Question (Reading: chapter 2（already upload it）
Explain what is meant by the statement “In studying other cultures, we do so very often from the perspective of our own culture.”
PARTICIPATION IN THE DISCUSSION BOARD IS MANDATORY. It is strongly recommended that you make your initial post of 200+ words (with word count included) by Wednesday, so that we may have a rich opportunity to discuss our thoughts & ideas. Also, do not forget that two replies to any of your classmates’ postings. First post：Hi Professor and classmates,
“In studying other cultures, we do so very often from the perspective of our own culture.”
This statement is so true and many people get the wrong interpretation in cultures other than theirs. When I first time came in the United States, the culture differences were so huge and so difficult to accommodate. I though that American people didn’t know how to live and interact with people specially their elders. Back home, looking an elder in the eye and talk or raising your voice while talking to them is disrespectful and can be punished for that. In my first year in the U.S, the teachers wanted me to make an eye contact while talking to them, it was very uncomfortable.
While dealing with different people, it is very import to learn at least the basics of their culture for the better communication without just guessing what might or could be. “Communication is one of the most rewarding experiences people can have. It is one of the major ways you fulfill a social component within yourself. Linking with others allows you to experience a sense of inclusion, affection, and even control. Although cultures might express these feelings and emotions differently, all people, by both nature and nurture, have a need to communicate and interact with others”, McDaniel, L.A.S.R.E.P.E. R. (P.26)
At work, before setting down with a client, we are required to know about their culture (the most important to the least important). For Example while meeting the Arabic clients at their house, I must leave the shoes at the door, must NOT shake or make an eye contact with the females. Same thing, the Europeans and Asians usually would check on how well you dress (business dress) before talking about an important matter. I have learnt that Bill Gate dressed casual while meeting the Chinese Government for business, and they took it as an insult and banned his company in China for years.
Culture communication is very important specially in business world. Even a simple greeting in the prospect culture, He/ she will very comfortable communicating with someone who just come and do straight business.
second post ： Hello Professor and Class,
Cultures despite norms, values, and standards that obligate individuals to perform their actions in a certain way. Culture represents certain rules and regulations under the restrictions of which individuals are expected to take action. The statement above implies that when an individual learns and studies about any new culture, it is very clear that he or she tries to relate the new culture with his or her own culture. This can be referred to the fact that when a person gets to know something new, he or she trying to creat resemblance in recognizing the new thing with the existing knowledge the person already has.
When a person interacts with a person from different culture, the person tries to analyze the situation according to the learned behavior. This gives comfort to the person and the person tries to be in place and tries to control the situation according to existing knowledge. A person who has no knowledge of different cultures will not be comfortable interacting with others from different cultures. In order to be more confident and to relate to things, a person tries to see the new situation from the perspective of the learned culture. So, it is very important to learn the basics of other cultures.
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