Culture Vulture - The Key To Understanding

Do You Hear What I Hear?

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:10:00 +0000

Communication is one of the most pervasive forms of social interaction. In fact, it is deemed to be the most effective form of interaction. Communication is a process in which a speaker relays a message through a channel to a receiver, thus creating an effect and providing an opportunity for feedback in the presence of noise and occurring within a context.

Trenholm and Jensen defined communication as the process whereby humans collectively create and regulate social reality. What people say and do is connected with what others say and do. Therefore, what holds the society together is the ability of its members to act as a coordinated whole, which would be impossible without communication. On the other hand, communication presupposes social interaction. This cyclical process requires at least two people to mutually engage in creating meaning for communication to occur. This start is a kind of communication called interpersonal communication.

White Man's Burden

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:05:00 +0000

The movie, Babel, tells its viewers an essential aspect of humankind that has always been ignored, underrated and disregarded: communication.

To relate it in my learnings, it could be recalled that the colonizers coined a term “The White Man’s Burden,” a term referring to the “responsibility” of the Whites to educate the Blacks because of their being backward in lifestyle, ideology, technology and basically the very African Culture. I think that this has always been the problem with the Americans. They think so straightforward and assuming that sometimes they cross beyond the limitations of the other cultures. Boosted with their ego, they think that they are superior more than any other culture or race here on Earth. They think that, there’s always an easy alternative to just get what they want neglecting the sensibility of their recipients. When colonizers invaded Africa, they may had thought that doing such could help Africa in a sense, sadly, it didn’t. It only made the things more complicated for these natives. Poor them. They were trapped in a cobweb that has no assurance or guarantee that these colonizers can bring the harmony in living and in life.

Yummy Hersheys!

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:19:00 +0000

Did you know that the famous Hershey's chocolate was actually created by Milton Hershey when he was eighteen?

The revolutionary American chocolate maker Milton Hershey opened his first candy shop in Philadelphia when he was eighteen. And even if he was young and he knew little of his business, still, his lack of experience caused his little ambition to fold more than five years later. It wasn't easy for Hershey. Yes he was able to sustain his candy shop for six years but he felt that his business lacked more. That's why he temporarily halted in his business and worked as an intern for a local caramel manufacturer. In there, he was able to learn that to achieve superior results, the freshest milk was to be used and thus was a lifelong dedication to quality ingredients was born – upon which he would later build his chocolate factory – now the ever famous Hershey Chocolate Company.

Grant Was Granted Greatest Male Star of All Time

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:58:00 +0000

Cary Grant was already a performer even before he began his acting career that spread his image across different movie screens around the world. Grant joined a mobile acrobatic troop because he was so desperate to escape the place where he grew up -- an unstable home life and the simple environment of Bristol, England. He became the troop's stilt walker. This position required him much difficult and painful practice before it could be mastered. On the duration when carnival life had taken their toll and when the excitement of going to carnivals of his native England had waned, Cary Grant quit his job for the stage. His starting roles, though relatively small, served to mark the start of what would become a successful career.

Cary Grant was noted as a debonair leading man, virile and handsome, charming and charismatic. He was awarded as the second Greatest Male Star of All Time of American cinema by the American Film Institute, after Humphrey Bogart. He was famous for his classic films like The Philadelphia Story, Bringing Up Baby, The Bishop's Wife and His Girl Friday.

More Digital Review

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:08:00 +0000

George Bernard Shaw said that “Lack of money is the root of all evil.”, and who would disagree with him. A few weeks ago I got an email from More Digital asking me if I'd put an advert on my site for them. It was then I remembered Shaw's saying.

Like anyone who gets an email out of the blue I thought it might be spam, or that Moredigital.com might be a scam. It's important to make sure your business partners have a good reputation. I checked out some reviews, including a few on digitalpoint. Most of the reviews said that working with moredigital was a pleasant experience.

I've found them to be very helpful. It's easy to add their advert, and it was for a reputable company – not dicey. I received my money and that can't be bad.

