Integration and Identity 2014 | Page 14

THE STORY OF ABIGAIL Type Description Learning Tool Learning tool on cultural differences, intercultural learning, clash of cultures, values and identity. The moderator reads the story of Abigail and ask the participants to make the ranking of the main heroes from 1 till 5. The participants individually evaluate the characters. 1 is the most positive and 5 is the worst character in the story. Then the participants are divided into smaller groups where they have to discuss and try to make their group ranking. As the group is very diverse and people have different backgrounds it is usually very difficult to come to a common decision as the story touches family values, traditions. It is a nice exercise to explore differences of culture and identity. How easy it is to judge, who is right or wrong. Annexes (e.g. worksheets, presentations) The story of Abigale Abigale loves Tom who lives on the other side of the river. A flood has destroyed all bridges across the river, and has left only one boat afloat. Abigale asks Sinbad, the owner of the boat, to bring her to the other side. Sinbad agrees, but insists that Abigale has to sleep with him in return. Abigale does not know what to do and runs to her mother and asks her what she should do. Her mother tells Abigale that she does not want to interfere with Abigale’s own business. In her desperation Abigale sleeps with Sinbad who, afterwards, brings her across the river. Abigale runs to Tom to happily embrace him and tell him everything that has happened. Tom pushes her away bluntly and Abigale runs away. Not far from Tom’s house, Abigale meets John, Tom’s best friend. She tells everything that has happened to him as well. John hits Tom for what he has done to Abigale and walks away with her. Name Email 14 Natalia Seriakova [email protected]