Wrap Up

Discussion

At the beginning of this chapter, you placed yourself on a scale similar to the one below.

Read the descriptions in the boxes. Count how many points are most true for Claire, Leela, Officer Mills, and Gilles.

Fair rules are the same for everyone and every situation. She/he follows the same rules with everyone. Rules are not personal. The more important a rule is, the more direct she/he will be. To avoid conflict, she/he is comfortable telling people if they aren’t following the rules.

To be fair, rules and obligations change depending on the person, the context, and the relationship. She/he adjusts the rules depending on the person. Rules are personal. The more distant, important, or delicate a relationship is, the softer or more indirect she/he will be. To avoid conflict, she/he might not say anything if someone breaks a rule.

Place C (Claire), L (Leela), and M (Officer Mills) on the scale.

Place (G) Gilles on the scale.

Discuss whether Gilles’ speech matches that of the others.

Are there any similarities?
Are there any differences?

Share your opinion about possible reasons for these speech patterns.

Discuss any patterns you see in how Canadians usually speak or write about rules.

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