In this module we will start unravelling the game of debating.

Before we start, we will have to pay attention to the cultural component of framing. Our staff is from North-western Europe, and most of our examples are from Europe and the USA. Framing is of course a phenomenon that is embedded in a political culture. What works in one culture might not work in another. Framing techniques that are appropriate in one culture will not be appropriate in another. Framing should therefore always be a culturally attuned strategy.

Now that we are going to show the patterns in the game of framing and reframing, you are asked to think about the cultural component of framing.

How?

• You will see patterns that you will think do not work in your culture or are not suitable.
• You will see patterns that you believe do work in your culture and are appropriate.
• You will see patterns that you believe do work in your culture or are appropriate, but which require some modifications if they are to truly work in your culture.
• And perhaps there are new patterns that we are not presenting, but which are commonplace in your culture.

Suppose you are an advisor on framing messages in your country. You are asked to give an analysis of framing in your culture. We invite you to discuss your analysis by answering the following three questions:

1. What are the three most important characteristics of your political culture that people should be aware of? 
2. What are types of frames that don’t work in your culture? 
3. What are types of frames that do work in your culture? 

This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the patterns of framing and reframing and to think carefully about whether these work in your culture.