your group partner says, “Let’s do it the normal way.” You do not know what “normal” means.

Respond in three steps:

ask what “normal” means here,
give one possible interpretation,
agree on one clear next step.

Success line: “Do you mean …? I thought … Maybe we could …”

Digital and AI safety

Use fictional names and fictional profiles in practice tasks. Do not copy private social-media data into the course.

Recordings are voluntary and should stay private unless sharing was clearly agreed. No task requires an upload.

If you use an AI tool for language feedback, check whether the English matches your level and whether the feedback is correct. Keep your own ideas and wording. AI should help you revise, not replace your text. Do not send private recordings, names, contact details or other personal data to an external AI service for this course.

Self-/Can-do-Check

Mark one box for each statement: not yet / almost / yes.

I can ...	not yet	almost	yes
ask a polite clarification question.	□	□	□
explain what I mean with a reason or example.	□	□	□
notice when I am making an assumption.	□	□	□
react respectfully to a different expectation.	□	□	□
repair a misunderstanding and continue.	□	□	□
write a short structured email with clear questions.	□	□	□

If you marked “not yet”, return to the phrase bank and repeat one short situation. If you marked “almost”, improve one line and try again. If you marked “yes”, create a new situation for a partner.

Interaktive Aufgaben

Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen

What is the best first move when a message is unclear? (Ask a polite clarification question) (!Blame the other person) (!Guess the meaning and stop listening) (!Use a culture stereotype)

Which sentence checks meaning politely? (Do you mean we meet at four exactly?) (!You explained that badly.) (!Everyone knows what four means.) (!That makes no sense.)

What does an assumption mean in this course? (Something you think is true before checking) (!A question that asks for more detail) (!A final agreement after discussion) (!A word that always has one meaning)

Which response explains rather than attacks? (I was confused because I understood later differently.) (!You are always unclear.) (!Your culture is strange.) (!That is completely your fault.)

What is a good way to repair a misunderstanding? (Explain your meaning and check understanding) (!Change the topic without saying anything) (!Repeat the same words more loudly) (!Decide what the other person must mean)

Which sentence is a respectful disagreement? (I see your point, but I think we need an exact time.) (!That idea is stupid.) (!You are wrong, end of discussion.) (!No one does it like that.)

What should you do with a culture-based first impression? (Treat it as a possibility and check) (!Treat it as a fact) (!Tell everyone immediately) (!Use it to predict every person)

Which phrase asks for an example? (Could you give me an example?) (!You should know this.) (!I already understand everything.) (!Do not explain it.)

What is the goal of pronunciation practice here? (To be understandable) (!To lose your accent completely) (!To sound exactly like one speaker) (!To speak as fast as possible)

What is good AI use in this course? (Check feedback and keep your own ideas) (!Replace your whole text with AI output) (!Upload private recordings without thinking) (!Trust every correction automatically)

Memory

Clarify	Ask for more detail
Paraphrase	Say the idea in your own words
Assumption	An idea you have not checked yet
Respect	Showing care for another person
Misunderstanding	People understand something differently
Gesture	A movement that can communicate meaning

Drag and Drop

Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu.	Communication move
Notice	Observe before judging
Clarify	Ask a polite question
Explain	Give context or a reason
Check	Confirm shared understanding
Repair	Correct the misunderstanding and continue

Kreuzworträtsel

Clarify	Which verb means to make meaning clearer?
Respect	What word means showing care for another person?
Gesture	What word means a movement that can communicate meaning?
Context	What word means the situation around a message?
Listen	What should you do carefully before reacting?
Assumption	What word means an idea you have not checked?

LearningApps

Lückentext

Offene Aufgaben

Leicht

Clarification question: Write five polite questions for unclear school situations.
Mini-dialogue: Create a four-line conversation in which two people check the meaning of a time.
Phrase cards: Make six small phrase cards with an English phrase on the front and its function on the back.
Notice or guess?: Write six statements about a classroom photo and label each one as observation or interpretation.

Standard

Role-play repair: Perform a 60-second misunderstanding scene and repeat it after peer feedback.
Exchange email: Write a 100-word email asking for three details about a fictional school event.
Mediation: Turn a short German school notice into the key information an English-speaking guest needs.
Question before assumption: Create three fictional situations in which a good question prevents a stereotype.

Schwer

Private audio dialogue: Plan and optionally record a 90-second private dialogue with clarification, explanation and repair. No upload is required.
Communication interview: Ask a classmate about a harmless everyday communication preference, such as planning times or group work. Do not collect private data.
Mini explainer: Create a 60-second video or storyboard called “Ask before you assume” using only fictional examples.
AI feedback check: If your school permits an AI tool, compare one AI suggestion with your own text. Keep only changes you can explain and verify.

Lernkontrolle

Analyse: Explain why the sentence “They are rude because they do not look at me” is too quick a conclusion. Give two other possible explanations and one clarification question.
Strategiewahl: A partner says, “Bring something appropriate.” Write a three-step response that clarifies meaning, explains your need and checks the agreement.
Perspective change: Rewrite a short conflict from both speakers’ points of view without making either person the “culture expert”.
New context: Transfer the clarification strategy from a school meeting to a sports team, club or online group.
Revision: Improve a direct sentence such as “You are wrong” so that it is both respectful and clear. Explain what changed.
Selective mediation: Decide which details from a German event notice an English-speaking guest needs immediately and which details can be left out. Justify your choice.

Lernnachweis

For a successful learning record, show that you can:

notice a possible misunderstanding without blaming a group,
ask at least two clear and polite clarification questions,
explain your own meaning with a reason or example,
react respectfully to another perspective,
repair the conversation and agree on a next step,
use useful vocabulary and understandable pronunciation,
write a short structured message or email,
mediate key information instead of translating everything,
use feedback to improve a second version,
protect privacy and check AI feedback critically.

OERs zum Thema

The following Wikipedia article gives German background information. Use it for deeper reading after the English-first tasks.

Media note: Images in this aiMOOC come from Wikimedia Commons; check the individual file page for the exact free license and attribution details. YouTube videos are embedded from their providers for viewing; do not download or re-upload them for this task.

Folgekurs

Continue with E7 M - Giving opinions respectfully: move from clarification to short discussions, reasons, agreement and polite disagreement.

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