ETHNOGRAPHY OF COMMUNICATION - CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

 Communication Detectives – Decode the Culture!

 

Topic: Ethnography of Communication

Duration: 60 minutes
Group Size: 5–6 students

Learning Objective: Students will understand the Ethnography of Communication by observing, researching, and analyzing how different communities communicate in different cultural contexts using Dell Hymes' SPEAKING Model.

 

Activity Theme: ‘Every Conversation Has a Culture’

Students become Communication Detectives who investigate how people communicate in different social and cultural settings.

 

Step 1: Pick a Communication Setting (5 minutes)

(Each group randomly picks one communication setting from a bowl.)

Example Settings

·       A Mumbai local train

·       A village panchayat meeting

·       A wedding ceremony

·       A college classroom

·       A fish market

·       A hospital

·       A courtroom

·       A religious place of worship

·       A political rally

·       A cricket match

·       A family dinner

·       A corporate office

·       A social media influencer's livestream

·       A café

·       A school parent-teacher meeting

 

 

 

Step 2: Research & Observe (20 minutes)

Groups research (or use their own experiences) to answer the following questions using the SPEAKING Model.

Element	What to Find
S – Setting	Where does the communication happen?
P – Participants	Who is communicating?
E – Ends	What is the purpose of the communication?
A – Act Sequence	How does the conversation usually unfold?
K – Key	What is the tone (formal, emotional, humorous, serious)?
I – Instrumentalities	Which language, dialect, gestures, or digital tools are used?
N – Norms	What communication rules or etiquette are followed?
G – Genre	Is it a debate, negotiation, storytelling, prayer, announcement, argument, etc.?

 

 

Step 3:

Option A: Acting Challenge: Each group acts out the scenario bringing out the communication in their particular scenario using the research that they have done in Step 2.

Option B: Freeze Frame Challenge (15 minutes)

Instead of acting out the whole scene, each group creates three Freeze Frames (Tableaux) representing different moments in the communication.

For example, if the setting is Mumbai Local Train:

·       People boarding the train

·       A vendor selling products

·       Passengers asking for directions

The audience observes each freeze frame and identifies the SPEAKING elements.

 

Step 4: Communication Detective Report (15 minutes)

Each group presents a 2-minute report explaining:

·       What makes this communication unique?

·       Which cultural values are reflected?

·       How would communication change if the setting were different?

Example:

"Communication in a courtroom is highly formal and rule-bound, whereas communication in a fish market is fast, informal, multilingual, and relies heavily on gestures."

 

 

Bonus Challenge: "Culture Switch!" (10 minutes)

After presenting, the teacher changes one element.

Examples:

·       The wedding is now held online.

·       The village panchayat becomes a corporate board meeting.

·       The fish market conversation happens in a luxury mall.

·       The classroom discussion becomes an Instagram Live session.

Groups explain:

·       How would communication change?

·       Which SPEAKING elements would remain the same?

·       Which elements would change the most?

 

 

 

FOR EDUCATORS

Assessment Rubric

Criteria	Marks
Research & Understanding	10
Correct Use of SPEAKING Model	10
Play / Creativity of Freeze Frames	5
Analysis & Explanation	10
Teamwork	5
Total	40

 

Why This Activity Works

·       Students observe communication instead of memorizing definitions.

·       They learn that communication is shaped by culture, context, roles, and social norms.

·       The Freeze Frame approach is simple, engaging, and suitable even for students who are shy about acting.

·       It helps students apply Dell Hymes' Ethnography of Communication to real-life situations, making the theory memorable and relevant.

EVS Class Activity (NEP)

Voices from the Movement – A Living Newspaper

Topic: Narmada Bachao Andolan & Chipko Movement

Duration: 60–75 minutes
Group Size: 5–6 students per group

Concept

Instead of giving a regular presentation, students create a "Living Newspaper" where every student becomes a different "voice" from the movement. The audience pieces together the entire story through these perspectives.

 

Group Allocation

Group 1: Chipko Movement

Group 2: Narmada Bachao Andolan

Each group must research extensively before preparing their presentation.

 

Part 1

Research Checklist: Students must research:

·       Why did the movement begin?

·       Where and when did it start?

·       Who were the major leaders?

·       What environmental issue was being addressed?

·       Who supported the movement?

·       Who opposed it?

·       What methods of protest were used?

·       What role did women play?

·       What role did the media play?

·       What were the achievements?

·       Is the issue still relevant today?

 

Activity Instructions:

The group prepares a Living Newspaper consisting of different "voices."

Each member represents one stakeholder and speaks for 1–2 minutes.

