It is amazing how much my own concept of culture has changed over the course of getting my master's degree thus far. I used to have the understanding of culture as being this general definition of who we are based on where we live or where our parents maybe lived. What I see now is that culture is far deeper than just where you grew up or where your parents are from. As we communicate with anyone who is not in our immediate family, we are communicating cross-culturally. Today, I went to a family barbecue, held by my neighbors whom I had never spent any time with. In my family we have family get-togethers that are normal for us. This gathering was very different than the type of gathering I am used to. We live literally five houses away from this family and our cultures are very different.
What I have noticed is that the common bond that seems to form an instant foundation for communicating across cultures is kids. When you ask about someone's child, and are truly interested in him/her the adult you are talking to will usually offer information and seem pleased to talk about their child with you. Another thing I have learned is that people do not like to hear about your children when they do not ask. I have watched people offer advice to people who have not asked for it and it seems not well received.
Our assignment this week is to share how we speak to other culture differently and I guess my answer is, yes, I speak carefully. I certainly do not talk about sensitive matters like religion or politics. I simply stick with things like weather and kids. We all have those two things in common it seems. I am still learning but I will continue to practice and neighborhood parties that are out of my comfort zone might just be one of the best ways to learn.
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