Variations in giving directions across arabic and English native speakers

This work explores the differences in direction-giving strategies between two groups, native Arabic and native English speakers. This study will help influence design decisions for multi-lingual, cross-cultural human robot interaction. There are clear cultural influences on modes of communication. Previous research studies found that direction-giving techniques and strategies vary between different cultural groups. Burhanudeen compared Japanese and English native speakers and found that locator remarks are more frequently used by Japanese natives, while the use of directives is more common with English natives. In this work, we examine the discourse for navigation instructions of members of two target groups, Arabic native speakers and English native speakers. We address the following questions: How do languages and strategies used for providing directions vary between these two groups? What are the differences and what are the similarities? Are there any possible gender-related differences in giving dire...