| Our
culture determines what feels normal and right to
us. But other cultures have ways to live that may
seem strange to outsiders. These differences may
lead to misunderstandings and prejudice. Be aware
of the following danger areas:
Physical Adjustments -- |
Food,
living conditions, hygiene. But the body will adjust
and you can learn to eat new food!
|
| Interpersonal
Relationships -- |
How
to relate to friends, co-workers, people in authority,
a seller at the local market? How to dress, to
greet someone, with what greeting, how warmly?
|
| Rules
of Politeness, Etiquette and Friendship -- |
How
do you behave properly as a man, as a woman? What
is “proper” and “dignified”?
Example: how do you say “no” where such
a behavior would be seen as rude?
|
| Privacy
-- |
Allowing
underwear to be plainly seen may not be socially
offensive in one culture, while “staring” may
be acceptable in another.
|
| Use
of Time -- |
To
shop, cook, do laundry, get a replacement part
will take longer in most cultures. What is considered
late? In some cultures it is impolite to be more
than a few minutes late. In others, only servants
are “on time.” Short-term planning
in one culture seems rather long-range in another.
|
| Use
of Space (territoriality) -- |
Standing
close to a person may be invading “personal
space” in some cultures. In many places women
and children sit on different sides of the church
from the men.
|
| Communication
-- |
What
about touching and body movements? Modest behavior
in one culture may be inappropriate elsewhere.
Showing respect is an important aspect of appropriate
behavior. Silence can be offensive in some cultures,
while
it is expected in certain situations in other
cultures.
|
| Moral
Standards -- |
Sexual
immorality is not seen as an enormous sin in some
places, while in South Asia, a cardinal sin is
to lose one’s temper. Too often missionaries
have not understood the implications of impatient
behavior (especially with their servants).
|
| The
list for misunderstandings is endless. So remember, |
behaviors
are linked to values and beliefs that may differ
dramatically from your own.
|
|
