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Intercultural Encounter
Part 1 – I have studied to university level, which is beyond the dreams I had while young. Furthermore, my studies have been international, which has given me enough exposure in international affairs and prepared me for a global working environment. Therefore, I am prepared to work in international organizations as a global citizen, which will entail travelling to different countries for work. Specifically, I aspire to work in international organizations such as the United Nations, which has offices in different countries of the world, and which has employees from different cultural backgrounds. This is where I anticipate to have intercultural interactions, which may include stereotypical treatment from the natives of the country, differences on language, and other mannerisms such as food preferences and many other cultural aspects. Some of the challenges I expect include facing the stereotypes that are always present about people from a different cultural group, and which people could use to prematurely judge others. Also, there is likely to be a communication problem, because although I can speak English, speakers from different countries usually have different dialects which can interfere with the communication channel.
Part 2 – The topics I have studied in this module which will be useful in this intercultural encounter are “Basics about Culture” and “Navigating another Culture.” The topic “Basics about Culture” is important in understanding what comprises the broad field that is referred to as culture. While everyone has a culture, it is not a conscious idea, and defining it is not always easy. It is worthwhile to begin by understanding exactly what culture is, before I embark on dealing with the problems cultural difference may cause. The topic will help me understand the main aspects that are considered when thinking about the field of culture. Such knowledge is important when preparing to work in a culturally different environment because it helps one anticipate the areas of difference. The second topic is “Navigating another Culture,” and it deals with the issues about culture which many people perceive to be problematic, and how one can navigate cultural differences to live harmoniously with people from different. It emphasizes that most of the problems which arise due to cultural differences are results of perception and not reality. This is important in helping deal with perceived superiority and the discrimination that sometimes results from the different cultural backgrounds.
Part 3A – BASICS ABOUT CULTURE: Module 3: Culture: Part 1: Culture Definitions and Features. This topic is important as it is the foundation of getting a broader understanding of the broad topic of culture. It is necessary to have basic knowledge
Part 3B – The topic explores the basic terms and their definitions, and the features of culture that are important in understanding the broad topic that is culture. The sub topic introduces a student to the topic of culture, the concepts that are considered when discussing it, and gives their meaning. It s important in understanding what is considered when anticipating new culture, and prepares me for the areas of interest in the intercultural encounter.
Part 3C – It is expected that the encounter will result in clash of culture. The topic on basics about culture will prepare me for the aspects which may be different in the new cultural setting, such as language, the dressing mode, and the relationship between men and women. It will help me understand what comprises cultural differences, and how different communities of the world help perceive people from different cultural backgrounds. I intend to apply the skills leant by being the first one to understand and be receptive of the cultures of others, which will be a good start to being understood and accepted by the others.
Part 4A – BASIC NAVIGATION: NAVIGATING ANOTHER CULTURE. Model 4: Basic adaptation. The topic is important in the new cultural encounter I anticipate because it addresses directly the challenge I will be facing in the new environment.
Part 4 B – The sub topic looks at the challenges one is likely to encounter when they encounter people from different cultural backgrounds, and the basic skills and mannerisms that can help them cope with the challenge. This is an important topic because it prepares one for the encounter with new cultures and equips them with the skills they need to get through the challenging times. The topic educates one that surviving in a strange culture is a skill, and requires intelligent decision-making, people skills and basic etiquette. This information is crucial in the expected strange cultural encounter because it will give the specific dos and don’ts of the encounter, and make the navigation of this encounter smooth. The topic is explained with text and adequate explanations have been provided on how to face the challenges in the new cultural setting, in addition to things one should do to ensure they navigate the challenges. This topic will be the most useful in the encounter I anticipate with the strange culture.
Part 4C– The topic will be important in the expected encounter, as it will be the one directly recommending measures necessary in living in a strange cultural setting. There are many challenges in a new environment, and the way one navigates them will determine whether their stay will be feasible or not. I anticipate differences in many cultures, but the most challenging ones include sensibilities to religion and how to address men and women in different communities. I have leant that in some communities, omitting certain aspects from the address, or shaking the hands of different sexes can be seen as a cultural or religious transgression which can cause major misunderstandings. With this knowledge, I will immediately observe and take note of such simple courtesies so that the members of the other cultures do not feel offended by my manners. Depending on the country I will be working in, I will also be keen on appropriate dressing for the right occasion.
Part 5 – Conclusion – The essay dealt with an expected case of intercultural encounter. I will be expecting to work in international organizations and get posted in different countries, which will bring me into contact with strange cultures. The topic covered in this course will be important in handling and addressing the challenges that will arise from the strange culture encounters. The two topics were selected for the essay because they specifically deal with understanding exactly what culture is, and the way one is expected to go about meeting these challenges. Understanding the aspects of culture is the first step in the effort to gain an insight into the different components of culture. The knowledge gained from the subtopic on navigation will provide good suggestions on how to approach some of the challenges to avoid the possibility of failing to cope with the new environment.
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