The Flipper Debate: Teaching Intercultural Communication through Simulated Conflict

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Communication Teacher

Volume

26

Issue

2

Publisher

Taylor&Francis Online

Publication Date

1-31-2012

First Page

87

Last Page

91

Abstract

Although Western cultures tend to view dolphins as friendly and benevolent, in Japanese fishing communities, "iruka" (dolphins) are often viewed as food or pests. These perspectives have led to intense conflicts between Japanese fishermen and activists from the west. This article presents an exercise that simulates intercultural conflict by asking students to role-play the parts of Japanese fishers or Western filmmakers and, along the way, sheds light on concepts such as ethnocentrism, value differences, and world views.

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