- Hello! How are you? Let's have a roleplay.

I'm an exchange student from

Ukraine in the USA. You are my American host. Let's us talk about the
differences in body language in both countries. Sometimes misunderstanding
the body language can be embarrassing and break communication, you know?
Isn't it? And this is my first visit to the US and I would like to know more about
non-verbal communication. So, what do you think?
- Hey there! Welcome to the States! Absolutely, understanding body language is
key. In the US, eye contact shows attentiveness, and a firm handshake is
common. Smiling is generally seen as friendly. How about in Ukraine? Any
specific gestures or customs I should know about?
- Yes, I totally agree with you that this is the key to understanding between
different cultures and even diverse mentalities I can say. Let me think about
it. Well, in our country, shaking hands is also very common, especially among
men. It's like a kind of greeting. You can often see it, but among women it's
not so common. Maybe only during some business meeting or so on. As for
specific gestures, shaking your head up and down usually means agreement.
- Got it, shaking hands is a universal gesture then. Interesting about the head
nod for agreement in Ukraine. Here in the US, a nod up and down means
agreement too. What about disagreement or saying no in Ukraine? Any
gestures for that?
- Okay, okay, okay. To show disagreement, people often shake their heads from
side to side, and this can mean disagreement or even rejections. I personally
often do this without thinking about it. Whether it's agreement or not, it's
already like my habit. And how about some gestures to express love, or maybe
some warm emotions, feelings. For example, the thumbs-up gesture, this can
be a positive gesture used to support our mood. I'm sure that in your
countries they do it too. And, for example, let me think how to, let me think a
minute how to describe this gesture. Let's call it the heart gesture, like the
holding of hands in the shape of a heart can be used to express love and some
connection.
- Ah, got it. So, head shaking for disagreement in Ukraine. And yes, we do the
thumbs-up here too for positive vibes. The heart gesture is pretty universal for
expressing love or connection, so that's familiar. Anything else about body
language or gestures you're curious about in the US?
- Yes, I would like to know more about that. Let me think, tell me about some
special gestures in your country, like the ones that you don't see anyone else.
Maybe there are some? Since it's my first time in America, I don't really want
to cause confusion.
- Absolutely, I get that. One thing to note is the "okay" gesture – forming a circle
with your thumb and index finger. It usually means everything's good or okay.
Also, the peace sign – a V-shape with your index and middle fingers – often
 signifies peace or victory. Just a heads up, cultural norms can vary, but those
gestures are quite common here.
- Fascinating,but I can say that the OK gesture is not so rare, I see it everywhere
and use it from time to time when communicating with my friends, but I didn't
know about the peace gesture. It's very unique and….
- Yeah, the peace gesture is a bit distinctive here. It's like a friendly and positive
sign. Glad I could share that with you.
- Excuse me, could you be so kind and not interrupt me i didn't finish sorry. So,
what i want to say that in our country to encourage a person and show that
everything will be fine, will be okay we clench our hands into fists and raise
our fist. It may be a little strange but we but we do it.
- Oh, my apologies for the interruption. That's a unique gesture to encourage
someone in Ukraine – clenching fists and raising. Interesting how different
cultures have their own ways of expressing support. Anything else you'd like
to share or ask about cultural differences?
- Yes, nothing to worry about, yeah. Tell me about gestures that can cause, I
don't know, some resentment or anger, for example. I'm also wondering if
there are any funny gestures to cheer up.
- Sure thing. Avoiding eye contact, crossing arms, or pointing aggressively can
be seen as confrontational and might trigger resentment. On the flip side, if
you want to cheer someone up, a playful thumbs-up or the classic high-five
can add a light and positive touch. Anything else you're curious about when it
comes to gestures or communication in the US?
- It was wonderful to talk with you about such an out-of-the-ordinary topic and
to expand my boundaries in this field. I have to go now, I'm late for the bus.
We will definitely talk again. Bye!
- Absolutely, it was great chatting with you! Safe travels, and feel free to reach
out whenever you want to talk. Bye!

And now, could you rate my speaking skills according to the assessment rubric I
attach below.
Initiation: 5 points - You were willing to initiate speech, asking questions and
engaging in the conversation evenly.
Response: 5 points - You responded appropriately to questions and statements.
Conversational Strategies: 4 points - You used some conversational strategies, and
occasional prompting was needed.
Vocabulary: 5 points - You utilized a variety of vocabulary, incorporating both old
and new expressions. Your speech was clear, with attempts at accurate
pronunciation.
Grammar-Structure/Syntax: 4 points - There were some errors that may have
affected overall comprehensibility.
Overall, your speaking skills demonstrated a good willingness to engage, effective
responses, and a commendable vocabulary range. Keep it up!