Orbital Lens App

The Orbital Perspective

Assistant Professor Janpha Thadphoothon's Learning Module

Lesson: Beyond the Horizon

The Orbital Perspective represents a fundamental shift in how we perceive our place in the universe. In orbit, the Earth is revealed not as a map of separate countries, but as a singular, highly integrated biological system. This perspective emphasizes that our survival depends on the health of the whole planet, rather than the success of individual nations.

Astronauts often describe "Spaceship Earth"—the realization that we are all travelers on a craft with limited resources. In this closed system, every action in one region eventually affects all others. Whether it is the air we breathe or the water in our oceans, there are no "external" places to discard our waste; we must manage our resources with the precision of a spacecraft crew.

Furthermore, the "Thin Blue Line" of our atmosphere serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability. It is a paper-thin shield that separates all known life from the lethal vacuum of space. Understanding this creates a sense of global stewardship—the responsibility to protect our shared home for future generations.

Knowledge Check

Demonstrate your understanding of the Orbital Perspective by selecting the correct options below:

1. The atmosphere appears as a --choose--thinthick blue line protecting us from space.

2. The "Spaceship Earth" concept implies we have --choose--finiteinfinite resources to manage.

3. From orbit, national borders are --choose--invisibleclearly visible.

4. Taking responsibility for the whole planet is known as global --choose--stewardshipownership.

5. The perspective shift moves from "intellectual knowledge" to --choose--experiential realizationtheoretical debate.

Final Achievement Report

Instructor Feedback:

memes app

Meme Literacy App

Course: Intercultural Communication

Slide 1 of 5

1. The Definition

A meme is more than just a joke. It is defined as text or an image with words[cite: 2, 3].

In the digital age, these serve as a powerful form of cultural expression[cite: 4].

2. Culture Online

Online communication is almost always cultural[cite: 32].

Memes provide insight into how language and culture intersect online, reflecting societal trends and shared experiences[cite: 5].

3. Analyzing Social Issues

Memes can highlight contradictions, such as the gap between the belief that "Every skin colour is beautiful" and the marketing of "Fairness cream"[cite: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12].

This allows us to analyze deeper societal biases[cite: 7].

4. A New Motivation

The motivation for learning English is changing. It is no longer just for good grades[cite: 25].

Many learners now study English specifically to understand memes and participate in digital culture[cite: 28, 29].

Question goes here

Module Complete!

Intercultural Communication ICC and CCCC

EL 345: Intercultural Communication

Asst. Prof. Dr. Janpha Thadphoothon

Hello! I am your AI Teaching Assistant. I am here to help you explore the vital "unwritten rules" of global interaction.

Please enter your name to begin the lesson.

1. Defining the Links

Intercultural communication is more than words—it involves cultural perceptions and symbol systems. It is the process of sending and receiving messages where these differences are distinct enough to alter the event.

2. The Need for Competence

In the 21st century, cross-cultural competence is a necessity for Global Integration, Workplace Success, and Social Harmony (especially within the ASEAN community).

3. What is CCCC?

Cross-cultural Communication Competence (CCCC) is the ability to adapt effectively. It is built on three pillars:

• Knowledge: Cultural facts and theories.
• Skills: Practical ability and language proficiency.
• Attitudes: Motivation and respect.

4. Cultural Awareness

This foundation involves "standing back from ourselves" to recognize our own values and perceptions without passing judgment.

5. Cultural Sensitivity

A step beyond awareness. It is the acceptance and appreciation of differences, allowing these feelings to positively influence our decisions.

6. Avoiding Conflict

Developing competence helps prevent misunderstandings caused by different communication styles (e.g., high-context vs. low-context) that lead to "culture shock."

7. Building Trust

In many Asian cultures, relationship-building is a prerequisite for professional collaboration. Knowledge of cultural values is key to establishing this trust.

8. Fostering Inclusivity

By reducing prejudices and acknowledging the value of differences, we create more inclusive environments in our schools and workplaces.

9. Language as a Window

Learning a new language is "a new life." It provides a new window to view the world, which is vital for engaging with international partners.

10. Adapting to Change

In a "tight" society like Thailand, learning to navigate "looser" social systems is crucial for global mobility and navigating a changing world.

Knowledge Check

Practice Exercise: 10 Questions

Student:

/ 10

Ten Topics for Quiz 1 ICC 2026

Language & Culture

Welcome

Learn 10 fundamental concepts about communication and culture. Please enter your name to begin.

1. The Whorfian Hypothesis

Language shapes how we perceive reality. Specific words make us more attuned to specific social emotions.

Example: "Greng-jai" in Thai has no direct English equivalent.

2. What is Culture?

Culture is a learned "Way of Life" that is dynamic and passed down through generations. It dictates daily actions and physical behavior.

