Cultural Differences - UTA ELI

Cultural DifferencesWelcome to the Introduction to the ELI Classes 1.Each culture has different ways of doing and seeing things.This class is about some general differences we can see incultures. These general differences are not the rule—inother words, every person each country is not the same,but in general, we may find that the majority do act inthese ways or have these ideas. So, the following arepossible differences you may find when looking at yourcountry and other cultures.The presentation was contributed by Chris Aufdembrink.Text by Debra Basler and Terry Ceballos and Sally Stevens

Way of LifeThe American way of life is often veryindependent. However, many cultures choose thegroup or community as a way of life.

PunctualityBeing on time (or punctual) is extremely important in Americansociety. Going to class, attending a meeting or anappointment, going to someone’s home for dinner, etc., are alltimes when you are expected to be on time. For other culturesthe issue of time is flexible and not as important.

ContactsSome Americans maintain few relationships or contacts.While in many other cultures, people live and work withinlarger communities.

EmotionsAmericans usually show their feelings. They show when they arehappy, sad, upset, or angry. But, many in other cultures hidetheir feelings—they may be angry with you, but they will notshow it.

Queue When WaitingWhen we wait in line, Americans stand in a single line, onebehind the other. That way everyone knows when it is his orher turn. However, for many cultures, forming a single line isnot necessary.

Sundays on the RoadSundays for most Americans is a day of leisure. Some may goto church but many stay home, watch television, take a nap,and read the Sunday paper. In many other countries, Sunday isthe day to be out visiting family and friends. The roads, trainsand planes become congested.

A PartySoon, we hope you are invited to an American home for aparty. Typically as the picture shows, we visit in smallerintimate groups. Other cultures may do whole group games,dancing and other such activities.

In the RestaurantThe scene in a restaurant in the USA is usually quiet.Conversations are at the same table are conducted in an indoorvoice which is softer—because we do not want to disturb at thenext table. Or we may not want our conversation overheard byothers. Perhaps many international restaurants are very noisyand loud.

Handling of ProblemsAmericans feel that you need to handle problems directly. If,for example, you are having a problem with your teacher, youneed to speak directly to the teacher about the issue. Inmany other cultures, the preferred behavior is to go aroundthe problem and try to take care of it indirectly or avoid it.

The Authority FigureThe authority figure may be your boss at work or your teacherin class. In American classrooms, teaching and learning is moreof a shared experience. Although the teacher still has theauthority, the classroom may feel more informal.

Elderly in Day to Day LifeMost elderly Americans are independent and many times aren’tinvolved in their childrens lives when the children have theirown families. In many other cultures, the family network isvery important. Grandparents are involved daily with theirgrandchildren.

Three Meals a DayThe eating habits of Americans are very irregular. Many mayskip breakfast and even dinner. They may eat only one meal aday and snack at other times. But in other cultures, mealtimesare important and enough time is allowed for each one.

TransportationAmericans are trying to use their cars less and ride bicyclesmore. They are trying to help the environment. It seems thatin many other cultures, the car is becoming an important way ofgetting around town.

Whats TrendyWhat is fashionable or the fad of the day? Many Americansare eager to learn to eat with chopsticks rather than a forkand spoon. In many cultures the opposite may be true.

Other Topics• Showers/Body Odor (e.g., Americansshower every day and wear deodorant)• Public Bathrooms (e.g., do not leave wateron the floor or throw trash on the floor)• Respect Other Classes (e.g., be aware ofother classes/presentations when you’re onbreak and do not interrupt other classesto speak to a friend or teacher)

This semester, if you have anyquestions of what you hear, see,or experience, just ask one ofyour teachers to explain.