Cross Culture Communication

Prof. M. Ed. Marta E Rojas

Movie analysis

My big fat Greek wedding

1 How was the family meeting experience like for Ian?

2. What similar/ different body language (gestures) have you noticed in the 2 cultures

(American / Greek)?

3, Are equality, and freedom rights present in both cultures, refer to the expression “ Whose

wedding is this ”?

4. Do you think that living in the U.S.A influences behavior in immigrants?

5. Describe one “cultural value”, or “personal value” presented in the movie.

6.Do you believe Toula was proud of her family and cultural heritage? Why or why not?

7. Do you believe Toula was proud of her family and cultural heritage? Why or why

not?

Cross Culture Communication

Prof. M. Ed. Marta E Rojas

Movie analysis

My big fat Greek wedding

Manuel Jimenez C

1. Name 3 differences between the American and Greek cultures.

Their food

Their customs

Their way of thinking about is proud of their country. That film required its cross-group couple to escape the constraining context of Greenwood, Mississippi, in order to find their own happiness. My Big Fat Greek Wedding raises many of the same issues, but does so in a less confrontational and judgmental way, allowing Gus’ extended family to make room for their WASP son-in-law. While many may object that this blunts the critical perspective of the film, its great popularity attests to the fact that many find this an uplifting film with a positive message they enjoy: With good will, differences between social groups can be bridged and individual fulfillment found in America

2. How did Toula describe her family?

Toula’s parents and aunt are first generation Americans, and as such, they often speak English with charming but incorrect grammar. Some of these mistakes are pointed out in the glossary, but regardless, you should be aware that a lot of what is said is not standard English. There are also quite a few times when Greek words are used, but they are only noted in the glossary when they are considered important to the film or of more general interest to ESL learners

3. Name 2 ways Ian’s family was different from Toula’s.

In My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the norm against cross-group marriage exists within the Greek-American community in Chicago and is a form of separatism: Only Greeks are suitable as spouses for other Greeks. This gentle and somewhat sentimental film explores the ways in which this norm, reflecting a broader, self-imposed cultural

isolation of Greeks in America, limits the lives of the children of the firstgeneration immigrant

4. Which member of Toula’s family was ethnocentric (believed his/her culture is the best)? Her father, everything he said was related with the etymology of the word in Greek.

5. The Portokalis family became a complete family structure when Toula’s grandmother came from Greece to live with them.

6. True or False. Ian was an only child. False

7. What was Ian’s occupation?School teacher

8. What difficulties did Ian and Toula experience with an interracial marriage?

Their family has different customs, which interfere in the wedding, but at the end they accept.

9. How could effective communication have been beneficial in the wedding planning process?

Because they agreed in their plans, besides that they learn how to communicate effectively.

10. In addition to these questions, what was one thing you learned from My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

I learn about no matter where are you from, communication is extremely important in every process through life,if you are in love with someone culture barrier would not interfere in the process of achieve what you want.

11. Did you enjoy the movie? Why or why not?

Yes , It was very interesting , many situations were funny , but despite of all they were mature enough to overcome all those issues .