3. Language and Culture

Thai proverbs often use nature and water metaphors, reflecting the country's river-based agricultural history.

4. Language Classification

Distinction between National (Standard Thai), Local (Kam Mueang), and Foreign languages.

5. 8 Elements of Culture

• Social organization
• Language
• Customs
• Arts
• Religion
• Economics
• Geography
• Government

6. Intercultural Communication

Chronemics: how different cultures perceive and value time (e.g., "9:00 sharp" vs "9-ish").

7. High vs. Low Context

High-context cultures (Japan/Thailand) use indirect messaging and shared cultural codes.

8. Individualism vs. Collectivism

Focus on the "I" vs. the group "We". Thais often prioritize group harmony over personal rewards.

9. Bourdieu's Habitus

Internalized social dispositions that become physical reflexes, like bowing to elders.

10. The Iceberg Theory

Surface (Visible) culture vs. Deep (Invisible) culture like the value of "Sabai-Sabai".

Knowledge Check (10 Items)

Results for

/ 10

Functions A

🎓 ELT Phrase Master

Practice functional language for the classroom.

📚 All Categories (Mixed) ❓ Asking for Clarification 🔁 Asking for Repetition ✅ Checking Understanding 🤝 Collaborating 💭 Asking & Giving Opinions

Situation

Select a category to begin!

Quiz 1 ICC 2026 App

Intercultural Comm. Companion

Teaching Assistant to Asst. Prof. Dr. Janpha Thadphoothon

Sawasdee krub! Welcome to your digital study companion.

I am here to guide you through the fundamental concepts of cross-cultural communication as taught by Dr. Janpha Thadphoothon.

How to use this tool:

1. Go to the Study Topics tab.
2. Click on any of the 10 topics to reveal the details.
3. Once you have studied, try the Practice Quiz to test your understanding.

"Language is not just a system of signs... it constructs identity."

Click a topic below to expand.

This is a key theory in Dr. Janpha’s curriculum. It suggests that the language we speak influences or determines the way we think and perceive the world.

As Alan W. Watts noted, we think in terms of languages given to us by our society.

Culture is defined as a "way of life of a group of people". It includes what and how people eat, their language, and their beliefs.

It is dynamic (not static) and passed down generations. In Thailand, "Thai culture" is an umbrella term for various sub-cultures like Mon, Tai Lue, and Karen.

Language is not just signs and symbols; it is a means to construct identity and reflects a group's values.

Example: Thai proverbs like "As you sow, so you shall reap" reflect deep-seated cultural beliefs.

Thai is the national language and lingua franca.

Dr. Janpha notes relationships between regional languages, such as similarities between Thai and Lao scripts, and syntax differences between Thai (S+V+O) and Burmese (O+V).

Dr. Janpha categorizes culture into eight essential components:

1. Social Organization (Family, Schools)
2. Customs and Traditions
3. Language
4. Arts and Literature
5. Religions and Belief Systems
6. Forms of Government
7. Economic Systems
8. Environment and Geography

This refers to the exchange of information between people from different cultures.

Success requires Cross-cultural Communication Competence (CCCC): Knowledge, Skills, and Positive Attitudes.

High-context (e.g., Thailand, Japan): Meaning is in non-verbal cues, silence, and "unwritten rules". Relationships are long-term.

Low-context (e.g., USA, Germany): Meaning is explicitly stated in words to avoid misunderstanding.

Individualism (e.g., USA): Focus on personal achievement, rights, and privacy.

Collectivism (e.g., Thailand, China): Focus on group harmony. Decision-making is often a collective duty.

Habitus refers to a "feel for the game".

It is a set of acquired patterns of thought and behavior (embodied) that allow individuals to improvise, such as body language or how one crosses the street.

Culture has two parts:

• Visible (Above water): Food, dress, language.
• Invisible (Below water): The larger portion. Deep-seated values, beliefs, and worldviews.

Test your understanding of the 10 topics above.

1. Which theory compares culture to an object with visible and invisible parts?

2. According to Dr. Janpha, how many elements of culture are there?

3. "Thai Culture" is best described as:

VOCAB QUIZ 1 EL 311

EL 311 Quiz 1 Preparation

Unit 5 (Food) & Unit 6 (Extremes)

Sawasdee! This interactive lesson covers the vocabulary for Quiz 1.

Instructions: Enter your name below to start. On the vocabulary pages, if you are using a phone, scroll the table right to see the Example Sentences.

Student Name / ID

Unit 5: Food & Science

👉 Swipe table left/right to see examples

Unit 6: Extremes & Memory

👉 Swipe table left/right to see examples

Quick Check

Select the correct meaning.

Good Job!

Well done, !

You have reviewed the key vocabulary for EL 311 Quiz 1.