As well as writing about More digital, I want to say something about Thomas de Zengotita. He is an anthropologist with some very interesting things to say about our current world. He writes that we all face a massive number of options, and being aware of this changes our lives into a performance. Basically, this means our lifestyles and identities are something we choose.

In de Zengotita's book, Mediated, he says that we are now 'surfing the options' of post-modern life. What was previously taken for granted, is now optional. Even our traditions are a choice.

The Internet Culture and The Effect It Brings To People

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:03:00 +0000

The Internet culture has not been showing signs of slowing this trend – this fad toward the never ending quest for human communication even to places wherein real human contact is not possible. There are some people who find comfort when they are with their computers – online. Even if face-to-face interaction is not achieved, they still can seek friendship in cyberspace. Virtual friends gather at imaginary meeting places. In these cyber spaces, they interact with and among each other, they open topics for debates, they open themselves to the virtual public. It is no doubt, therefore, that relationships of all kinds are establish because of the Internet. But, the very fact that this form of communication emanates from distant participants, there is a real impact on this.

Because the interaction is no longer face-to-face, there is already lesser social accountability demanded of one who says something rude in an online chat room than of one who offends someone on face-to-face social gatherings. If one person says something awful online, the act would seem nearly free of consequences. The offender need no subjection to emotional discomfort that could possibly arise when the same situation occurs, only face-to-face.

Albanians' Ways of Negotiating

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:18:00 +0000

Albanians dress well in business gatherings. Businessmen dress well with their coats and ties. Shoes are always shined and free of dust. Dress suits are common for women. They also prefer wearing skirts or pants and tops. Women have their hair and make up done. Albanians like to be addressed with their titles like attorneys, doctors, engineers, economists.

In meetings, Albanians are not fond of giving introductions. So if you are a foreigner and found yourself not introduced yet, then it is very much fine that you introduce yourself automatically to the crowd. Also, if, say, a mayor or a CEO, passes you, you must stand because this basically means respect for them and that you acknowledge their power.

In negotiations, decisions are not promptly made. Decision-making may take awhile so patience is needed here. It is best to maintain proper composure all even after the meeting. Showing gestures of frustration or anger are to be avoided.

Albanian Practices

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:11:00 +0000

Albanians love to spend their extra time in cafes. They do this in a daily basis. Leisure time is usually spent talking to families, friends, colleagues. When they reach home, they chat with their neighbors as well. Albanians are not so particular with time in both social and business meetings.

Albanians are still conventional. Women stay at home and take care of the household chores while men are the breadwinners of the family (although there are those women who now go to work and seek the professional life). Women are expected to serve their husbands, their sons and their house guests. Men are generally possessive to their wives. For Albanians, a man and a woman hanging out together is a big deal. A single man and a single woman seen hanging around together in public can be assumed engaged. Arranged marriages are still common for Albanians although there is freedom for young men and women in choosing who they want to settle down.

The Basics of Albanians

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:24:00 +0000

Albania is located in the continent of Europe. The major ethnic groups of Albania include Albanian (consisting 95 per cent of the total population), Greek, Gypsy, Serb, Bulgarian and Macedonian.

Let us learn the basics of the country. Handshaking and kissing are two common greeting gestures for Albanian men and women. In terms of their style in communicating, Albanians can be regarded as very straightforward on some cases but may be indirect too in sensitive issues. Say for example, when you appear to be thinner or chubbier from the last time you met, they will tell you explicitly. But when issues are deeper, they will skirt around, instead. Albanians value their families so much that it is normal for them that they project a positive image about their families regardless of their current state. If they have any experience that seems to be bad and shameful, they tend to forget this and never talk about this even to close friends.

China's Rice Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:39:00 +0000

For a thousand of years, rice has sculpted much of Chinese culture. The Chinese have been industriously nurturing their land. Blood and sweat and tears have been invested by these diligent people in their aim to get good harvests. With their dedication and hard work in agriculture, China has now achieved several accounts for its stable rural essence.

