Learning the language but not the culture of a particular country or area can lead to great misunderstandings. In particular, I have seen many cases in which stereoptyes---often negative mental images of another people---have led to great misunderstandings. Often, people think that their way---raising a families, eating, dating---is the best, or even, the only right way, and when something new comes along, they quickly reject other ideas.
Can you think of a time when you experienced misunderstandings dealing with culture? Share your ideas.
Randall
Welcome to the ESL blog by the owner of www.esl-lab.com. Share ideas about learning English as a second or foreign language. Study abroad, ESL programs, accent reduction, ESL study Tips . . . Anything related to learning English and cultural understading!
Hi Randall and everyone,
ReplyDeleteI have experienced an awkward situation once because of the image people from different countries/cultures have of Brazilians. Brazilians are commonly known for being friendly and "tactile" people (always hugging and kissing others). This is not true whatsoever! :-) I myself do not like hugging people and/or kissing them all the time. A friend of mine (John) from the UK once came to Brazil and the first thing he did when he saw me was to hug and kiss me (on the cheek -of course!! :-)) . That's not at all usual here specially between two men! LOL
What about you? Have you ever experienced any misunderstadings dealing with people from other cultures?
Best,
Bruno
Brazil