The method “Description- Interpretation- Evaluation” (D-I-E), is a helpful tool to analyse intercultural cross-over situations and gain a better understanding of other cultures. Generally, people tend to look at situations or interpret them through their own cultural glasses and therefore often understand neither the behaviour of other people nor their values and norms which are behind it.  

 

Instruction:

Divide your students into groups of 3-5.

 

Step 1

An object or photograph that may have several meanings is chosen and shown to the classroom (you may use the same for the whole classroom or distribute a different one to each smaller group of students). It will be distributed to each group of students to be seen/felt/touched. Now, each group will describe the object/picture. This should not last longer than 2-3 minutes.  The answers are written down on a flipchart. These should be collected according to the D-I-E categories; yet, at this moment, do not name the different phases (description- interpretation -evaluation).

 

Step 2 

The analysis instrument D-I-E is explained. The participants now have to analyse a new object/photograph using this method. Let them describe the object, and correct them if they are already interpreting it. Spend 5 minutes on this part: 

1. Description: Describe the object (or situation, or photograph) as precisely as possible. What happened? What was said and/or done? It is important to ‘stretch’ the description. There is a lot more to be seen on a picture. Invite your students to observe in a detailed way. Strong observation is a weapon against prejudice!

2. Interpretation: Find possible explanations or interpretations (at least 2) for what you have seen or experienced. 

3. Evaluation: Evaluate what you have seen or experienced. What (positive/negative) feelings do you have with regard to the object or the situation?  

 

Step 3 

In small groups, the situation that the participants themselves have experienced (or the photograph or object) should be described using the D-I-E method.