Nevertheless, when two people from different cultures meet, there is a high chance of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Kindly take a look at the clip which is only a minute long.
We see a clash of two cultures here. The English lad (as by his accent – 0.21-0.23s) was unprepared for intercultural contact and his insensitivity has ended in a calamity. The donna in this case was left with people mourning for her. Even more “comical” later is the commercial's message that the two women had seen a ghost coming to life. In this clip of classical cultural conflict, the Englishman’s perception and interpretation of his reality contradicts the Italian culture with regard to the white chrysanthemums as a floral gift. In British culture, the white chrysanthemum symbolizes truth or genuineness, whereas it is only acceptable for funerals as it is a symbol of death in Italy. In my opinion, there is also an assumption of similarity as the man obviously assumes that the Italian woman would see the white flower in the same way he does, thus overlooking a major cultural difference.
The many different features of cultureMy point being that we people should be sensitive and updated on an unfamiliar culture if we do ever have intercultural contacts. What is acceptable for us may be extremely taboo to another and slips like these could severe friendships, relationships or even a business deal.
I can safely say that HSBC have made efforts to understand cross cultural norms, knowledge and values worldwide. Have you?
21 comments:
cross cultural differences reminds me of the important fact that the world is much bigger than the particular microcosm which we currently live in.
This is very true. With so many different cultures, sadly it is difficult to maintain racial and hence cultural tolerance. personally, i'm a little bit of a racist myself, (unintentionally) poking fun and unwittingly insulting other cultures, or anything that i deem funny. racial diversity will probably never be equal worldwide, but we definitely have to learn to live harmoniously together, especially in the Singaporean context.
Cultural difference is a determinant of global distance. That being said, it simply shows how far apart humans are from understanding one another and maybe why we will never achieve the ideal notion of "world peace".
to say that cultural understanding is impossible would be wrong. yes, i agree that in this life, it is tough to achieve perfection in communicating across cultures due to the different social schemata formed by individuals who come from different community. after all, we're only humans and we make mistakes. as long as we're apologetic about our blunders, i think committing a mistake in cultural communication is forgivable.
with our affluent life (access to mass media e.g. internet/books/newspapers) and ability to travel, i find that it is possible to eliminate factors that might lead to misunderstanding. the world is well connected and most people are educated enough to have cultural and social cohesion and sensitivity.
Widya :
That is a good point you brought up here that cultural misinterpretations should be forgiven and one should understand that another might not be in tune with certain norms. Thing is, it brings us back to the fundemental attribution error concept where people tend not to blame the situation ( different cultures leading to misunderstandings) but instead the individual (It was rude of him to speak during dinner, he doesnt enjoy the food" - - Moroccian culture)
Cultures in itself are already so diverse. For example, the Chinese have so many different practices and beliefs which are past down through the different generations, so much so that we today question, "Hey are you sure that is something the 'CHINESE' practise?"
Society has a major role in our actions. Whether it is through verbal means or non-verbal (as with the flowes being places on the scooter), it assures a means of communication from one person to the next. Regardless of the outcome, a 'message' has been sent.
The video has indeed opened our eyes to a wider issue - understanding cross cultural differences. Is this possible? Well I'm sure this is something that varies from every individual. Should a person bother to actually find out, read up and act upon it, then i think this gap can be filled somewhat. Then again, we all understand that there is only so much within our sphere of control.
However prepared we are by reading up is the least we could do. However, whatever has been written in the books may not be relevant to EVERY city/state. For example, in Indonesia, although Bahasa Indonesia is the main language, the forms of the language used throughout the country vary from state to state, village from village.
Well thanks Terence, for this incredible insight. Something that most of us rarely think about as we go about our daily lives. It is a pleasure being able to take time to stop, and think about this - a basic NEED (of communication with others) in our cosmopolitan lives. :)
as the world comes closer and closer together through globalization, cross-cultural communication has indeed become of more importance to all.
one may say it is nearly impossible to understand all cultures across our diverse world. while that is true, i feel that it is the attitude that one adopts towards keeping an open mind, and their willingness to learn, as opposed to criticizing or coming to unjustified conclusions based on their own perceptions that will allow for better understanding across cultures.
in today's world, we may be more closely connected than ever before with the internet and other achievements in technology, yet be so far apart. its a great point brought up terence. (:
haha.. its an interesting advertisement that HSBC has made, varying culture indeed creates misunderstanding. yet is only through different cultures that we see the world. that we are no longer "frogs in the well".
This reminds me of how belching out loud after a meal is absolutely polite &appropriate in Arab as compared to other countries but not acceptable in some.
This is why we have modules like cross cultural studies so that we make an attempt to understand! &REMEMBER!
This doesnt apply to tissue 'chopping' seats though. it is soooo not a cultural understanding that everyone needs to comprehend. yet we singaporeans have made it a culture. shame on us.
The world &cross cultural issues deserves more than this.
Our assumptions often occur without much our awareness. Discovering differences that we never thought existed brings these assumptions into consciousness.
Oh and tissue isn't the only thing that people can use to "chop" seats. They can use textbooks too. ;)
Rachel :
Where did that come about?. "sit-booking" via textbooks?. well, only in school and less in the coffee shops i realize.
I enjoy exploring cultures,more so with those with very interesting traditions that may well be taboo to mainstream society.
I think culture is also something that can individual can "create" and be a part off.Even without people following him or being a part off.
Unfortunately,many people tend to assume and overgeneralize most of them time and there is where misinterpretations occur.Laziness on our part to understand others is certainly no excuse.
It's so easy to assume that one aspect of our culture is similar to another person's culture. Who would have thought that even flowers could have cause such a misinterpretation? We can only do so much to keep aware of different cultural practices, but in the end miscommunication could still occur because we can't possibly know of every single societies' practice(s).
'the world is out there for you to explore'.
ignorance in other cultures just shows an individuals' insensitivity and low sense of street-smartness.
THis is really really funny. i really like the HSBC ad. i think that in differing cultures there are different rules and norms we have to obey. however what are the norms that are global in this world?
Kristy & Jerome :
There is no doubt that one cannot possibly have every single cultural norms and practices under his or her belt. But, one can minimize the chances of cultural conflict by attempting to respect and more imporatantly, clarify cultural pratcices when unsure.
i guess a standard norm would be respecting the opposite sex esp towards women. I think that is a global norm. Respecting parents is also another norm that i think is global. One wouldnt disobey or disrepect the hand that feeds him or her.
i have always admired the professionalism behind HSBC advertisements. while other banks try to sell their low interest rates, or how 'the citi never sleeps', HSBC has always focused on the core values of all business; they sell a service.
think about it, even companies who manufacture and sell products are selling a service. the service is to produce a product which you buy. in HSBC's case, their products are financial services, and in this ad they are clearly trying to tell you that they are aware of the cultural differences, and therefore they would be the best people to consult for your business needs.
subtle, yet insightful.
oh, and how do you confirm the Spaniards consume dinner late since you only 'saw a handful of people eating at the diners'? aren't you committing the bias of available heuristics there?
ZED :
Miscommunication here my friend. I did not see a handful of spanish people eating at diners and conclude that they have dinner very late.
I was at a restaurant on a saturday night and my dad asked a waiter. He explained to us the tradition and culture. We had that confirmed at the hotel concierge :)
ya la ya la, very clever la.
want to become lawyer is it?
Terence:
Respect towards women?
Hahahaha.... Yea right.
Rachel :
Now let's not get all petty here about this just cause we sat on the pavement and had lunch alright.
:) you know what i mean...not directly.
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