Watch the following HSBC ad. Note down the Culture Clash examples you can find.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOHvMz7dl2A

1. Watch this video. 2. Note down the examples of Culture Clash you can see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT0kzF4A-WQ&feature=youtu.be

Look at the following advertisements. In groups, think of

a. The country where this ad was used.

b. the group of people who might have found this advertisement offensive and the reasons why.

- Turkey

- The French fries represent the fingers of hands that are praying. Some Muslim cultures might find it offensive.

- Finland

- For many cultures, the udder of a cow is not the most attractive object. When drinking a milkshake few people want to think about the cow's udders. British viewers may be offended by the two udders sticking up like two fingers, which is an offensive gesture in their culture.

- China

- This ad may not work in the West, as cattle do not need to be found 'hip' to sell a hamburger. Beef consumption in China, however, is lower than in the rest of the world, which poses a problem for McDonald's that this ad tries to overcome.

-Might be a problem in India as well as the cow is considered holy.

- Source: http://www.thinkib.net/englishalanglit/page/11792/cultural-sensitivity

Read the article: Culture Clash. Discuss the scenarios described and see if you can spot the ‘cultural clashes’.

(Culture Clash reading- Cutting Edge)

French businessmen rarely take off their ties, even on a hot day.

Paris scenario

In the Japanese culture, good relationships=good business partners. They think in months and years.

Japanese businessman scenario

- People do not discuss business over meals.

- Taking gifts is not polite. It suggests that your host is poor.

Arab country scenario

TRUE STORY:

The workers started coming on time, but they also stopped on time!

Hong Kong scenario

The report was a month late!

America: month/date

Europe: day/month

Spanish scenario

Bad manners to wipe your face with a towel. Used only for hands.

Chinese scenario