Interview two of your fellow learners who are from a different culture than you. Gather as much information about their culture as possible.

Question

1. Compare key points to your own culture and comment on the differences.

2. Explain how you will use this knowledge in the future to communicate better with this person

Answer 1

To facilitate a hypothetical interview for the purpose of cultural understanding, let's assume I've spoken with two individuals from different cultural backgrounds: Ayaan from Kenya and Mei from Japan.

Interview Insights

Ayaan from Kenya

1. Family Structure: Ayaan explains that in his culture, the family structure is generally extended, with close ties to relatives beyond the nuclear family. Elders are highly respected and play a significant role in decision-making.
2. Communal Values: Community plays a critical role; gatherings and sharing food are common practices that reinforce bonding. Mutual support within the community is emphasized.
3. Communication Style: Communication tends to be indirect, with an emphasis on context rather than just the words spoken. Non-verbal cues are vital.
4. Traditions and Celebrations: Ayaan highlighted the importance of various traditional ceremonies, such as weddings and birth celebrations, which involve the entire community.
5. Religious Influences: Many Kenyans are religious, with Christianity and traditional beliefs playing pivotal roles in daily life and societal norms.

Mei from Japan

1. Family Structure: Mei notes that the family structure often revolves around the nuclear family, with respect for elders still present but manifesting differently, often centralized within the family itself.
2. Individualism vs. Collectivism: While there is a strong sense of community, Japanese culture emphasizes personal responsibility and individual achievement, balanced with group harmony.
3. Communication Style: In Japan, communication is also indirect, but there is a significant emphasis on politeness and hierarchy. Bowing is a common gesture of respect.
4. Traditions and Celebrations: Mei spoke about seasonal festivals like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and Otsukimi (moon viewing), which celebrate nature and change.
5. Work Ethic and Education: The Japanese place a high value on education and hard work, often leading to a highly competitive environment.

Comparison to My Own Culture

1. Family Structure: In my culture (let’s say Western culture), the focus is more on the nuclear family, and while there is respect for elders, decision-making tends to be more democratic within personal households.
2. Community Orientation: My culture often leans towards individualism, promoting personal achievements over communal support systems seen in Ayaan's and Mei's cultures.
3. Communication Styles: I come from a background that typically values direct communication; this contrasts with the indirect approaches predominant in both Ayaan's and Mei's cultures.
4. Celebrations and Traditions: My cultural celebrations are often more commercialized, whereas Ayaan's and Mei's festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and community involvement.
5. Work-Life Balance: My culture often emphasizes work-life balance, while both Ayaan's and Mei's cultures stress communal and educational values more intensely.

Applying This Knowledge for Better Communication

1. Adapting Communication Styles: Understanding the indirect communication styles prevalent in Ayaan’s and Mei’s cultures will encourage me to be more perceptive to non-verbal cues and context. I’ll aim to foster a more respectful and attentive environment while interacting.

2. Respecting Cultural Significance: Acknowledging the importance of community and family will help me appreciate their values in discussions or collaborative situations, making them feel valued and understood.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of the significance of traditions and rituals will allow me to engage more meaningfully with Ayaan and Mei, demonstrating openness and respect for their backgrounds in conversations or when attending events they might invite me to.

4. Building Relationships: By recognizing the communal tendencies, I can initiate group activities or gatherings that align with their cultural preferences, strengthening our relationships.

By integrating these insights into my interactions, I can build a more respectful and understanding relationship, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and fostering mutual respect.