Directions: Group members discuss and explain what the Japanese were re-ally saying by nodding their heads and using the word “difficult” and then edit the following case. Make sure the cultural differences between America and Japan in this case could be understood by the whole class when you role play. A U.S. company has sent a representative to negotiate a contract with a Japanese firm. The U. S. representative arrives at the appointed time for this meeting and is shown to the meeting room where six representatives from the Japanese firm meet with him. During his presentation, the Japanese move their heads in an up and down motion; however, they say very little. The presentation was given in English as the representative had been told the Japanese understood English. When the representa-tive asked if there were any questions, everybody nodded politely: however, no one said a word. After a few minutes, the representative asked if they were ready to sign the contract. One of the Japanese said, “It is very difficult for us to sign." At this point the representative said, “Should I leave the contract with you?” The Japanese said, “Yes.” The U.S. representative returned to the United States expecting the Jap-anese to return the contract which did not happen. Case 2 Directions: Group members discuss and explain what rules for appropriate gift giving in this culture have been followed and which have been violated, and then edit the following case. Make sure the cultural differences on gift-giving between America and Japan could be understood by the whole class when you role play. Mark, a manager in Chicago, was in charge of a negotiation team sent to Japan. Upon learning the im-portance of gift giving to a successful business relationship in this culture, prior to departure he asked his secretary to wrap these gifts: a clock with the company logo, a leather briefcase, a country ham. and a pen and pencil set marked “Made in Japan”. His secretary wrapped the gifts attractively in bright red paper and with matching bows and mailed them to his Japanese host. Case 3 Directions: Group members discuss and explain the misunderstandings between the Vietnamese and American in the case, and then edit the following case. Make sure the cultural differences between America and Vietnam in the case could be understood by the whole class when you role play. Vu Nguyen was a Vietnamese studying English in the United States. He often vis-ited the local public library to read the magazines and newspapers. One day he found a book he wanted to read at home. So he asked the librarian, “Excuse me, may I bor-row this book?" The librarian answered. “Why, of course. Just give me your card.” Vu smiled at her and nodded his head politely. He wanted to show he was listening. The librarian kept talking. “That book is wonderful. Isn’t that author great?” Vu had never read anything by the author. But he smiled and nodded again to show his interest. Finally, he said, “I would like to borrow this book today. Could you please tell me how to apply for a library card?” The librarian looked confused. “Oh. I thought you said you already had one. I’ll give you a temporary card for today. We’ll send you your regular card in the mail. It will be about two weeks. Come right this way to fill out the application.” The librarian held out her hand, palm up, moving only her index finger to get Vu to follow her. Now Vu was confused. He did not understand why the librarian had suddenly become so rude. Vu smiled to cover up his confusion. As the librarian gave Vu the application, she said to him, “You look happy. You must be glad about your new library card.” Case 4 Directions: We can see three different results of the same thing in the following three scenes. American culture and Chinese culture are shown respectively in Scene 1 and Scene 2. Group members discuss and explain the cultural barrier between the Chinese and American in Scene 3, and then edit the conversation in Scene 3 to be a complete one that reflecting what the Chinese and American really think according to the clues given in Scene 1 and Scene 2 . Make sure the cultural differences between America and Chinese in the case could be understood by the whole class when you role play. Scene 1 (a conversation between two Americans) American A: We’re going to New Orleans this weekend. American B: What fun! I wish we were going with you. How long are you going to be there? (If she wants a ride, she will ask.) American A: Three days. By the way, we may need a ride to the airport. Do you think you can take us? American B: Sure. What time? American A: 10:30 P. M. this coming Saturday. Scene 2 (a conversation between two Chinese) Chinese A: We’re going to New Orleans this weekend. Chinese B: What fun! I wish we were going with you. How long are you going to be there? Chinese A: Three days. (I hope she’ll offer me a ride to the airport.) Chinese B: (She may want me to give her a ride.) Do you need a ride to the airport? I’ll take you. Chinese A: Are you sure it’s not too much trouble? Chinese B: It’s no trouble at all. Scene 3 (a conversation between one Chinese and one American) Chinese: We’re going to New Orleans this weekend. American: What fun! I wish we were going with you. How long are you going to be there? Chinese: Three days. American: Have a great time. Chinese: Thanks. I’ll see you when I get back.