In countless folktales, rice is enjoyed by gods and mortals alike, and it is considered by many to be the only grain that can link the heavens with the earth. Such beliefs have inspired numerous festivals, rituals and traditions. Many of which are nearly requisite occurrences wherever rice crops are planted. The green, terraced patties that cultivate this grain often hold both cultural and spiritual significance, even among those for whom rice is an everyday sight and source of living. And although effectiveness is not scientifically proven, rice is believed by some to have powerful medicinal properties.

When Giving Presents To Afghans

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:55:00 +0000

In giving gifts. There are certain guidelines that you have to know if in any case you plan to give a present to your Afghan friend.

Number one thing that you should put in your head when giving gifts to Afghans is to not give alcoholic drinks. However if you have the knowledge that that person whom you are giving gift drinks alcohol, then you can give him given that you will hide it from the public so to avoid shame. Be subtle enough in giving it. You should not give it directly to the person but rather present it discreetly by placing it near the door of the house or leave it to where you are sitting down. Afghans will assume automatically that there is a present for them if they see something that is left behind. So make sure not to leave any “unintended gifts” in their place as they will treat them as presents for them.

Dining In An Afghan House

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 06:10:00 +0000

Dining. For Afghans, dining is an experience. Dining is a form of interaction that bonds people together. Here are some tips if you are invited to eat in an Afghan house:

If you are invited to go to an Afghan house, make sure to remove your shoes and leave it at the door. When eating, do not be shocked if you sit on the floor or in cushions. It is normal for Afghans to eat while they are squatting on the floor. Your food will be served on plastic tablecloths that are spread on the floor. The owner of the house usually tells you where you will sit. If you can sit with two legs crossed, then do so. If you cannot then sit as comfortably as you can but never sit with your legs stretched and your feet facing the people. Food is served in communal and everyone will share out of what is served. If house owners do not serve spoon and fork, then it is already understood that you should eat with your bare hands. Also, you should not eat with your left hand. When you are full and done eating, leave a small portion of food in your plate, otherwise food will be served to you continually.

Mixing Between Afghan Men And Women

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:37:00 +0000

Like most cultures, the gesture of handshaking is the most common form of greeting for Afghans. However, women and men do not shake their hands. They only speak directly to one another. Another form of respect is the putting of their hands over their hearts and nodding slightly to the person they're talking. Afghans usually have lengthy conversations. In a meeting, people involved ask each other about family, health, education or business.

Between Genders. Mixing between genders is a sensitive thing for Afghans. Free mixing between genders is only happening within families. In the workplace, men and women could be colleagues but are still particular in maintaining each other's honor and pride. Men cannot directly talk to women in the streets as this will mean dishonor to women. Women should not look straight to men's eyes. Women should keep their eyes lowered when walking in the streets to maintain their dignity. Women should also dress appropriately to avoid uninvited attention. They should make sure that pants worn are loose fitting so that women's thighs shouldn't be visible.

Afghan Families Are Sacred

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 06:27:00 +0000

Afghanistan is a big country. It's population has reached to thirty million by July 2005. The country's population is not limited to Afghans only. It has opened to tourists and guests all over the world. As a result of this, there is a wide variety of races and tribes that are living in the country.

For people in Afghanistan, the family is the most important unit. Men and women are particular with social responsibility as they are enclosed to practice the traditional setup. Women take care of the household responsibilities. Men, on the other hand, are breadwinners. Families still practice arranged marriages based on status, connection, tribe, wealth and social displacement. Families live in kala. Kala is a walled compound where families live. Even after marriage, sons are required to live with his wife in a particular room under the same roof. For Afghans, families are sacred thus should be given utmost premium by everyone – even foreigners.

Afghans Way of Living

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:54:00 +0000

Afghanistan is located Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, and east of Iran. Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has arid to semi-arid climate, cold winters and hot summers.

The official languages of Afghanistan aer Pashtu and Dari. An estimated thirty-five per cent of the Afghan speaks Pashtu while half of the whole population speaks Dari. Aside from these two, languages such as Uzbek, Turkmen, Baluchi, Nuristani and Pashai are also spoken. Bilingualism is also common in Afghanistan.

