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Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools - Culture Matters

Mind of the Beholder- Part 2

Part Two

In this second part of the activity, you are asked to imagine how these same eight behaviors would be perceived or interpreted by someone from a culture different than your own. The particular cultural difference is described in each case. Read each behavior and the description of the culture, and then write in the space provided how you think a person from such a culture would interpret that behavior.

1. A person comes to a meeting half an hour after the stated starting time. How would this act be interpreted

by someone from a culture where people always arrive half an hour after the stated starting time?

by someone from a culture where meetings never start until at least an hour after the stated time?

2. Someone kicks a dog. How would this act be interpreted

by someone from a country where dogs always carry disease?

by someone from a country where most dogs are wild and vicious?

3. At the end of a meal, people belch audibly. How would this be interpreted

by someone from a culture where belching is the normal way to compliment the food?

4. Someone makes the OK gesture at you. How would this be interpreted

by someone in whose culture this gesture is obscene?

by someone in whose culture this gesture has romantic connotations?

5. A woman carries a heavy pile of wood on her back while her husband walks in front of her carrying nothing. How would this be interpreted

by someone from a culture where carrying wood is never done by men?

6. A male guest helps a hostess carry dirty dishes into the kitchen. How would this act be interpreted

by someone from a culture where men never clean up after a meal?

by the hostess from that same culture?

7. A young man and young woman are kissing each other while seated on a park bench. How would this act be interpreted

by someone from a culture where men and women never touch in public?

8. While taking an exam, a student copies from the paper of another student. How would this act be interpreted

by someone from a culture where exams are not fair and are designed to eliminate students at various stages of the educational system?

by someone from a culture where it is shameful not to help your friend if you can do so?

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