Understanding Western Culture Dave Jaye 2013 Western culture

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Understanding Western Culture Dave Jaye 2013

Understanding Western Culture Dave Jaye 2013

Western culture ≠ Western Film / TV (but does influence it)

Western culture ≠ Western Film / TV (but does influence it)

Originates from Ancient Greece (Europe)

Originates from Ancient Greece (Europe)

Western Individualism Roots Greeks city states were isolated from each other and other cultures

Western Individualism Roots Greeks city states were isolated from each other and other cultures by mountains and the Sea. Greeks insisted that each person take responsibility for his actions and life by learning to make correct choices. Greeks were encouraged to think, act and create with the qualities of a free man--abhor stupid, cowardly, and selfish ways.

Spread by Roman Empire (1 st Century BC)

Spread by Roman Empire (1 st Century BC)

Influenced by Christianity (4/5 th Century)

Influenced by Christianity (4/5 th Century)

Stagnated during Dark Ages (5/6 th Century)

Stagnated during Dark Ages (5/6 th Century)

Rebirth: Renaissance (14 – 17 th Century)

Rebirth: Renaissance (14 – 17 th Century)

New ideas: Scientific Revolution (17 th Century)

New ideas: Scientific Revolution (17 th Century)

Logic & Reason: Age of Enlightenment (18 th Century)

Logic & Reason: Age of Enlightenment (18 th Century)

Independence: American Revolution (Late 18 th Century)

Independence: American Revolution (Late 18 th Century)

Industrial Revolution (19 th Century)

Industrial Revolution (19 th Century)

Photo by Steve Rhodes Modern Civilization (Today)

Photo by Steve Rhodes Modern Civilization (Today)

Core Ideas & Values Reality- or fact-based thought and perception (Aristotle 384 -322 BC)

Core Ideas & Values Reality- or fact-based thought and perception (Aristotle 384 -322 BC) Recognizes the right of private ownership, capital accumulation, exchange and profit Emphasis on the individual person who is independent and self -reliant Reason Capi alism talis idu Indiv m Rig ht s Individuals should be able to act on their own reason without interference from others – i. e. freedom ss e pin p Ha Worldly happiness should be the focus of each person's life

We live in a multicultural world where cultures: Transcend geography and race (no connection)

We live in a multicultural world where cultures: Transcend geography and race (no connection) Exist worldwide in some form (usually mixed)

East vs. West What’s the difference? Illustrations by Yang Liu from “East meets West”

East vs. West What’s the difference? Illustrations by Yang Liu from “East meets West” book – www. yangliudesign. com

Way to think 思维方式

Way to think 思维方式

Way of life 生活方式

Way of life 生活方式

Punctuality 准时

Punctuality 准时

Connections 人际关系

Connections 人际关系

Queuing 排队

Queuing 排队

In the restaurant 在餐厅

In the restaurant 在餐厅

Standard of beauty 美丽的标准

Standard of beauty 美丽的标准

Way to solve problems 处理问题

Way to solve problems 处理问题

Senior’s daily life 老人的日常生活

Senior’s daily life 老人的日常生活

Shower time 洗浴时间

Shower time 洗浴时间

Boss 领导

Boss 领导

The child 孩子

The child 孩子

New things 对待新事物

New things 对待新事物

Image of each other 想像中的对方

Image of each other 想像中的对方

Cultural Differences* West (US / Europe) Logic Linear (direct associations) Communication Direct, verbal Identity

Cultural Differences* West (US / Europe) Logic Linear (direct associations) Communication Direct, verbal Identity Individual, independent Agreement / Disagreement Argumentative, verbal Punctuality Start and end on time Respect Success, achievement Business Relationship Economics come first Decision Making Distributed, proactive Time Horizon Short term (per quarter) Risk / Spending Risk-takers, spend East (China / East Asia) Spiral (roundabout) Indirect, implied Group orientated Hard to say no, non-verbal Appointments flexible Seniority, wisdom Relationship comes first Manager has final say Long term (years ahead) Risk-avoiders, save * but of course there are obvious exceptions

Intercultural Competence Regional Experience Language Proficiency Openness & Tolerance

Intercultural Competence Regional Experience Language Proficiency Openness & Tolerance

Communicate Effectively • • Speak slowly, maintain eye contact Use objective, accurate language Rephrase

Communicate Effectively • • Speak slowly, maintain eye contact Use objective, accurate language Rephrase sentences where necessary Listen carefully and patiently Adapt your conversation style Don’t talk down to others Clarify what will happen next

Understand Cultural differences to help cooperate with each other 1. Know your neighbors 2.

Understand Cultural differences to help cooperate with each other 1. Know your neighbors 2. Be open and tolerant 3. Ask lots of questions “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” 入乡随俗

In Class Assignment Teams of four will spend ten minutes and the leader will

In Class Assignment Teams of four will spend ten minutes and the leader will present the answers to: 1. “Do in Rome as the Romans” means: 2. Five strategies for effective communication with Westerners are: 3. Americans think you speak English because: 36

Western Culture Contrasts with China Beihang University Professor Dave Jaye dave. jaye 55@gmail. com

Western Culture Contrasts with China Beihang University Professor Dave Jaye dave. jaye 55@gmail. com www. davejaye. com Illustrations by Yang Liu from “East meets West” book – www. yangliudesign. com Cite: David Gilbert – Understandign Western Culture September 2009 37

What is Culture? Traditions Ethical Values Religion Society Science & Technology Politics Age Philosophy

What is Culture? Traditions Ethical Values Religion Society Science & Technology Politics Age Philosophy Art & Literature Education Social Class Organization