Yi Han

English presentation---
Understanding Cultural Differences
Camping Magazine, July, 2000 by Sandy Cameron
Department of Information Management
90144300
Yi Han

Outline
 Thesis statement
 Topic sentences
 Outline (article)
 Supporting ideas
 Concluding sentences
 Summary
 Conclusion
 Reference
 Q&A
Outline
 Communication differences
 meaning of a smile
 when to smile
 eye contact
 Language differences
 way of talking
 what to talk
 saying “no”
 Name and time recognition
 calling names
 punctuality
 About eating habits
 when to eat
 what to eat
 eating manners
Summary
 Learn other’s cultures to avoid misunderstandings.
 Be aware not to offend other’s cultures
 Respect other’s cultures

Conclusion
 We need to respect other people’s culture.




Understanding Cultural Differences
Camping Magazine, July, 2000 by Sandy Cameron
As the United States population becomes more diverse and camps employ more international staff, the issue of communicating and interacting effectively with people from other cultures becomes more important. Having respect for cultural differences and learning basic characteristics of other cultures can help you avoid misunderstandings and unintentionally offending others.
Effective Communication
Communication is an area that can be especially challenging for those uninformed about cultural differences. A simple nod of the head or smile may be interpreted as something you had not intended.
For example, around the world a smile can relay many emotions, not just happiness or pleasure as in the U.S. In Japan, people smile when they are sad, angry, confused, and happy. Asians smile to show disagreement, anger, confusion, and frustration. Some people from Japan and Asia will not smile for official photos, such as passport photos, because these are considered serious occasions and they do not want to look as though they are not taking the situation seriously.
Eye contact varies around the world as well. If a staff member will not look you in the eye when speaking, do not take it as an insult. People from many Asian and Latin American cultures avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect.

Supporting ideas:
A smile in the U.S. means happiness or pleasure while in Japan it may mean sad, angry, confused, and happy. Asians don’t smile for official photos. Looking in people’s eyes when speaking also might be considered impolite in Asia or Latin American.

Overcoming language barriers
Language differences can make communication difficult, but if you are creative you can find ways to communicate effectively.
Talk slowly and clearly. It may sound simplistic, but don't shout at people if they don't understand what you are saying. Restate the statement in a different way or repeat it more slowly. Use other methods of communication, such as making drawings, demonstrating or acting out, or using hand motions.
When speaking, avoid using slang and common idioms. Idioms, such as "in the long run," "no kidding," or "barking up the wrong tree," can cause confusion for non-native English speakers. Also, explain common camp phrases to staff members. Most probably won't be familiar with phrases you use every day.
Try to learn a few common phrases in the languages of your international staff and campers. This shows you are interested and helps them to feel more comfortable.
Many cultures have difficulty saying "no" to a request, and some internationals may say "yes" when their answer is really "no." Carefully phrase questions so that they can be answered positively. For example, say "What can I do make your time at camp more pleasant?" instead of asking "Do you like it here at camp?"
Supporting ideas:
Talk to foreigners in a slow and clear way. Try using other methods of communication if others don’t understand such as making drawings, demonstrating, acting out, or using hand motions. Avoid using slang and common idioms because foreigners might misunderstand. Be sure to let everyone know the common use camp phrases. Sometimes, using common phrases in the languages of your international staff or campers can show yours interests of making them comfortable. People saying “yes” in other cultures may mean “no” sometimes. It depends on how you ask them.
Names and Time
People in the U.S. generally call others by their first names, but this is not true of all cultures. Ask staff and campers how they would like to be addressed. Make sure to call them by their real name, not the U.S. equivalent or nickname unless they prefer it. If you have difficulty saying their name, ask for the correct pronunciation.
Explain your expectations in regard to time and punctuality. Cultural background influences what people consider to be on time, late, and early. Make sure up front that staff members know when you expect them to be at their job.
Supporting ideas:
Call people the way they like to be called. Being “on time” might not be recognized the same in different cultures., so make sure everyone understands right the time to come to work.
Food and Dining
What and when people eat varies around the world. Many cultures eat the main meal at midday and have a light meal in the evening.
Some traditional camp fare may seem unusual to international campers and staff. For example, marshmallows (and s'mores for that matter), watermelon (and spitting seeds), hot dogs, and corn on the cob may cause internationals to raise their eyebrows in curiosity. In many countries, corn -- especially on the cob -- is fed only to animals. Take the time to explain certain foods and the corresponding customs, and understand if staff and campers choose not to eat a particular item.
Just as you explain unfamiliar foods, ask about foods common in your staff's home country. Consider having a special evening where foods from their countries are served. Make an effort to have these traditional food items available for your international staff to eat, but keep in mind that the U.S. versions of many Chinese, Italian, and Mexican dishes are very different from what is served in those countries. Ask staff what foods they would like and, if possible, allow them to prepare the dishes themselves.
Some cultures will not take food the first time it is offered. Try offering the item at least two more times to ensure everyone has had a chance to try a dish. Also, many Asians and Saudi Arabians make noise when eating to show their appreciation for the food. Be sure to interpret this as a compliment, not as bad manners.
Supporting ideas:
Some culture prefer to eat their main meal at noon. Knowing what people “don’t” eat is also needed to be considered first before preparing the meal. Some cultures consider some food “uneatable”. Sometimes, we can have a special meal where all the dishes on the table are from the internationals’ home countries. Be aware that the “U.S. version” of international dishes might be different from the original international dishes. Let internationals to prepare their own food if allowed. Offer food for other’s more than once to ensure everyone can have a chance to try a dish because some conservative cultures don’t like to take things from others for manner reasons. Making noise when eating are considered as a compliment to the food maker in some cultures in Asia.
Learning about other cultures and having respect for differences can go a long way in creating successful relationships. Be objective, have an open mind, and your camp will benefit from an international influence.

Reference
 References:
 1. Beyond Translation - global training must consider cultural differences
Training & Development, Dec, 2000 by Lionel Laroche, John Bing, Catherine Mercer Bing
 2. The Learning Experience Of Chinese Students In American Universities: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
 College Student Journal, March, 2001 by Guofang Wan
 3. My culture, my self - cultural differences in Japan and the United States - Cover Story
Science News, Oct 18, 1997 by Bruce Bower
Q&A
 Any questions?