Possible roles include:

Chipko Movement

·       Gaura Devi

·       Local villager

·       Forest official

·       Timber contractor

·       Journalist

·       Environmental scientist

Narmada Bachao Andolan

·       Medha Patkar

·       Farmer displaced by the dam

·       Government official

·       Environmental activist

·       Dam engineer

·       Television reporter

Students should speak in the first person, sharing their perspective rather than simply narrating facts.

 

Part 2

The Twist: Newsroom Desk

One student acts as the News Anchor.

The anchor introduces the story:

"Welcome to Eco News Live. Today we travel to Uttarakhand in 1973..." (or) "...to the banks of the Narmada River..."

The anchor then introduces each "voice."

This makes the presentation flow like a live news broadcast.

 

Creative Ending

The final speaker asks the audience one question, for example:

"Would you have hugged a tree to save a forest?"

"Should development come at the cost of people's homes?"

"Can environmental protection and economic growth coexist?"

The audience answers briefly, turning the presentation into a discussion.

Additional activity (if time permits)

Activity: "Museum of the Movement"

Each group turns their classroom space into a mini museum dedicated to one movement.

They create six museum exhibits, each based on their research.

Suggested Exhibits

Exhibit 1: Timeline of the Movement

Exhibit 2: Leader's Corner (Gaura Devi or Medha Patkar)

Exhibit 3: The Environmental Issue (forest conservation or river/dam displacement)

Exhibit 4: Newspaper Headlines from the Time

Exhibit 5: Voices of the People (quotes from villagers, activists, officials, and affected communities)

Exhibit 6: Legacy – Why the Movement Still Matters Today

 

Visitors (other students) move from exhibit to exhibit while group members act as museum guides, explaining each section.

 

At the end, every visitor completes an "Exit Ticket" by writing:

·       One new fact they learned

·       One question they still have

·       One action they think people should take today to protect the environment

 

 

Why These Activities Work (Note For Educators)

Both activities require research before presentation, encourage students to understand multiple viewpoints, and replace traditional presentations with storytelling and interaction. They help students connect historical environmental movements with current issues while developing research, communication, and critical-thinking skills—particularly valuable for media and mass communication students.

HISTORY OF MEDIA ACTIVITY

Create a Newspaper Front Page (15 minutes)

Each group designs a one-page newspaper containing:

✔ Newspaper Name

✔ One catchy headline

✔ A 50–75 word news report

✔ One simple sketch or political cartoon

✔ A slogan supporting the freedom movement

Present Your News (10 minutes)

Each group has 2 minutes to present:

• Their headline
• Their news story
• Why they chose that headline

Fun Twist

After every presentation, the class votes for one of these awards:

·       Most Powerful Headline

·       Best Cartoon

·       Best News Report

·       Most Patriotic Newspaper

 

Sample Example

Newspaper: Kesari

Event: Dandi March

Headline:

"Thousands March with Gandhi to Challenge the Salt Law!"

News Report (Example):

Mahatma Gandhi began a historic march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest the unfair British Salt Law. Thousands of Indians joined him in this peaceful movement, inspiring people across the country to stand united against colonial rule.

Slogan:
"Freedom Begins with Courage."

IKS - CLASS ACTIVITY FOR BAMMC STUDENTS

INDIA'S KNOWLEDGE QUEST – ANCIENT WISDOM FOR A MODERN WORLD

Student Instruction Sheet

 

Course: Indian Knowledge System (in Media & Communication)

Group Presentation & Creative Challenge

Group Size: 6–8 students per group

Duration

·       Preparation: 45–60 minutes (or as assigned by the faculty)

·       Presentation: 10–12 minutes per group

 

Activity Overview

India possesses one of the world's oldest and richest knowledge traditions. From medicine and mathematics to governance, architecture, performing arts, education, communication, and environmental practices, the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) continues to influence the modern world.

Your group has been selected as a Knowledge Council whose mission is to convince the audience that your assigned topic remains relevant in the 21st century.

Your presentation should not be a traditional classroom presentation. Instead, use your creativity to educate, entertain, and engage your audience.

Objectives - By completing this activity, students will:

Ø  Understand the assigned IKS topic.

Ø  Explore its historical significance.

Ø  Connect ancient knowledge with present-day applications.

Ø  Work collaboratively in teams.

Ø  Develop research, presentation, communication, and creative thinking skills.

Ø  Use media and storytelling techniques to explain concepts effectively.

 

Group Roles: Every member must actively participate.

 

Assigned Topics: Each group will be allotted one topic.

