Outsourced - learning about cultural differences

Todd is an American who works as a manager in a company that sells American trinkets. He is sent to India to train his replacement. There he is introduced to the Indian culture. He learns many lessons about their cultural norms (shared beliefs and practices). The Indian workers also learn about how Americans live and some beliefs that they have

Introduction - before watching the film answer the following:

1) What is “outsourcing”?

2) Why do companies outsource to India?

Answer the following questions. Refer to the film!

1) What is typical of the Indian culture. Also list some of the norms you noticed and the reason behind the norm

2) Todd first tells the new employees in India that they must learn more about America. Why does he feel that this is impotant? Explain. Do you agree with him?

3) Explain the difference between American and Indian cultures when it comes to family.

4) How did Todd change during the movie and become more accepting of the Indian way (norm) of life? 

5)  Did some of the employees become more like an American? Explain with two examples.

6) According to some of the characters how does a “native” speaks English? What mistakes in language usage are represented in the film?

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