Shall we dance? Movie Analysis - Response Paper 6

Shall we dance? Movie Analysis - Response Paper 6

Cultural Practices
Response # 6
• Describe the difference between both movies? Describe what happened, using operations, acts, and scenarios. And explain the significance of these movies to your lives.
• Questions to determine appropriateness in cultural practices. Table 6.2 page.72

We watched the movies Shall we dance? (American version) and Shall we dansu? (Japanese version). The original film is the Japanese (1996) and also the earlier 1937 movie “Shall we dance?”. The American film was a remake in 2004. To describe differences between the movies, we could point out how different Japanese and American culture are: the sense of humor, sarcasm, society point of view, language, mentality, behavior, etc.

As we studied in class, cultural practices are divided into operations, acts, and scenarios. My point of view regarding the movie is merely related to them.

• Operations have to do with the manipulation of cultural products by individual members of a culture. Dancing is an activity performed by these characters in the movie. They do an interaction with the product which is about dance lessons which are part of pastimes, it do not necessarily required language to be done.

• Scenarios are extended communicative practices that have to do with operations and acts. This kind of cultural practice is organized in time, it tends to be part of someone’s routine. In the movie the characters follow a sequence of practices; they enrolled dance lessons, participated in a competition, etc. There are types of scenarios:

• Time: Dance lessons timetable the main characters attended

• Groups: Dance members such as the main characters, friends, instructors, competitors

• Institutions: Dance Academy

• Life cycle: Life stages described in the movie

• Events: Clear beginnings and ends such as the Farewell party for Pauline or the dance event

These movies have significance in my life due to the contrast they make one another. I love cultures and learning languages. I am into Asian culture, I can really adapt to it as I have experienced…. I know there are several things people should keep in mind, especially about manners or ways of thinking. Same happens with every culture in the world, so the comparison offered suits my way of thinking about having critical thinking and being able to adapt to other cultures or respect them, it is very important when learning languages or when you want to fit in a culture you want to be part of.

To determine appropriateness in cultural practices there are a few things we should keep in mind.

Who? There are many of individuals involved in the practice are the lawyer (American version), the teacher (Japanese version), their wives, their daughters and friends. Their relationships vary according to the culture, because in the American version love theme is exposed more than the Japanese version. I think their status is linked to men role in society and how the scenario of routine can affect their practices and products.

What? The topics or messages are expressed or exchanged are how dance lessons can help your practices regarding products. Tacit and explicit messages are related to love and the importance of family. They do not really say that much, but they are very expressive with their eyes, manners or behaviors. There is no need to say too much because the movie is about dancing, especially express your feelings through it.

Where? The practices occur in the house, the dance studio, the dance competition, parking load, the train. The physical setting, the social circumstances or situation are linked to the dance lessons and the need it represents for the main character in terms of changing his routine.

When? The dance lessons occur during the night, and as a part of his routine. Events or circumstances precede after the main character’s routine such as dancing with his wife.

Why? Purposes that are brought to this practice are related to dance as part of their new routine, a different activity they can perform or practice as a result of interacting with the product. They changed their routine and that makes them feel better.

How? This action is enacted by going to practice dance lessons as an opportunity to change their routine and interact with others at the same time. The language used regarding dancing is verbal, nonverbal, spoken; and it is involved touching, eye contact, and others. They talk to each other as formal and informal due to the conversation the instructors have with the learners. There is also time for sense of humor, irony and seriousness.