PDA: PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION?

Sophia is from a large full-blooded Italian family where everybody kisses and hugs each other each time people enter the house. It is no big deal for her. However, she has been dating a Korean guy named Lee. Lee and Sophia are compatible, get along great, and are getting serious about each other. It took about nine months for Sophia to introduce him to her entire family.

Coming to the house for a barbeque, Sophia’s family bombarded Lee with kisses and hugs from everyone, including five uncles. Lee was very taken aback by these gestures and appeared rude when he did not return the kisses and hugs. Instead, he stood awkwardly, like a bump on a log, and did not move the entire night. Sophia was surprised by his reaction. She had warned him about her affectionate family but his behavior was making her look bad, especially when her sister, mother, and brother asked if there was something “wrong” with Lee.

The following week, Lee invited Sophia over to his house to meet his parents. Upon arrival, Sophia started to kiss his mother on the cheek when Lee pulled her back and bowed to his mom. His parents did not offer a handshake at all. They smiled very slightly to Sophia and asked her if she want some tea. She said “no,” because she had just finished sipping her Diet Coke. Lee’s parents excused themselves and went back to their bedroom. Sophia was visibly upset by this “cold” reaction. What happened in this critical incident?

INTERACTIVE PROBES
(Ask yourself and probe your classmates’ reactions)
(NOTE: See “Chapter 8 Class Handouts” for a printable form containing these questions.)

1. Using the concepts from Chapter 8, how would you explain Lee’s awkward reaction in Sophia’s house?

2. How would you analyze Sophia’s treatment by Lee’s parents?

3. Have you or your friends had similar “culture bump” experiences that created nonverbal awkward moments or interactions?

4. If you’ve done some overseas or cross-country travel, do you have any interesting nonverbal stories to share with a classmate? Think of an example in which nonverbal gestures helped you in your travel. Think of another example in which nonverbal behaviors created intercultural misunderstandings.

FURTHER APPLICATION PROBES

Let’s apply some concepts from Chapter 8 to this scenario.

1. With regard to haptics, to what kind of family does Sophia belong?
    a. High-contact
    b. Low-contact
    c. Monochronic
    d. Polychronic

2. With regard to haptics, to what kind of family does Lee belong?
    a. High-contact
    b. Low-contact
    c. Monochronic
    d. Polychronic

3. What types of verbal styles are used by Lee’s parents?
    a. High-context and formal
    b. High-context and informal
    c. Low-context and formal
    d. Low-context and informal

4. What type of verbal style is used by Sophia’s family?
    a. Formal
    b. Informal