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Article
The Flipper Debate: Teaching Intercultural Communication through Simulated Conflict
Communication Teacher
  • Jennifer A. Peeples, Utah State University
  • Bradford J. Hall
  • John S. Seiter, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Taylor&Francis Online
Publication Date
1-31-2012
Disciplines
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.

Citation Information
Peeples, J. A., Hall, B. J., & Seiter, J. S. (2012). The Flipper Debate: Teaching Intercultural Communication through Simulated Conflict. Communication Teacher, 26 (2), 87-91.