the video shows that the italian man who went to Malta could not understand what the waitress was saying. Both parties interpreted 2 different meanings. As you can see, culture varies from countries to countries, socities to societies, individuals to individuals. Edward T. Hall once said that "culture interprets one's behaviour". So,two people from 2 different culture interpret each other's language differently.
However, i do not agree that cultural difference always results in a break down of communication between people. Cross-marriages are very common in Singapore. In the past, the older generation were rather against cross-marriages. However, times have changed. People are more open to the idea of marrying someone of another race and religion. It is because of the differences, that is why couples of different race can communicate. Why is this so? Simply, opposites attract. :) perhaps it might be more interesting to marry someone from a totally opposite background from them.
Culture can be learned. However, one must unlearn before being able to learn something different. For example, if a chinese woman married a caucasian, she has to unlearn her previous culture and adapt to her husband's culture: the american culture. slowly, the chinese woman's behavior, perception and way of expression would change. She may be more open, start learning the gesture of kissing on other people's cheek as a form of saying hello, or celebrate Thanksgiving!(a festival that is not celebrated in the chinese culture)
to solve misunderstandings due to cultural differences, i feel that compromising, understanding and patience are very important. A difference in culture is a difference to begin with. Every differences must be resolved for things to work out. If it cannot be worked out, it must be a give and take. someone has to lose at some point in time. It is not easy. However, we can take it as a learning process by learning more about a different culture. dont you agree with me?
as cliche as it sounds, life is a learning journey. and as long as people are involved, there would definitely have to be compromises. i believe it all boils down to communication. =))
ReplyDeleteyes agree with you and that compromising and understanding are crucial factors that are needed to prevent misunderstandings due to cultural differences!
ReplyDeleteMany a times,conflicts happened because of the lack of tolerance. Hence,comes the need for communication.
Yes, I agree that culture can be learned. When we visit our countries, we will always try to learn more about their cultures so that we do not do the wrong things in their country and unintentionally offend the people there. Afterall, learning more about other culture can increase our knowledge as well and put our communication skills into use as they may not speak English (:
ReplyDeletehmm... very true that although it is hard to fully comprehend and embrace different cultures, i want to say nothing is impossible! =)
ReplyDeleteJust as you mentioned, there are inter-marriages on the rise in Singapore, i believe that these parties involved were able to adapt to and eventually enjoy & embrace the other half's culture! so why not be open and learn to embrace other cultures, aside from our own's? =)
i think that the reason why some people though they are more open to different cultural difference, religious difference etc, they wouold still find their partner with the4 same culotural difference and religion simply becsause thay are still ratehr conservative.
ReplyDeletemoreover, once they nbear a child they miusy consider the child'sidentity.which culture shoiuld the child follow?which religion should the child follwo?and becaus eof this, the child wouold have an identity crisis and one of the liong te3mr effect is that he feels out of place in the family!
yups. i agree that a clash in cultures would indeed pose difficult obstacles as cultures, which are the basis of our believes and values especially in eastern countries, are the fundamentals of our lives. These basics are difficult to change or even adapt as it concerns the way we live and work.
ReplyDeletehowever, in the case of religion, i would still say that it is a personal choice of the individual and should not be lumped together with one's culture. This is because an individual may be able to choose his/her religion but culture is somewhat destined since birth. For example, if you are born a chinese, you would most likely be brought up in the chinese way of living, eat chinese food and practice the values that have been practiced since decades ago.
I ageee the cultural differences does not always necesarily lead to a communication breakdown like shown in the video.
ReplyDeleteBut I think the differences need to be identified and learnt over time in order for the communication breakdown to not happen. For instances like the video , when we go overseas we should be aware about the culture and take the initative to learn and be tolerant of the country's culture.