SIW
1. The speaker was surprised when the man came and started talking to him in
Brussels because he had lived in Norway for the past five years, and in Norwegian
culture, socialization is more structured and less spontaneous. He wasn't
accustomed to strangers striking up conversations with him.
2. The three ways of relating to culture that the speaker named are: Confront,
Complain, and Conform. Confronting involves believing that your behaviors are
the right ones, complaining leads to isolating oneself in social bubbles of
foreigners, and conforming means adapting your behavior to fit with the behaviors
of the society.
3. The guide thought that the speaker's friend was not interested in what she was
saying because she interpreted his facial expression through her own cultural lens,
assuming that his facial expression indicated disinterest or a lack of enthusiasm.
4. Cultural diversity in the professional sphere can lead to increased problem-
solving ability, enhanced creativity, and higher levels of innovation. Studies show
that diverse boards and teams tend to perform better, and embracing cultural
differences can improve communication and cooperation.
5. According to the speaker, politeness is a concept that varies culturally, involving
a set of norms and social codes that people adhere to in order to facilitate smooth
communication in a society. Different cultures have their own interpretations of
what is considered polite behavior.
2)This compelling narrative by the speaker effectively highlights the profound
impact of cultural differences on our interactions and perceptions. Their personal
journey of adapting to new cultures and the three approaches - confront, complain,
and conform - offers a practical framework for anyone navigating diverse
environments. The story of enrolling in a "leadership for women" class emphasizes
the complexities of achieving true diversity and the importance of understanding
cultural nuances. The speaker's efforts to bridge cultures through humoristic
drawings and explanations are commendable. In a world increasingly
interconnected, this reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of
embracing cultural diversity to foster better communication, innovation, and
problem-solving in our global society.
TASK 2
The statements provided all revolve around the concept of moral values and how
they are acquired, developed, and implemented in society. Here's my opinion on
each statement:
1. "Moral values are imbibed through people – cultures, religion, teachers,
traditions, society, and parents."
- This statement holds true. Moral values are indeed imbibed from various
sources, including cultural norms, religious teachings, guidance from teachers,
family traditions, societal norms, and parental upbringing. These influences shape
an individual's moral compass and guide their behavior and decisions.
2. "One keeps learning and improvising himself or herself by receiving new moral
values."
- I agree with this statement. Human beings are continuously learning and
evolving, and this includes their moral values. People often adapt and update their
moral values based on new experiences, knowledge, and exposure to different
perspectives. It's a sign of personal growth and openness to change.
3. "Moral values find peace through conflict resolutions and prevention and
healthy relationships that resolve conflicts."
- This statement emphasizes the role of moral values in fostering peace and
resolving conflicts. Indeed, moral values can play a significant role in conflict
resolution and prevention. When individuals, communities, or nations adhere to
shared moral values that promote empathy, cooperation, and respect, they are more
likely to find peaceful solutions to conflicts and maintain healthy relationships.
