Activity 33: Reflection

Introduction

In this reflection, you will reflect on the types of cultural values or behaviors that you express as well as where you find yourself on various cultural value dimensions and what makes you uncomfortable with those values and behaviors that are significantly different from your own.

Activity Instructions

Reflect on the types of cultural values you predominantly exhibit: direct/indirect; low/high context.

Discuss where you fall on these cultural dimension value scales and what makes you most uncomfortable about the cultural values that are at odds with your values?

What can you do to make sure the person you are talking to understands you?  For instance, if you are a direct context speaker, what can you do to better understand someone who comes from a culture where indirect communication is the dominant cultural value?

Please review the following resources for this activity:

Textbook: Storti, Craig. Figuring Foreigner’s Out, 20th Anniversary Edition: Understanding the World’s Cultures, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2018.

Chapter 3: Styles of Communication

At the end of your submission, include a brief Design Statement explaining the process and tools you used to develop your work. Your statement should be about a paragraph or so, in your own words (rather than formally written), and unique to this assignment. Why are we asking for this? Find out more about Design Statements.

Tips for Success

• Reflect on the scenarios you have read in your textbook. Consider your reactions to the positions of the speakers in the scenarios. This will help you determine which values you most strongly hold and to consider your points of view to cultural value dimensions that are different from the ones that shape your perceptions.