Cultural Differences

"I was walking around Alberta asking people how to get to this certain address I have on a piece of paper. I asked several locals, and I was given the same exact instructions: Get on the number seven bus, get off at the third stop, and head north three kilometers, then go east. I could not make heads or tails of the directions. I found myself stuck where I was until I saw a figure coming my way. I raised my gaze to look at the person's face, and I was met with astonishment. He looked at me, raised his eyebrows, and gave me a slight upward nod. A Filipino! At last!"

My friend continued to recount her experience while she was in Canada. She exclaimed how relieved she was when she saw the familiar greeting. She knew she would get directions that she would understand. Why was it difficult for her to understand the locals in the first place?

Culture is defined as the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group. These peculiarities of a society, it's rules and norms show how traditions shape or influence the collective psyche of the people within the society.*

Cultural differences are evident all around the world. A widely accepted practice by one culture may be found offensive by another culture. A "V" sign with your middle and index finger may be interpreted as a "peace" in one country, but is actually a grave insult in some countries. The way to approach this disconnect is to acquaint ourselves with the different practices that we may act accordingly. As they say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." This does not mean that you have to change who you are just to adapt to these circumstances; this is mainly to show that you do understand the culture and you have nothing but respect for it.

In studying and understanding Cultural Differences, we need not look outside the boarders. These differences can be observed closer to home. In our own homes to be exact. It is obvious that each member of the family differs from the rest in one way or another, even twins are never the same. They may grow up under one roof, but the circumstances that surrounds them will influence them in varying ways. 

We are continuously learning and being molded by numerous factors that influence our character. This is something that we need to keep in mind when we deal with those around us. May it be our parents, brothers, sisters, significant other, boyfriend, wife, husband or girlfriend; we may share similarities with them, we may take after our parents, but we cannot say that we are exactly like them.

We do not need to copy how others are to better interact with them, all we have to do is to have a better understanding of the culture they grew up in. A future husband may become frustrated when compared to the significant other's opposite sex parent because he was not brought up that way. Bear in mind that this husband-to-be has to meet his own expectations of himself as a husband, as well as the significant other's expectation of an ideal husband. Each person's cognition, behavior and decision making is greatly affected by the factors that molded him into who he is now and who he will be in the future. To be completely selfless, we must never take these things out of the equation and how they affect each individual. As you were brought up in this world surrounded by teachings and values by your family, so were they.







*Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1488864