Quote 1: For example, when I worked in Aston University, one of the main eating places on campus was the Vauxhall Dining Centre. So, when we had visitors, if I were not careful, I would say some form of “Let’s go to the VD Centre for lunch”. When I saw consternation on their faces, I would hurriedly have to explain that I was not suggesting eating at the clinic for venereal diseases!

The reason I feel connected to this quote is because I can relate to having to explain to people outside of my culture what certain terminology I use mean. Also plenty of times when I am around my family slang might slip out and they’d be very confused about the slang and it’s meaning. Having different groups can cause a challenge sometimes when there’s a constant switching of back and forth between different forms of languages.

Quote 2: “I am, of course, familiar with my local discourse community in Michigan’s ELI. I know when the building is unlocked and how to gain access when it is locked, where the toilets are, and who to ask for technical help. I know which codes to use for the photocopier, and where to find certain office supplies, and so on. However, when I travel to another university for a conference, I do not know any of these things and, unless the signage is excellent, I will probably soon get lost. ”

The reason I feel connected to this quote is because it exemplifies how when we are within a certain group or amongst certain people how we naturally know what to say and what to do around these people without even having to think about it. This quote highlights that when you go into a new surrounding that’s different than what you’re used to you have to learn how to interact and communicate differently than what you’re used to.

The three discourse communities I am a part of are local which is for my group of friends or family whom I am most comfortable with because I know  exactly what to say to them.  Focal would be for those instances I run into a stranger and we’re making small talk or the customers I encounter at work. I wouldn’t speak to them the way I speak to my family and friends. Folocal would be my coworkers at my workplace, since we speak to one another like friends but also keep it professional.