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Hello, Friends
This has been and will be a very busy week at International Friends. We had not one, but two Thanksgiving dinners at CLC. It is so good to meet and to eat in person. Recipes are posted on our at the top of our main page. Text or call Carolyn if you have any questions. Just because the turkey seems big doesn't mean you and your family can't enjoy this treat. There are plenty turkey leftover dishes like casseroles) to make and enjoy.
Thanksgiving and Shopping
Thanksgiving is a very important American cultural holiday. Thanksgiving Day is a day for people in the US to give thanks for what they have. Families and friends get together for a meal, which traditionally includes a roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pumpkin pie. In some cities and towns, there are parades during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Festivities also mark the opening of the Christmas shopping on Black Friday. If you shopping isn't finished, you can always check in online on Cyber Monday to pick up deals. Shop local means to patronize local small businesses with your shopping.
American English
Language is more than speaking words. Body language is 60-65% of communication. This is why ordering over the phone, into a speaker, etc. can be confusing for both parties.
Additionally, people can "feel" words or a conversation as a part if understanding. Be careful, though. Cultural traditions can color perceptions.
Avoid translating. Dipping back into a familiar language is how our brains try to be efficient. This sometimes gets in the way of our being able to speak up. The other language saps our confidence.
American Culture
And speaking of language, American culture personal space was a topic of discussion. Americans tend to like about an arm's length between themselves when talking. Depending on your culture, you might want to talk closer. Someone that is invading an American's personal space may be seen as pushy or as being aggressive. Take a look at this article Proxemics 101: Understanding Personal Space Across Cultures. Does this change how you approach people?
Where you stand when you talk to someone is reflexive and varies widely depending on your culture.
Get Out There! What are you finding?
Hamilton County Fun: November Things to Do
International Friends Meeting Notes
Join us! Click here to register.
International Bible Study: Monday, 8-9:00 PM, Zoom
November 11: Psalm 36 and Genesis 25-27.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9-11:00 AM, Zoom
November 21: Email your "Where I'm From" handout. Last chance for Thanksgiving questions!
American English and Culture: Thursday, 7-8:00 PM, CLC, Carmel, room 102
October 24: Bring your Word Pictures. Examples are on our Handouts page. Last chance for Thanksgiving questions!
American English for Kids: Thursday, 4:30-5:00 PM, private Zoom
We recorded a few minutes of our meeting to see how we look and sound.
October 22: Two topics:
1. What did you think of your video recording? Do you see room for improvement?
2. Do you think it is important to be able to translate your home language into English and vice versa? Let's talk about your opinion and why.
Words and Phrases
approach: first talk to or interact with someone
arm's length: hold out your arm and wiggle your fingers-that far
color perceptions: influence what someone thinks
dipping: spending a little time
leftover: main dishes that are repurposed
parties: two people (or entities) that are involved in an agreement
patronize: go to and participate at
pushy: excessively or unpleasantly self-assertive or ambitious
room for improvement: hope that something will improve or get better
sap: take away the energy
speak up: say what we are thinking
tend: are usually
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