In the teacher class yesterday, we did a presentation on cultural differences between the US and Ecuador. This was done in chart form to minimize language and translation difficulties. Such topics as time, people relationships and communications were discussed.
There seemed to be a number of surprises. For example, the fact that we view people and ideas separately in the US while here they are viewed the same. Viewing them separately allows us to accept the person while rejecting their ideas. “He is a good guy, but he has some strange ideas” is not a possible conclusion here. The view that people and ideas are one in the same causes people here to be very careful in disagreeing openly with another person for to do so is step one in severing the relationship.
In the US we are a lot more individualistic. Here the person is always viewed as part of a group be it family, social, or work group. You have to be careful what you say because it reflects on the group. An outspoken person in the US can be viewed as just that, while his or her remarks are not viewed as a reflection on the family or other group.
All of the above causes communications to take on a totally different characteristic here. It is difficult to get straight “yes” and “no” answers especially if the question is a bit sensitive. Communication with “the boss” is especially troublesome. You must not challenge the boss. In the US, many leaders expect to have probing questions raised to help clarify their thinking and their decisions. A boss who never allows questions is viewed as some sort of low self-esteem individual in the US.
Finally, the receiving of visitors under any conditions and at any time here is viewed as a must. When I suggested that people other than very close friends and immediate family should call first to see if a visit was OK, they were surprised. When I went farther and said a visit request might be turned down because one was busy, they were horrified. No matter what your plans or how busy you are, you never turn down a caller.
Seems the leaders of our government might do well to research some of the sensitivities of communicating with other cultures. If we were to do so, maybe our image in the world could be improved.
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3 comments:
Hey, you are right on with your observances. Even so, if a person realizes they can criticize you without the friendship being threatened, they will do it! You are the kind of people that aren't threatened by how they feel about you. That builds confidence. So hang in there. We are praying.
Eldon and Phyllis
It sounds as if reminding the teachers and administrators of your recent discussions relating to debriefing, change of heart, looking at conclusions etc. and remind them exchange of ideas took place at that time and no one seemed to get too offended at that time.
Blessings on your attempts,
Dorothy and Duane
I finally found the quote I was thinking of when I read you posting over the weekend.
"Problems cannot be solved by the level of awareness that created them." Einstein
Blessings! kt
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