TSPU EXPERT HELD A LECTURE FROM "YOUNG SCIENTIST" SERIES FOR FOREIGN PARTNERS

The Tomsk State Pedagogical University started a series of "Young Scientist" meetings with partners from Brazil, China, and Vietnam. The event is organized by the staff of the International Cooperation Department and the Scientific-Educational Center of Theoretical Physics of  the Tomsk State Pedagogical University. The first lecture on "Intercultural Communication" was held by Vadim Yurievich Zyubanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department.

More than 60 representatives of foreign universities participated: Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Minas Gerais state (Brazil), Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil), Pedagogical University of Mudantsyang (China), Heilongjiang Institute of Foreign Languages (China), Jilin University of Foreign Languages (China), Ho Chi Minh City State Pedagogical University (Vietnam).

The lecture was an educational dialogue, the first part of which opened theoretical aspects: the concept of intercultural communication, types and channels of communication, culture, its characteristics and changes. Listeners received a list of literature on the topic, which will help consolidate the new knowledge.

In the practical block there was a presentation about Russia "Intercultural communication map - Russia" containing information about nature, cuisine of the country, widespread sports here, cities, in particular student Tomsk, as well as stereotypes about Russia and its inhabitants. Each listener had an opportunity to express their knowledge of a foreign country or their opinion about the information they heard.

During the conversation about culture and communication students shared the peculiarities of their countries as well. For example, discussing non-verbal communication, the representative of each country shared the specifics of the use of gestures. Thus, those present learned that in Brazil we have a lot of gestures: "In Brazil we have a lot of gestures when we talk". In China, on the contrary: "In China we don't usually speak with too many gestures. In Vietnam people avoid doing too many hand gestures in a serious conversation. Students of foreign universities also told about the rules of greeting. For example, in Brazil people like to hug on greeting, while in China and Vietnam people try to keep a respectful distance.

«"The lecture went great, — said Alcides Mello, a physics student from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Minas Gerais. — I really liked the topic, especially the way it was presented: with examples from life and with students from different countries. I was able to get a better understanding of different cultures. It was also nice to see my English level."

Indeed, the course, implemented by the TSPU, not only helps maintain strong partnerships, share knowledge, spread truthful information about Russia, without fake materials, but also to promote the level of English of each participant.

At the end of the meeting, students were given homework. An online document was created, where kids from different countries could work in groups or individually if they wanted. Fulfilling the task, they will prepare a few slides about their country and then a short presentation about any other country they are interested in or dream to visit. The lecturer offered more than 30 possible topics to help, ranging from national holidays to gestures accepted in that country.

Next time the participants will meet on November 12 at the lecture "Elementary Particles and Evolution of Universe". It will be led by Joseph L. Buchbinder, head of the Scientific and Educational Center for Theoretical Physics at Tomsk State Pedagogical University. The expert will give a brief overview of the basic concepts and ideas of elementary particle physics and cosmology and their interconnections.