2Nd Lesson Preparatory Phase: Culture

2nd Lesson preparatory phase: culture

Intercultural competence

When travelling you expect to encounter other cultures and lots of differences are readily apparent such as different food and greeting habits. These aspects belong to the upper part (‘above the water level’) of the cultural iceberg, all aspects you can easily read and gather information about on websites and in (travel) books. But to really get to know another culture you have to dive deeper, underwater so to speak. Scientist that study intercultural competence often use the metaphor of the iceberg.

assignment 1

watch the explanation about the cultural iceberg

Culture is hard to define, especially your own culture. We are full with images of what other cultures are about.

assignment 2

Watch this talk and find out how we can benefit from cultural diversity. cultural diversity tedtalk

You had to think of your own expectations in lesson 1, based on your current knowledge. Preconceived notions, prejudices, might colour your view. Your own cultural goggles can distort your image of reality, like in the following clip.

assignment 3

Watch this clip on how assumptions based on appearance can cause you embarrassment.

In the clip language wasn’t a disruptive element. Both spoke English. That will be the same for you when you visit India, the Indian students speak excellent English though be it in a slightly different way than what you are familiar with. But language is part vocabulary, part pronunciation and for a large part body language. And we think we know the body language of other cultures but do we really?

assignment 4

Check out this clip on how prejudices about other cultures’ body language is misused to communicate. prejudices colour our view.

It is important to understand that body language and acceptable behaviour are culturally determined and can differ greatly. Different physical signals mean different things to different people, depending on factors such as nationality, status and situation. Even simple things as nodding yes or shaking no can be confusing as you will notice in India.

assignment 5

Watch this clip The illustrious Indian nod

Not knowing what is taboo can lead to miscommunication. Do you know what is acceptable body language and behavior is in the Netherlands? And how it differs from India?

assignment 6

Look at the list of physical actions below. Put the appropriate number behind each. Then, try to do the same for your host country.

Are the following actions in your country …

1: perfectly acceptable

2: just about acceptable

3: unacceptable in a formal situation

4: completely unacceptable

● Laughing loudly …

● Scratching your head …

● Touching somebody on the arm as you speak to them …

● Looking somebody straight in the eye for 5 seconds or more …

● Sitting with your legs wide apart …

● Adjusting your clothing: tie, bra, trouser belt …

● Moving close to someone …

● Standing with hands on hips …

● Spitting on the ground …

● Putting your feet on the table …

● Not looking at someone when you speak to them …

● Yawning …

● Whispering to someone else …

● Nodding your head emphatically …

● Blowing your nose …

● Smoking …

● Crossing your arms …

● Burping while eating ...

● farting while eating …

Now do the same thing for India