The belief system that is practiced by more than half of Afghanis is Islam. This is reflected in the personal, social, political, legal and economic lives of the believers of the religion. For Afghan Muslims, it is their obligation to pray at least five times a day. Friday is their holy day. During this day, shops are closed to dedicate time for worship. Instead of the conventional Saturday and Sunday weekend, Afghans have it on Thursdays and Fridays.

Thai Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:02:00 +0000

Interesting Thai etiquette should be taken into account before you decide to visit the place. This may not be important to you, but all these are perceived by Thais as their forms of respect and pride. So since Thailand is not your territory, better brace yourself.

Thais treat a man's head as the highest part of the body. If you accidentally touch someone's head, you are required to ask for immediate apology. Kissing in public areas like the streets or sidewalks is an act of rudeness. Even if Thais have liberal understanding on sexuality, they maintain a strong sense of decorum. Thais have high regards to their kings. Thus, any show of disrespect to their kings is a major faux pas. Anything that displays the king's image should be treated sacred. These include their currency, magazine covers, postage stamps and newspapers. You should not toss these to the ground nor treat them harshly. Licking the back of postage stamps is a no no. Money dropped by accident should immediately be picked up for brushing. Most importantly, these items should never be trod upon as it is like you are putting your foot above the head of the monarch.

Education And Economic Status Of Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 05:38:00 +0000

Education in Thailand has been given its highest premium by its government. It has achieved its greatest progress throughout the years since 2001. Thailand's government has always been proud of the turnout computer literacy rates among pupils and students all throughout the country. Moreover, there has already been a widespread use of the English language in schools and universities.

Thailand, after enjoying its recognition as the world's highest economic growth rate from 1985 to 1996, has been considered a newly industrialized country. Thailand's economy continues to boost because of strong exports. The country's exports has reached to an increasing value of over $105 billion worth of products and services annually. Exports vary, but are not limited to, rice, agricultural products, rubber, jewelry, textiles and footwear, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances.

Language Games Of Thais

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 05:20:00 +0000

Thais are courteous people. This is what my friend has been telling me because he has basically traveled to Thailand from time to time. I have proven true when I went there last week for a visit. Not only they are warm in welcoming you, they are also very polite and tact in treating you. These are both expressed in their verbal and non-verbal languages.

Thais are very particular with their social identity as deemed by age or wealth. They initiate a gesture called wai. This is done by gracefully bringing together the hands to the chest or beneath the nose to show great respect and submission. Thais call their older siblings as pii. Thai words are added to the end of every sentence especially when talking to strangers, elders, or colleagues. Kha is added to sentences when you're talking to a female. You add the word khrup when talking to a male.

Thais Are Proud People

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:47:00 +0000

Thais are very proud people. Like any other Asian country, Thais have a rich history, well-established hierarchical structure of status. Thais are said to be one the races in the world who enjoy high level of literacy. Thailand has put its premium to improving its educational system. The country has a well-organized structure of school system of pre-school, primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Both the public and private sectors promote quality education enabling them to contribute greatly to the country's overall development. The government even supports free education providing it until Grade 12.

Because the country has never been colonized, they shout it out loud to the world that their educational system is not based on European models. It improvises its own model that is both essential and beneficial to Thai students. The country has updated curricula that are reliable and coherent. These enable the students to learn to adjust rapidly and appropriately to the signs and times.

Malays In The Corporate World

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 06:01:00 +0000

If you go to Malaysia for purely business, you should at least be equipped with the corporate etiquette of the country. Here are some things I've learned second-hand from a business associate.

During business affairs, you should ready your business cards as people involve in the meeting usually exchange cards among each other. Because of the their pride as a nation, Westerners should never be late in social and business functions. Give a call if you will be late. Stay relaxed when on your first meeting the Malay gets late or your business affair does not start on time. Remember that you are in Malaysia and no matter what the business and social stratification here, they are still your boss, geographically speaking. In meetings, you should also know that Malays love to engage in lengthy discussions before getting down to business. Decisions are therefore made slowly and patience is required. Malays are not frank people. That is why you must listen attentively to them. You must know how to read between the lines so that proper and immediate judgment be made.

