Last Wednesday, we had a lecture discussion on cultural differences, which is one of the influential factor in communication. Culture is based on beliefs and values on the basis of which people interpret experiencess that they go through and behave accordingly, depending on which culture group they fall under. As we know, this falls under the cognitive perspective, whereby individuals act and respond to external factors as categorized by their social schemata.
Broadly but simply put, "culture" refers to a community with which we share common experiences that shape the way we understand the world. Most of the time, culture is the root of communication challenges.
Below is a clip in which we see the cultural differences between a group of Sudanese and the Americans. The Sudan boys obviously know about the American culture through forms of media such as magazines and television shows. However, they still experienced the "culture shock" when they arrived in Pittsburg, USA. They do not even know what butter is and mistakenly took it as a small bar of soap or even cheese. This shows the different lifestyle the Sudanese and Americans lead.
You can also see how the Sudanese have difficulties adapting to the new lifestyle. They cannot relate the significance of Santa Clause to the Birth of Christ during Christmas. However, just like Americans, the Sudanese also want their rights to freedom and education. It shows that while there are stark differences between culturs, the values of humanities (of each culture groups) also coincide with one another.
Learning and understanding the ways in which various cultural groups relate to each other is the key to opening channels for cross-cultural communication. Becoming more aware of cultural differences, as well as exploring cultural similarities, can help individuals communicate with others more effectively.
So what is your take on cultural differences?
Source--> http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/countries-places/sudan/cultural-differences-ggtu.html?source=pincl
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10 comments:
I like this post and especially the video. It was really interesting to see the vast difference in cultures between the two countries.
My goodness,its really a cultural shock to me that these Africans don't even know what soap, potato chips, donuts or even trespassing is.Imagine being in their shoes, its like travelling to a different planet.
Honestly, i would like to be in one of their shoes. I've always seen America as the pinnacle of nations in that they allow the freedom of expression and liberty. With that said, i'm not all knees and bows to them as every country has its pros and cons.
its heart-warming and a little heart-aching to see sudanese visiting america first time in their life, seeing everything in a brand new light. although its good for them to see the world, its saddening when there is discrimination against them. that they are discouraged to walk in groups to even local provision shops.
i like the video a lot, and it shows us and creates awareness in us the life of others who have not tasted luxury in their lives.
I thought that video was hilarious in a good way.Especially with the butter being mistaken for a bar of soap.
I feel that ,while it may seem uncomfortable for these boys to be living and adapting to the changes in the States,it can only be a good thing in the long run because of the freedom they are entitled there.
Now,it may not be the same sort of freedom they are used too in Sudan but it can definitely reinforce unto their traditional cultural values.One has to realize that they do not need to discard their old values or traditions away for something new but have to find a way to integrate them together for the better
slize, buzz, raj:
i like the video too. i think it portrays a good example of differences between two cultures.
anyway, some of the lost boys were brought to america to improve their standard of living. many of them even enrolled in community colleges to upgrade their skills and acquire higher level knowledge/education.
i feel highly motivated by their sheer determination to succeed in life.
the video highlights the vastly different cultures between these 2 countries. more importantly, we see that africa is a lagging continent in terms of economic development. while there is nothing wrong with being left behind, we all feel that africa and its people could offer so much to society and the world if they are given the chance.
there has been alot of debate about the types of economic policies which can elevate africa's economic standing, but i believe the main barriers which stand in their way is social harmony and also advances in agricultural technology. Social unrest is definitely damaging to any country and what more can be said about an entire continent at war with one another. developments in agricultural technology is required in order to educate and alleviate the poverty, hunger and self-sustinence issues of these countries (which are de facto areas for poor crop return due to their barren land).
drick,
this issue is highly debatable.i agree with you that these african nations should be given the chance and assistance to alleviate them off poverty.
however, how many millions of them can you help? we can provide humanitarian aid to these people but how many can we save?
anyway, i still think you hava a very good and valid point and i appreciate your input :D.
its quite interesting to see things from their point of view like them thinking that the butter was like a bar of soap, it shows the vast contrasts between their culture against the americans. however after looking at the video i find that the sudanese are like somehow apprehensive about accepting the american culture from the way they talk about the difficulties they face. but in short its quite amazing to see the contrasts in the two different cultures
cultural differences are unavoidable in the world today. knowing a culture's difference is one thing, accepting it, is another.
however, if one is unable to accpet the culture difference in the new environement that one is living in, one is installed for one hell of a time.
but, i believe that human adaptability will prevail.
I feel that cultural differences play a great deal in any society today. in one place there can already be multiple cultural difference and this may lead to misunderstandings due to misinterpretation which means miscommunication!
i find it interesting how 2 countries, America and Singapore, can be similar, yet different.
for example, both America and Singapore are countries made up of many cultures from it's many immigrant from around the world. however, America is a melting pot of cultures, which Singapore a salad bowl.
what this means is that immigrants going to America blends in and adopts the American culture and way of life. Singapore on the other hand, sees it's immigrants bringing their different cultures and mixing it together with the rest, ultimately creating a culture that is, Uniquely Singapore.
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