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Funny in Farsi Reflection Project

MAJOR GRADE

After reading Funny in Farsi, you must complete the following two-fold project, based on the memoir. The first part of the project requires you to create a poster board and the second part requires you to answer the discussion questions at the end of the book. Please follow the guidelines below in completing this project.

Poster Board- 50%

  • Include at least 6 relevant visuals.
  • You must provide a list of 20 cultural differences between American and Iranian cultures.
  • Create a mini translation dictionary of 5 words in the text- from Farsi to English.
  • Include 10 facts about Iran.
  • Include 5 misinterpreted idiomatic sayings and/or misspoken expressions and give an explanation of meaning.

Questions and Answers- 50%

You must answer all of the questions in the back of the book.

  • Answers must be in paragraph (5-7 sentences) form
  • Each answer must include at least one quote from the book and provide appropriate MLA parenthetical citation.
  • Answers must be in MLA format
  • The questions must be typed in bold
  • The appropriate MLA heading and header must be provided.

List of Questions

  1. Funny in Farsi contains twenty-seven chapters, each addressing various themes for discussion. To begin a general discussion of the book, the author suggests asking, “What chapter stands out to you and why?”
  2. Examine your own biases. How do you react to someone who does not speak English? Do you make assumptions about his/her intelligence?
  3. When Firoozeh’s mother could not find Iran on the map, do you think Firoozeh or her mother was more embarrassed?
  4. In these stories, cultural traditions are exposed. What are some of the ones discussed? Have you been in a situation where a cultural tradition took you by surprise or made you uncomfortable? How did you handle it?
  5. What role do television and the media play in shaping our hope and dreams?
  6. Has anyone made an assumption about who you are and where you are from based on your appearance?
  7. Do you believe ads that you see on TV, as Nematollah did? What role does advertising play in your everyday life?
  8. How would this book be different if Firoozeh had only known America after the Iranian Revolution?
  9. When you see negative events another country in the news, what assumptions, if any, do you make about the people of that country?
  10. Imagine coming to America and only watching the news. What would you think about American society? Would you feel safe?
  11. Share your worst camp experience.
  12. On Ellis Island, many immigrants were given new, anglicized versions of their last names. How important is a person’s name? Would you change yours? How is your name tied to your identity, if at all?
  13. Do you think anyone at any age can learn anything, or is there a time limit on certain skills?
  14. We all know the expression “Nothing is free.” Is that true?
  15. How does religion divide or unify people in the book? How had it had a similar effect on people in your life?
  16. Education changed Kazem’s life. Do you think education can transform everyone?
  17. Meeting Albert Einstein was the most exciting event in Kazem’s life. Of you could meet anyone, whom would you pick?
  18. Family plays a huge role in Iranian culture. What rose does it play in your life? How does you cultural background impact your family?
  19. Who was the most recent immigrant in your family? How did he or she come to grips with American culture?
  20. Firoozeh says her mother became a “pioneer” by accepting Francois. Were you surprised by how Firoozeh’s mother reacted?
  21. Firoozeh described her chila as having “bad karma.” What do you think she meant by that?
  22. Firoozeh says Iranians are obsessed with noses. What is your obsession and how do you think your culture plays a role in that obsession?
  23. How do you think wealth is defined in America? How do you define it?
  24. The stories in Funny in Farsi are intended to be humorous without being mean. Do you think the book has achieved its objective? Explain.

Due Date: