Cultural Awareness

Why is it important?Culture influences many parts of peoples lives including:

Food, dress, opinions, identity, music, buildings, manners, social interaction, language.

Cultural awareness can give us a better understanding of our own culture and how it is perceived by outsiders.

Cultural Awareness is important in creating cross cultural understanding and acceptance.

We need to understand each others cultural backgrounds to make sense of different view points and opinions.

Cultural Differences

Culture ShockLanguage Barriers

What is Culture?

Culture: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.

Where can you find culture?

Everywhere!

Chinese Tea

English Tea

American Iced Tea

Culture makes up a large part of our day to day life. Cultural differences include differences in food, clothes, religion and language.

For example, think about the different ways different cultures take tea.

Small differences, like the way each culture drinks tea can be difficult to get used to at first because these things are so important to day to day living.

However, the small things things are just the tip of the iceberg-they are only the things we can see on the surface.

There are many parts of culture that aren’t visible; like most of an iceberg. These include:•Work Ethic•Importance of Time•Religious Beliefs•Values•Nature of Friendships

Because these differences aren’t visible they are very difficult to communicate and understand.

Despite this, the parts of culture we cannot see are very important because they underpin the parts of culture we can see.

Parts of culture we can see

Parts of culture we cannot see

In Mediterranean European countries, Latin America and Sub Saharan Africa, it is normal, or at least widely tolerated, to arrive half an hour late for a dinner invitation, whereas in most northern European countries this would be considered extremely rude.

In most countries shaking the head from side to side means ‘No’ whereas in India, shaking the head from side to side means ‘Yes’.

Laughing is considered a sign of happiness in most countries, but in Japan it is considered a sign of confusion, embarrassment or insecurity.

In England the thumb and forefinger together to form an ‘O’ means Ok, whereas in France it means ‘nothing’ or ‘without any value’.

Examples of Cultural Differences

How can you be culturally aware?

1. Engage with other students’ cultures by asking questions.

2. Be Open! Don’t get into the habit of thinking your way is the only way of doing something-how is it done in another country?

3. Think about what you can learn from other students, and what you can teach them.

4. Invite students to share their culture with you.

Attitudes and Expectations

How much will it all cost?

What will people look like?

What will the weather be like?

Will my English be good enough?

What will my lectures and seminars be like?

Will the people be friendly?

How do I open a bank account?

What will I do if I get ill?

How will I get to the University from the airport?

What will my accommodation be like?

Students will have a lot of questions before and after they arrive. Start to think about some of the answers to these questions and how you could answer them.

Language BarriersIt is most likely that English will be a second language for the majority of international students. Some will have excellent English, while others will still be learning. Therefore it is important to be aware of how to communicate effectively.

An example of language barriers: Students in an English lesson were discussing a picture that had the ‘London Eye’ in it. One student proceded to write down the name of the London Eye in their book. However instead of writing ‘eye’ the student wrote ‘air’.

How might this misunderstanding lead to future miscommunication?

Think about the way you could explain how a computer works to a two year old. How would you simplify your language to help them understand?

You would use simple words they knew. You most probably won’t need to simplify to this level with your buddy, but this is a helpful way of illustrating

the language barrier.

Simplifying your language is not easy. It takes time and practice. You may even feel a little silly.

However, simplifying your language when appropriate will help your buddy understand, which will in turn increase their confidence speaking English.

If a student keeps making the same mistake correct them. They want to improve their English and they won’t mind being corrected now and again.

How can you simplify language?

Refrain from using long words

Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself

Stress important words

Speak slowly and as clearly as possible

Other ways of communicatingNon verbal communication is just as, if not more important than verbal communication. Think about your body language, posture, eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice when talking.

If you are really struggling to communicate with your students try some of the following:

•Write it down •Use your hands to reinforce what you are saying•Use your facial expressions to reinforce what you are saying•Try using different words or rephrase your sentences

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is a condition of disorientation affecting someone who is suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture or way of life or set of attitudes.

International students are particularly vulnerable, compared to home students because they are more isolated and lack their immediate support system.

Culture shock is like going from this…

… to this!

What Causes Culture Shock?

Cultural Differences!

Food

Climate

DressLanguageValues

Rules of Behaviour

Social Roles

The Honeymoon Stage: The individual is very positive about the culture, is overwhelmed with impressions, finds the culture exotic and is fascinated by it. The individual is largely passive and doesn't confront the culture.

The Disintegration Stage:The individual begins to interact with the culture, finds the behaviour of the people unusual and unpredictable, begins to dislike the culture/reacts to the behaviour, feels anxiety begins to withdraw begins to criticize the culture/people. The individual begins to feel lonely without the support of friends and family.

The Re-integration Stage:The individual begins to reject the differences they are encountering. They are angry/might not like the new environment they are in but are getting more used to the change.

The Autonomy Stage:The individual begins to understand more of the behaviours of the people, feels more comfortable living in/encountering the culturefeels less isolated regains his/her sense of humour.

The Independence Stage: The individual enjoys being in the culture functions easily in the culture prefers certain culture behaviour to that of his/her own culture, adopts certain behaviours as their own.

Stages of Culture Shock

A graph to show the stages of culture shock

What are the Symptoms of Culture Shock?

LethargyBore

domWithdraw

alHomesicknessIrritability Irrational Ange

r

Excessive Sleeping

Hostility toward

local people

What should you do if someone is suffering from culture shock?

If they are suffering very badly and you

do not feel in a position to help,

direct them to the Student Welfare

Service or tell the Coordinator.

Encourage them to get

more involved in University

life.

Be there to support and

reassure them.

Invite them to activities with you and get

them to speak about how they

feel.