This is an excellent video that basically summarizes the different gestures used by different cultures. It helps us to understand how important how intercultural communication is, and that we should make an effort to understand a particular culture before we can immerse in it.
People should always learn to understand that the world is so diverse; even in one's country, every individual is diverse. By learning how to understand and accept others, miscommunication and misunderstandings will surely decrease.
The style of communication in a high-context culture and low-context culture (developed by Edward T. Hall) is also different. Someone from a low-context culture is more direct in expressing oneself and might be intepreted by another individual in a high-context culture as being plain rude.
We have to come to a realization that if only everyone could learn a bit from one another and swallow our pride, the world would be a better place to live in.
Please take some time to analyze this interesting video, and leave comments providing your personal thoughts and evaluations.
The video was really interesting! Especially the bobbling of the head from side to side, I was doing along with the people in the video! Would've been a very comical sight.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be great for us to learn about everyone's different cultures but I guess it will be a little too taxing? Perhaps when one goes to a foreign place, it would be good to buy a guide to read up beforehand just to make sure we are aware of the culture there :) But I doubt I'll go to the extent to learning about all the different countries' cultures. It's really beyond my capabilities. Hahaha!
Anyway, I'd still want the links to those videos!
the ferocious handshaking before making a deal with the morrocan traders reminds me of a series that I watched awhile ago.
ReplyDelete'Around the world in 80 trades' was where an economist went round the world trading real goods. worth a good look if you want to see more examples. easily found on youtube (=
Yes, to understand other cultures, communication, which includes non-verbal communication such as gestures, will be necessary. We certainly do not want to risk making a social faux pas. Also, when we learn to use gestures (or communication styles) from other cultures when we meet them, it is a form of respect. It will certainly help to increase communication and reduce social distance.
ReplyDeletethought your evaluation was interesting. keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHey I really enjoyed this video, really opened my eyes to the different cultures (:
ReplyDeleteWow!! I never knew simple things like acknowledging with the head can be so different in bulgaria and india! Thanks for sharing
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