Contact Zone Discussion Questions

1. Summarize the aspects of the contact zone that Pratt reveals in her article, and explain how Guaman's text is a product of that zone.

2. In Pratt's article, she introduces Benedict Anderson's theory that "the nation-community is embodied metonymically in the finite, sovereign, fraternal figure of the citizen-soldier." Explain this concept, and argue for or against it.

3. Why do you think we focus teacher-pupil language almost entirely on the point of view of the teacher and teaching? Is this good? What would it look like for the focus to be reversed? What would the benefits be of describing teacher-pupil language from the point of view of pupils and pupiling?

4. What are your thoughts concerning the university course called "Culture, Ideas, and Values" presented at the end of Pratt's article? Do you think it is worthwhile to put students in a position where their culture is discussed and objectified in ways that might be offensive? What re the benefits? How might a class like this be most successful?