>> A potential limitation is that people in a fried mental state might have trouble assimilating new information. Fortunately, /something/ would have stuck, even if only "cultural differences are a thing, so if you aren't getting the right response stay calm/don't panic." <<
They had a range of classes from the basics for upset people to a detailed introduction for more functional novices to finer points for folks already familiar with some foreign topics. The most basic one would've had things like "Most American food is haram, but Refugee Services will provide halal food and the town is working to expand its options. Here are some polite phrases in English explain your dietary needs."
>> If Labib took a course, that might have smoothed things over a bit. At least he wouldn't have started freaking out if Oscar refused an offer of food. Also maybe following up with asking someone else or Googling confusing American behavior (I've done both).<<
True. But Oscar is rustic enough and family-oriented enough to see food as bonding, and thus be inclined to accept unless it's something really bizarre. So that helps.
>> ...he [Labib] likely did take a course, especially if he was expecting to be the 'face person' for the project.<<
He's probably taken more than one, because he came in with some experience and good English, then after taking on the new project he likely wanted more on American business etiquette.
>> 1) Socially clueless may still pick up on Polite Social Behavior if it is repeated often enough. Plus, humans tend to imitate our favorite people, so some of the rituals will rub off on Oscar eventually. Though I think some of them already have.<<
Oscar is picking up more over time, as he gets more attached to Labib's family.
>> 2) Enlightened self-interest is a very good way to get people to improve their behavior.<<
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dancing_serpent
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-02-23 07:21 am (UTC)They had a range of classes from the basics for upset people to a detailed introduction for more functional novices to finer points for folks already familiar with some foreign topics. The most basic one would've had things like "Most American food is haram, but Refugee Services will provide halal food and the town is working to expand its options. Here are some polite phrases in English explain your dietary needs."
>> If Labib took a course, that might have smoothed things over a bit. At least he wouldn't have started freaking out if Oscar refused an offer of food. Also maybe following up with asking someone else or Googling confusing American behavior (I've done both).<<
True. But Oscar is rustic enough and family-oriented enough to see food as bonding, and thus be inclined to accept unless it's something really bizarre. So that helps.
>> ...he [Labib] likely did take a course, especially if he was expecting to be the 'face person' for the project.<<
He's probably taken more than one, because he came in with some experience and good English, then after taking on the new project he likely wanted more on American business etiquette.
>> 1) Socially clueless may still pick up on Polite Social Behavior if it is repeated often enough. Plus, humans tend to imitate our favorite people, so some of the rituals will rub off on Oscar eventually. Though I think some of them already have.<<
Oscar is picking up more over time, as he gets more attached to Labib's family.
>> 2) Enlightened self-interest is a very good way to get people to improve their behavior.<<
True, and Labib is very good at that with Oscar.