Question

Answer

In chapter one of the book “Exploring Culture”, the author presents several extents of cross-cultural miscommunication varying from misunderstandings to serious disagreement and profound cultural shock. The story begins from “Worlds Apart in One Village,” where it expresses the fact that many people live together but they are culturally divided. The authors states that “intercultural encounters can generate misunderstanding”(Hofstede and Pedersen 3). They give an illustration of the difference in opinion on the reception at the airport. The North Korean and the American had a different interpretation of what constitutes proper reception etiquette. This variation is based on the different cultural background which dictated the behavior of each. It is most likely that the two parties did not learn from this incidence, probably, they all gave excuses for the other party`s behavior.

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Awareness, skills, and knowledge would help avert this situation, and it would take four steps. The first step is to make the two aware of their cultural differences. Next, it would be imperative for them to learn more about those differences in their cultures. Thirdly, they should be taught the skills necessary for effective communication. Lastly, they should be motivated to desire to treat people from other countries in a manner that they can appreciate.

The main aim of intercultural awareness is to ensure that participants have the wisdom to draw the distinction between interpretation and observation. Consequently, the response made will accommodate the other person`s cultural views, thereby reducing conflict. Besides, to overcome critical cultural communication barrier, one needs to take time before responding until they gain enough knowledge about the foreign culture. What people see vary depending on their cultural background, personality, and historical difference. As part of one’s efforts to accommodate other people who have a different cultural views, it is healthy to go through culture shock. The extent of the shock will vary from one person to the other, although the process of adapting is the same.

In conclusion, given the fact that culture is deeply rooted, chances of having a common culture in the society are limited. Hence, people should learn to accommodate each other and the differences in culture practices in order to live peacefully.

Works Cited

Hofstede, Gertrude, and Paul Brown Pedersen. Exploring Culture: Exercises, Stories, and Synthetic Cultures. Yarmouth: Intercultural Press. Print.