Question

Write 3 - 4 paragraphs about a time when communicating with someone from a different culture (for example, while traveling) was difficult. Why was it difficult? How did you cope? Were you able to get your message across? Why or why not?

Edit: Got some help already, please don't answer the question so that it will refund it back to me

Answer 1

The term “culture” refers to the complex accumulation of knowledge, folklore, language, rules, rituals, habits, lifestyles, attitudes, beliefs, and customs that link and provide a general identity to a group of people. Cultures take a long time to develop. There are many things that establish identity give meaning to life, define what one becomes, and how one should behave. Distribution and exercise of power shape attitudes towards authority. How people sustain themselves economically, and how they manage to obtain the necessities of life, determines assigned roles of individuals and the relationships among them. Physical surroundings of people help define the nature, intensity, and longevity of their values. A wealth of resources.

It can be terrifying to deal with other people if one does not know what to expect. There is often fear surrounding different cultures, we wonder what manners are acceptable. Is there something that will offend another from a decidedly different culture? The way people communicate varies considerably between, and within, cultures and different norms regarding the appropriate level of assertiveness in communicating can add to cultural misunderstandings. One aspect of communication style is language usage, across cultures, some phrases and words are used in different ways. Additionally, body language or nonverbal communication is an essential part of how people communicate, and there are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact or lack thereof, are a few of the aspects of nonverbal communication. Another aspect of communication style is the amount of importance given to non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions and gestures, personal distance, and sense of time. It is no surprise that people have difficulties understanding and communicating with one another due to different cultural customs and experiences, and these differences cause miscommunication.

ou’re living in a vibrant multicultural country, so it’s great that you want to understand cultures other than your own. There are a few ways to do this, but the most important is to remember that we’re all just people who are trying to do the best we can. So, taking each person on their own merit will always see you right.

This can help if:

• you want to embrace cultural differences
• you want to learn ways of understanding cultural differences
• you want to learn how to talk to people from different backgrounds.

Different experiences

Australia is becoming more multicultural, which means that people and traditions from other countries and cultures are becoming more noticeable and celebrated. Unless you live under a rock (okay, some narrow-minded people do), you’re going to meet people, and experience situations, that are unfamiliar to you.

Ways to understand cultural differences

It can be very easy to stick with what you know, rather than trying to meet people who are different from you. However, actively trying to understand and embrace cultural differences can open you up to a whole world of exciting new possibilities and experiences. Here’s what you can do:

Become self-aware

Work out your own beliefs, values and personal biases. Yep, it can be confronting, but by doing this you’ll be able to think about how these traits might impact on your approach to and understanding of differences.

Do your own research

Learning about different cultures can be a great way of developing an understanding of cultural diversity. Do a spot of research online or through books, and study some of the history and traditions of other cultures.

Talk to someone from a different cultural background

Try and get to know them a bit better. You don’t necessarily have to ask them directly about their culture, but by getting to know them you’ll automatically find out more about their life and experiences.

Travel!

One of the best ways to experience and understand other cultures is to actually live among them. It might take a while to save for, but planning a trip overseas to a country you’re interested in can be the best way of opening yourself up to new cultures.

Be more accepting

Sometimes it’s not all that easy to gain an understanding of cultural difference, for whatever reason. In these situations, the best approach is just to acknowledge that some people are different and to accept that that’s okay.

Culturally different, with diverse opinions

Even if you hear or read something about a certain culture, it’s important to realize that this doesn’t mean everyone from that particular background acts/thinks/believes the same thing. Just as not everyone you know has identical beliefs, people who come from different cultural backgrounds aren’t all a certain way, either.

Don’t stereotype

One of the biggest difficulties to overcome in understanding cultural differences is making judgments based on one opinion. Do your own research and make an effort to actually learn about people, instead of making broad-brush assessments.

Everyone is unique

The main thing to remember is that everyone, no matter what their cultural background, has different opinions, habits, and ways of life. The sooner you accept that everyone is different, the easier it becomes to understand and embrace cultural differences.

I was able to cope with the following steps.

1. Know yourself — understand why you are pursuing this subject
   biases, assumptions, attitudes, likes and dislikes
2. Learn about different cultures and values
   both US and foreign
3. Use shared language
   avoid slang and jargon – use day-to-day vocabulary
4. Take your time
   don’t leap to conclusions, allow someone to finish, relax, be flexible
5. Consider physical and human setting
   physical environment and context, customs and past practice, timing
6. Improve communication skills
   listen and be attentive; concentrate on explicit and be sensitive to implicit;
   be aware of nonverbal cues and communication; establish common goals
7. Encourage feedback, allow for correction and adjustment of message
   create a comfortable environment, ask questions, listen intently to responses
8. Develop empathy
   understand and appreciate the worldview of others
   treat others as you want to be treated

What can I do now?

• Learn more about the history and culture of countries you’re already interested in.
• Travel. Try going somewhere you haven’t been before, even if it’s just to another suburb in your city.
• Work on your self-awareness.