Scene 1 and Scene 2 are solving the same problem or under the same situation. Read the following dialogues and answer questions.

Scene 1

(Two European American neighbors)

Jane (knocks on her neighbor’s open window): Excuse me, it is 11 o’clock already, and your high-pitched opera singing is really disturbing my sleep. Please stop your gargling noises immediately! I have an important job interview tomorrow morning, and I want to get a good night’s sleep. I really need this job to pay my rent!

Diane (resentfully): Well, this is the only time I can rehearse my opera! I have an important audition coming up tomorrow. You’re not the only one that is starving, you know. I also need to pay my rent. Stop being so self-centered!

Jane (frustrated): I really think you’re being very unreasonable. If you don’t stop your singing right now I’m going to file a complaint with the apartment manager and he could evict you…

Diane (sarcastically): OK, be my guest….Do whatever you want. I’m going to sing as I please.

                                                     Scene 2
(Two Japanese housewives)

Mrs. A: Your daughter has started taking piano lessons, hasn’t she? I envy you, because you can be proud of her talent. You must be looking forward to her future as a pianist. I’m really impressed by her enthusiasm---every day, she practices so hard, for hours and hours, until late at night.

Mrs. B: Oh, no, not at all. She’s just a beginner. We don’t know her future yet. We hadn’t realized that you could hear her playing. I’m so sorry you have been disturbed by her noise.

 
1. Contrast the two scenes, why are there different results?
2. What are the verbal interaction styles of Scene 1 and Scene 2? What are the features of these styles?
3. What’s the problem of the conversation between Diane and Jane, How did Mrs. A achieve a successful conflict solution?
4. If you are Jane, what kind of strategy would you suggest to achieve your goal?