Cultural Context Unwritten rules cultural norms and crossing

Cultural Context Unwritten rules, cultural norms, and crossing cultures

Meaning � The circumstances in which a specific event occurs. � Refers to unwritten rules of behavior.

Examples ◦ In an American movie theater, people are expected to line up quietly to buy their tickets. It is considered rude to cut in line. ◦ In public transportation, such as on buses and subways, people rarely talk to others they don't know. This is considered to be a way of respecting people's right to privacy. ◦ Teens behave differently when they are at home with their families than they do when they are with friends at school.

Unwritten Rules � The unwritten rules of the examples are: ◦ Unwritten rules about behavior in a movie theater ◦ Unwritten rules about behavior in public transportation vehicles ◦ Acceptable behavior at home vs. acceptable behavior with friends

Unwritten Rules � If you "just know" a rule, it is a cultural norm. � This norm guides behavior and lets everyone know what is polite and what is rude.

Cultural Norms � Different ◦ ◦ ◦ In In In cultural norms: school your home the community your country other countries

Crossing Cultures � Stepping out of one culture and into another is called crossing cultures. � Not � You an easy thing to do. must understand context to get along in a different culture.

Group Exercise � In groups of 2 or 3, answer the 6 questions on your worksheet. � As you work, think about Cultural Context and how it affects your life.