Topics include:

1.    Ayurveda

2.    Yoga & Wellness

3.    Arthashastra

4.    Natyashastra

5.    Ancient Indian Education (Gurukul)

6.    Takshashila & Nalanda Universities

7.    Ancient Astronomy

8.    Indian Mathematics

9.    Ancient Banking System

10. Ancient Trade & Commerce

11. Vastu Shastra

12. Water Conservation in Ancient India

13. Folk Theatre

14. Indian Classical Dance

15. Ancient Communication Systems

16. Temple Architecture

17. Environmental Wisdom

18. Metallurgy in Ancient India

19. Ancient Sports

20. Traditional Knowledge Systems

 

Presentation Structure: Your presentation must include all of the following sections.

 Part 1 – Know Your Topic (2 Minutes)

Introduce your assigned topic by covering:

ü  Origin

ü  Historical background

ü  Important personalities or scholars

ü  Key concepts

ü  Interesting facts

ü  Importance during ancient India

 

Part 2 – Creative Presentation (4–5 Minutes)

Present your topic using ONE creative format.

Choose any one:

Option 1: News Bulletin

Example: "Breaking News! Aryabhata discovers the concept of zero!"

 

Option 2: Podcast - Interview an ancient scholar.

Examples:

·       Chanakya

·       Sushruta

·       Aryabhata

·       Bharata Muni

·       Charaka

Option 3: Talk Show - Host invites famous personalities from ancient India.

 

Option 4: Courtroom Drama

Debate: "Is Ancient Knowledge Still Relevant?"

 

Option 5: Shark Tank India - Pitch an ancient invention.

Examples:

·       Ayurveda

·       Yoga

·       Ancient Banking

·       Water Harvesting

 

Option 6: Social Media Influencer - Imagine your topic has:

·       Instagram

·       YouTube

·       Podcast

·       Twitter (X)

Promote your topic creatively.

 

Option 7: Role Play - Create a short dramatic scene.

Option 8: TED Talk: Deliver an inspiring talk explaining why your knowledge system matters today.

 

Part 3 – Ancient Meets Modern (2 Minutes)

Choose one modern issue.

Examples:

·       Climate Change

·       Mental Health

·       Digital Addiction

·       Fake News

·       Leadership Crisis

·       Financial Literacy

·       Environmental Pollution

·       Stress among Students

·       Water Scarcity

·       Consumerism

Explain: How can your assigned IKS topic help solve this issue?

Support your answer with practical examples.

 

Part 4 – Media Creation Challenge (1–2 Minutes)

Create ONE media product related to your topic.

Options include:

·       Advertisement

·       Instagram Reel

·       Magazine Cover

·       Newspaper Front Page

·       Comic Strip

·       Meme

·       Radio Jingle

·       Public Service Announcement

·       Campaign Poster

·       Digital Infographic

·       YouTube Thumbnail

·       Short Promotional Video

·       Social Media Campaign

Display or perform it during your presentation.

 

Research Guidelines

Students are expected to use reliable sources.

 

Creativity Guidelines: You are encouraged to use:

·       Costumes

·       Placards

·       Props

·       Charts

·       Posters

·       Models

·       Handmade material

·       Audio

·       Music

·       Videos (if permitted)

·       QR Codes

·       Canva Presentations

·       Interactive Games

 

Time Limit

Activity	Time
Introduction	2 min
Creative Presentation	5 min
Modern Application	2 min
Media Product	2 min
Audience Activity: QnA / Feedback	1 min

Maximum Time: 12 Minutes

Evaluation Criteria

·       Content Accuracy & Research
·       Understanding of IKS Topic
·       Creativity & Originality
·       Relevance to Modern Society
·       Effective Use of Media & Communication
·       Teamwork & Equal Participation
·       Audience Engagement & Delivery

 

Submission Requirements / Presentation Rules

·       Every group member must speak or actively participate.

·       Stay within the allotted time.

·       Use respectful and inclusive language.

·       Ensure facts are historically accurate.

·       Avoid reading directly from notes or phone.  

·       Focus on explaining concepts through creativity rather than lengthy lectures.

 

Bonus Challenge (+ Marks)

Conclude your presentation with a 30-second "Future Pitch" beginning with the sentence:

"If the world adopted one principle from our Indian Knowledge System today, it would be __________ because __________."

Support your answer with a practical example that demonstrates its relevance in today's world.

 

Final Thought

This activity is designed to help you discover that the Indian Knowledge System is not just a part of history—it is a living source of ideas that continue to inspire solutions in health, governance, communication, education, science, the arts, and sustainable living. Approach the task with curiosity, creativity, and teamwork, and show how ancient wisdom can address modern challenges.