IGE 101 Truth and Service for Holistic Living

IGE 101 - Truth and Service for Holistic Living 1 November 2011

From Foreign to Familiar By Sarah Lanier (2000) Introduction to basic cultural differences. Trevinbox. com

Discuss How would you define culture? Is it important to talk about cultural differences? Why?

Introduction Culture refers to values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, customs, learning styles, communication style, history/historical interpretations, achievements/accomplishments, technology, the arts, literature, etc. - the sum total of what a particular group of people has created together, share, and transmit. P. Michael Paige Maximizing Study Abroad- A student’s Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use (2006)

Introduction

Introduction Cold Climate Cultures / Industrial / Urban Cultures Hot Climate Cultures / Agricultural / Tribal Cultures/ Close-knit groups

Aspects of Culture • Relationship vs Task-Orientation • Direct vs Indirect • Individual vs Group Identity • Inclusion vs Privacy • Hospitality • Concepts of Time

upi. com Relationship vs. Task Orientation

Relationship vs. Task Orientation Hot Climate Cultures: “Khun pood pasa Thai geng!”/ You speak Thai very well. Relationship is the most important. Being accurate is not as important. Words are more used to establish a pleasant atmosphere. Efficiency and time do not take priority over the person. It is inappropriate to “talk business” upon first arriving at a business meeting or making a business phone call.

Relationship vs. Task Orientation Cold Climate Cultures: “Where’s the paper? ” Communication must provide accurate information. On a whole, society is logic oriented (even though some individuals may be otherwise). Efficiency and time are high priorities, and taking them seriously is a statement of respect for the other person. Task Oriented

joe-ks. com Direct vs. Indirect Communication

Direct vs. Indirect Communication Cold Climate Cultures: “Excuse me, how do you get to the post office? ” Short, direct questions and answers show respect for the person’s time, as well as professionalism. A ‘yes’ is a ‘yes, ’ and a ‘no’ is a no. ’ There are no hidden meanings. An honest direct answer is just information. It does not reflect how the person feels about you and should not be taken personally.

Direct vs. Indirect Communication Hot Climate Cultures: No Parking It’s all about being friendly. Directness can be offensive and socially awkward / embarrassing. Use a third party for accurate information. A ‘yes’ may not be an answer to your question. Overall, try to avoid yes or no questions.

improvintoronto. com bbc. co. uk aacsohio. com Individualism vs. Group Identity

Individualism vs. Group Identity Cold Climate Cultures: A trip to the beach “I have my rights. ” “You look out for yourself and I’ll look out for myself. ” Every individual should have an opinion and can speak for himself or herself. Taking initiative within a group is good and expected. My behavior reflects on me, not the group.

Individualism vs. Group Identity Hot Climate Cultures: “Where are you from? ” I belong, therefore I am. My identity is tied to the group (family, tribe, etc) and the group protects and provides for me. Team members expect direction from the leader. My behavior reflects on the whole group. “Whatever you do, don’t tell my parents!!!”

askmen. com Inclusion vs. Privacy

Inclusion vs. Privacy Hot Climate Cultures: “What’s your is mine. ” Individuals know they are automatically included in conversation, meals, and other activities of the group. Possessions are to be used freely by all: food, tools, even some clothes, etc. It is not desirable to be left to oneself. It is rude to hold a private conversation or make plans that exclude others present.

Inclusion vs. Privacy Cold Climate Cultures: People enjoy having time and space to themselves. People are expected to ask permission to borrow something or to interrupt a conversation. Each person is considered to be in charge of his or her possessions and has the responsibility to protect them. In a community setting, it might be common to label one’s food, tools, etc. Holding private conversations or having exclusive plans is okay

coworkforce. com darrenconley. com Hospitality corbisimages. com

Hospitality Hot Climate Cultures: Hospitality is very spontaneous and usually takes place in a home It is less formal and doesn’t interrupt daily life. When traveling to CCC, many HCC people don’t realize they need to have their trip planned and have money for everything (even a cart to carry their luggage in the airport. ) “Do you want to go out for ice cream? ”

Hospitality Cold Climate Cultures: Hospitality is very serious and planned in advance. “Do you want to go out for ice cream? ” Hospitality is a very special occasion, taking the full attention of the host.

newmovieclip. w ordpress. com Different Concepts of Time and Planning

Different Concepts of Time and Planning Hot Climate Cultures: Are spontaneous and flexible in their approach to life - respond to what life brings. Consider that saving time is not as important as experiencing the moment. Are not as oriented toward the clock as cold-climate cultures, however they do recognize that structure is required in some ares of life (military, school, etc. )

Different Concepts of Time and Planning Cold Climate Cultures: Are time oriented. Are structured and planned in their approach to life. Enjoy using time efficiently - “time is money. ” Expecting events to begin at the time announced. Visiting or informally chatting happens before or after the event.

sportswise. org. uk High Context vs. Low Context Cultures

High Context vs. Low Context High Context Cultures: A large context of traditions and unspoken rules has been built over time (Korea - 5000 years old). Everything matters! Who you are, who you know, how you dress, how you greet one another, etc. The context of a situation dictates how you respond. Honor people you deal with (too casual can be insulting). Respect the rules.

High Context vs. Low Context Cultures: Younger cultures, urban cultures, and mixes of cultures make up low context cultures (California, USA - 200 years old). Who you know matters, but not as much. What matters is WHAT you know. Do not be offended by the casual atmosphere.

CULTURE SHOCK

What is Culture Shock The emotional and physical discomfort a person suffers when moving to a completely new environment. experience a lack of direction a feeling of not knowing what to do or how to handle things how to react and of not knowing what is (in-) appropriate. It is a natural and human response to

Manifestations of Culture Hostile Shock Critical Withdrawn Embarrassed Identity confusion Culture Shock Homesickness Friction Depression Frustration Confusion Anxiety

Coping Strategies Be open minded Keep a journal Stay active Connect with family and friends Express yourself Do what you would do at home or something close to it Find ways to relieve stress

Closing Thoughts. . . Listen and observe. Don’t pass judgment until you have discovered the reason behind people’s “strange” habits. Try to find out the values of the society “We are all a bit ethnocentric, thinking our way is a bit superior to someone else’s. If we can get beyond that, we’ll find we can begin to learn, respect and enjoy the differences. Soon, what seems foreign will become familiar. And we’ll find we have much in