Malays' Body Gestures

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:37:00 +0000

Malaysians are warm and friendly people. They are affectionate too but they don't show it in public. If you prepare yourself to go to Malaysia for travel, it is important to be aided first with the Malay culture.

When it comes to body language, you should avoid touching anyone of the opposite sex most especially the top of the head as this is sid to be the home of the soul. They are also particular with the use of either left or right hand. If you eat, touch people, and pass things, you should use your right hand and never your left. Moving objects and picking up things with your feet are insulting to Malays. “Excuse me” is also translated into giving a slight bow when arriving or leaving, entering or passing other people. Be careful when you give a smile or grin in Malaysia. This may mean various interpretations for them. This could mean anger, shock, surprise, happiness, embarrassment or amazement. Furthermore, hands placed inside the pockets signify anger to Malays.

Malay Is A Proud Race

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 04:24:00 +0000

Malaysians, like any other races, are proud of their country, their past, their economic success. As everyone knows, there has always been a rivalry between the Malays and the Chinese in Malaysia. There are policies of the land that the Chinese feel that they are second-class citizens. Unsurprisingly, Malays support this claim because for them it is the only way to overcome traditional dominance. Malays live in rural areas while the Chinese rule in the business environment in the urban areas.

Shaking of hands in Malaysia is necessary for business meetings and social events. This is done before and after the meeting takes place. If you greet a woman or an older person, nodding or rendering a slight bow is a must. If engaged in this scenario, you have to introduce people who have higher ranks or older people first, women before men. Guests and tourists should greet Malay men with a nod and a smile. For the Malay men, this compensates the warm accomodation they give to all visitors.

Malaysia Is The Little Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:57:00 +0000

Malaysia is said to be the little Asia. They say if you go to Malaysia, it's as if you have traveled the whole of Asia because of its multiculturalism. True enough, when I went there for a visit last year, I am fully contented with my travel, learning bits about Malaysia and the whole of Asia as well.

My first spot was the Petronas Towers. With its great engineering and architecture, the Petronas Towers are declared among the tallest buildings of the world. Upon seeing the towers alone, it made me feel like I was devoured by the whole of Earth! Whoa!

My next stop was the Golden Triangle. It is known to be the main shopping district of Kuala Lumpur. I went there in the evening and realized that even during the last stretch of the night, people come and go in the area. People were celebrating, merrymaking. The Golden Triangle is the place to find yourself.

To Know Malaysia Is To Love Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:01:00 +0000

They say, “to know Malaysia is to love Malaysia.” Indians, Malays, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in this country. Multiculturalism has made Malaysia a home to hundreds of grand festivals and cultural celebrations. Despite the influence of other cultures, Malaysia has still made its name to the world.

Malay is the national language in Malaysia. However, because there are various cultures and races residing in the country, English has been widely used among people. Malaysia is known for its love for culture and arts. The country has a booming film industry producing a minimum of fifteen films and three hundred dramas each year. Other cultural activities of the country include music, dance, theater, and handicrafts. European influences can be observed in courts. Museums and galleries are very popular in the country impressing their visitors with their beautiful collection of paintings and sculptures. The country also is multi-religious but Islam is the most dominant religion.

Getting-To-Know Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Culture Vulture) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:25:00 +0000

Singapore is a diverse country of people among different races. Singapore is a modern city known for its cultural diversity. Their race can be traced back with their past immigrants that include a mixture of Chinese, Indian, European influences and Malay. Though this is the truth, they still remain to think of themselves as Singaporeans as a whole, regardless of their culture or race. Each still possesses its own unique character.

The streets of Chinatown are still visible. Little India along Serangoon Road still displays its distinct features. The Muslim characteristics are still distinct in the Arab Street. Around the city, there are signs of British colonial influence as seen in Neo-Classical buildings.

Food is readily available in Singapore. There are various cuisines to choose from. There are Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish Peranakan, French, Fusion and Thai.

Each racial group has distinctive religion. There are great festivals of special significance all year round.