TOPIC: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
ADMISSION NO: BACS/NRB/1942/17
BACS/NRB/3574/17
UNIT NAME: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE: COM 210
LECTURER’S NAME: LOISE MACHARIA
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES:
According to Bond, (1990) there is little work on cross cultural differences in beliefs about lying, sanctions and also appearances. The non- verbals of facials, gestures are substitutes marked for words differently in very culture.
Culture is the product of the interaction between universal biological needs and functions .It has also been defined as the result of processes of individuals attempt to adapt to their contexts in addressing the universal social problems and biological needs.
Culture is characterized by the following :
Culture exists on multiple levels:
Individuals are part of small groups and the smaller groups are part of the larger and larger groups.
Culture enhances survival:
Providers rule for living, it also tells people how to interact,how to work and play with others.
Culture is communicated across generations:
Make sure aspects of culture are durable. The various benefits and attitudes are shared by many people.
Culture enables behavior:
It allows it to be created or invented while at same time it constrains behavior. It also promotes individualism example it fosters uniqueness, independence.
Culture diversity is the quality of diverse or difficulties as opposed to monoculture.
Commonality of humankind:
Refers to the shared item within a given nation, culture which is much greater than between groups.
They include education, social standing, religion ,personality, belief structure affect human behavior and culture.
For example, in some cultures ‘Yes’ means I hear you more than I agree. The length of pleasantries, level of tolerance for speaking to a foreign which they cannot understand. Politeness is measured in terms of gallantry or the etiquette.
Also for example in Mexico, it’s customary for the arriving person to greet the others. For example he/she would greet a group of person’s eating and they say Prorecho which means ‘enjoy your meal’.
In Chile, women greet both other women and men with a kiss on the cheeks. In Russia, women often walk arm in arm with female friends which might be seen as a taboo in some countries.
Ignoring these differences can get one into an unsuspecting person in trouble. Acting on generalizations like eye contacts, personal space, touch and interests in participation can have re consequences.
Cross –cultural and status barriers:
According to Argyle,( 1988) Latin Americans make more eye contact, face each other more and touch more when they speak.
Hispanics have strong eye contacts. They do not touch more with exceptions of social contexts like dating and married couples. Study also proves Latin Americans stand close than North Americans.
Most differences in cultures have to do with food preparation, music and what each culture considers politeness. Food preparation is different across all cultures. For example, in Indonesia how one prepares a rice dish determines if they are going to get a wife.
Cultural differences are based on our own weaknesses and they also reflect our inability to connect with the culture. For example, Anglo Saxon men stand extra close to one another hence a new person can feel like it’s the invasion of personal space.
Strong eye contact is partially a factor of shyness, measure of how an individual feels safe to the other. People with status differential have to show by word and action that they value potential contribution of those he/ she works with. If not she will receive compliance and not commitment.
Cultural differences between Kenya and United States of America: (USA)
- Family life:
In Kenya it’s not just nuclear families but also the extended. It’s considered a major factor of indentification ,sense and belonging. These people are part and parcel of his/her existence and can make visits and vice versa without prior notices.
- Independence:
In Kenya for children it’s difficult to say what’s on their mind, when a decision is being made while in USA kids speak out their minds , feelings and disappointments.
Others include religion, education and grading systems.
Differences of culture in Kenyan context:
There are many tribes in Kenya that define cultural practises in Kenya.Culture differs from language,customs, etiquette, religion.
-Kenya has different ethic groups divided into Bantus, Nilotes, Cushites etc
-Most communities respect and treat people with titles or status with alot of adoration.Especially the elders, rich and educated are seen as idols in the society.
-Identity gives one a position in the society.It gives important statute and recognition things runs across different structures.
-Different Kenyan cultures also express themselves differently in terms of food.Example in Kalenjin wedding the bride and groom must sip the Mursik to show purity and allegiance, full goats and slaughtered and their skins dried for wedding attire, whilein other cultures like the luo community takes weddings as sacred and in their foods they must include fish since it is their communities main dish.
-There is also the aspect of Kenyan culture is the art and artifacts.Different communities craft manually and differently with the use of local materials such as mud, wood, trees.
-Different communities have different styles in their music and dances.For example in Western Kenya they have a style for shaking their shoulders vigorously to a song and this make them unique,the luo community use sisal skirts to dance and shake their waist popularly known as 'Owalo'.
-Culture also differs in terms of food since for example in te American Culture dinner is served quit earlier while inKenyan culture it can go until midnight and is called preferably Supper.
-Freedom is a key aspec in Kenya and a constitutional right in Kenya but the right can be derived when it is misused especially by the government or count thus it's not a key characteristics.
Similarities:
-In any Kenyan culture or American culture there is similarities in terms of religion where their is freedom of worship for any believer.
-Freedom is accorded to every society around the world and is constitutional.
-Working hours are also similar from 8am-5pm in government offices and in private institutions a little different and saturday and sunday set for weekends.
Cultural patterns:
System of beliefs and values- that work in combination to provide a coherent model of perceiving the world.
Factors that dominate American cultural patterns:
1.Individualism
Basic unit of nature.It also involves the interests of a person are paramount.
2. Equality
American want to be treate equally in a social environment.
3. Materialism:
Americans consider being comfortable is fundamenta.They also judge people by their status, love and wealth.
4.Competition.
5. Work and leisure.
Components of cultural patterns:
1.Beliefs- refers to a superstition
2.Values- refers to what a culture regards as good or bad, right or wrong.
3.Norms- refers to shared expectations of particular behaviours.
4.Social practises- refers to patterns that members of a culture follow.
References:
Argyle, Michael, Bodily Communication, 2nd edition.( 1988)
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