Conversation habits can vary widely depending on culture, personality, age and many other factors. The following suggestions are given as possible conversation starters.
Yes/No questions provide an answer, but only a short one and often they don't even indicate that the student understood. Ask questions beginning with: "why, how, what?"
Complete Any of These Statements:
- To me, friendship means…
- One interesting or beautiful place I’ve visited is…
- One of the happiest experiences of my childhood was when…
- What I like best about life in the United States is…
- What I want to accomplish most of all with my life is…
- The best thing I could ever do for anybody would be…
Do One of the Following:
- Look for similarities in the different cultures.
- Tell a traditional or old story that is popular in your community or the US
- Describe the skills or special knowledge needed for your hobbies.
- Describe something you have built, painted, photographed, written or other accomplishment.
Look Backward and Talk About One of the Following:
- The best thing that happened to me in the last year…
- The worst thing that happened to me in the last year…
- A goal I achieved or a problem solved is…
- A new friend I made…
- A completely new experience I had…
Look Forward and Talk About One of the Following:
- A goal I hope to reach this coming year…
- A place I plan to visit, and why I want to go there…
- My summer plans include…
- Ask what they plan to do after finishing academic work at Tulane.
- What I’d choose to be doing 10 years from now if I could have my choice…
Relationships
- How do you define friendship?
- What are your expectations for friendship?
- What are typical dating and marriage customs in your community, culture, country?
Family
- What responsibilities do different family members have in the home?
- How does your family celebrate special holidays? What does the holiday represent?
- Describe your extended family?
Food
- What is the main meal of the day?
- Is the mealtime a time when your family is together?
- Can you explain how to make one of your favorite meals?
Daily Routine
- What is an average workday/ university day like?
- How do you travel to work./university?
- How often do people go to the shopping market or grocery? (daily, weekly???)
Education
- What is the educational system like in your community/country?
- What languages are you required to learn?
- What are the educational backgrounds of your family members?
Leisure Activities
- What is the most popular sport in your community/ country? What sports do you like?
- What activities do families enjoy in their leisure time?
- What hobbies do you enjoy?
- Does your family go somewhere special on vacation?
