ĐỀ THI KẾT THÚC HỌC PHẦN MÔN GIAO THOA VĂN HÓA

1.How important is cross cultural communication? 2. What essential principles are applied to crosscultural communication? 3. Why do people think cultural adjustment can take so long? 4. Distinguish cultural generalizations from stereotypes. Give specific example. 10. What does silence indicate in conversations? Silence can indicate a variety of things in conversations, depending on the context and the people involved. Silent language or nonverbal communication is to convey a message outside without using words. In some cases, silence can be seen as agreements in communication because it can be seen as a way to let the speaker know that you have heard and understood what they are saying. However, there are some cases when silence can be interpreted as disagreement: prolonged silence: If a silence lasts for a long time without explanation or expression of opinion, this can be interpreted as disapproval or lack of interest in the topic being spoken. Silence can also be an indication of confusion or uncertainty. When someone is unsure of what to say or how to respond, they may remain silent. Finally, silence can be a sign of respect. In some cultures, it is considered polite to remain quiet while someone else is speaking.11. Culture does not explain all behavior. Explain this. Culture does not explain all behavior. It does greatly influence behavior, but so too do: an individuals personality; age, gender, economic and educational levels, life experiences, relationships, and specific situations. This is because culture is often compared to an iceberg as it has many visible and invisible layers. The visible part of culture (language, food, appearance) can be easily observed and experienced by outsiders. These are the things that people think of when they hear the word culture. However, these visible elements represent only a small part of what makes up a culture. The invisible part of culture (communication style, beliefs, attitudes, values, perceptions) may not be immediately obvious to outsiders. These aspects of culture shape how people understand and interact with the world around them, including their relationships with others, their ideas about success and failure, and their perceptions of morality and justice. Like an iceberg, the invisible elements of culture are much larger and more complex than the visible ones.

ĐỀ THI KẾT THÚC HỌC PHẦNGIAO THOA VĂN HÓA

Ngành: Ngôn Ngữ Anh

Đại học Ngoại Ngữ Đà Nẵng

1.How important is cross cultural communication?

Cross-cultural communication is very important because it is communication (verbal and non-verbal) between people from different cultures: Communication that is influenced by cultural values, attitudes, and behavior; the influence of culture on people’s reactions and responses to each other Therefore, cross-cultural communication is incredibly important in today's interconnected world With people from different cultures interacting with each other in various settings, it is essential to understand cultural differences and adapt communication styles accordingly Effective cross-cultural communication helps to avoid misunderstandings, build relationships, enhance business success, and promote inclusivity Developing cross-cultural communication skills can lead to more successful interactions and collaborations with people from diverse backgrounds In short, cross-cultural communication is a crucial skill for personal, professional, and societal success in our increasingly globalized world.

2 What essential principles are applied to cross-cultural communication?

Essential principles in cross-cultural communication:(1) What is logical and important in one culture may seem irrational and unimportant in another (2) On describing culture people tend to focus on differences and overlook similarities (3) Stereotyping may be inevitable for people who lack frequent contact with another culture (4) Cultural differences exist due to gender, age, social economic standard, and environment (5) Understanding another culture is a journey not a goal.

For example (5), a traveler from the United States who decides to visit Japan Before the trip, they had notions about Japanese culture based on what they had heard or seen in movies and books However, once they arrive in Japan and start interacting with locals, they realize that there are many nuances and complexities to the culture that they were not aware of (local customs, traditions, and social norms ) which is a lifelong process, and each interaction and experience adds to their knowledge and appreciation of that culture.

(5) Proverb: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step: Hành trình vạn dặm bắt đầu từ bước chân đầu tiên (Chinese proverb)

3 Why do people think cultural adjustment can take so long?

Cultural adjustment can take so long because there are 4 -5 periods of the cultural adjustment process: honeymoon period; culture shock; initial adjustment; mental isolation; acceptance and integration However, individuals experience the stages of adjustment in different ways Some people never experience a "honeymoon" period because the circumstances of their coming to a new country may have been too painful In addition, certain stages last longer for some than for others, depending on such factors as the newcomer's personality, age, language and cultural competence, support from family and friends, financial situation, job status, and motivation for being in the new country.

For example, A Vietnamese student studying abroad in the US experiences the stages of adjustment in different ways with a woman going to work abroad in Taiwan.

4 Distinguish cultural generalizations from stereotypes Give specific example.GeneralizationStereotypes

DefinitionA statement describing general behavior that does not apply all the time.

are exaggerated beliefs and images about groups of people and are often based on a lack of information or contact.

It acknowledges that people within a culture or group may have different individual beliefs, values, and behaviors, but seeks to identify commonalities andtrends within that culture orgroup

Often negative assumptions or

generalization are made about a particular group of people

Based on objective and proven data gathered through research and analysis.

Based on limited information or personal biases rather than objective data

Can be harmful and perpetuate harmful myths and biases

For an example of generalizations, Italians value family and close-knit communities This is supported by cultural practices such as large family gatherings, strong family ties, and a strong sense of community.

For an example of stereotypes, all Italians are involved in organized crime.

5 What are typical symptoms of cultural shock? What should people do toovercome them?

The symptoms of culture shock: Homesickness; feeling isolated or lonely; difficulty understanding and adapting to the new cultural norms and customs; anxiety, irritability, or frustration; confusion and disorientation; loss of confidence or self-esteem; a sense of being overwhelmed or out of control; even physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

To overcome culture shock: Be patient, don't try to understand everything commediatly; Use observation skills; Seek out support from others; learn the local language and communicate with locals to gain a better understanding of the culture; Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt to new ways of thinking and behaving; take care of physical health; give your action permission to make mistake; ask questions;

6 Choose one typical country Explain some outstanding cultural featuresand taboos of the country.

Part of the East Asian cultural sphere, Vietnamese culture has certain characteristic features including ancestor veneration and worship, respect for community and family values, and manual labor religious belief religion in Vietnam has historically been largely defined by a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, known in Vietnamese as the Tam Giao (“triple religion”).

There are some taboos of Vietnam, for example, on Tet holiday: It is considered unlucky to have debts during Tet, as it is believed to bring financial difficulties in the coming year It is considered bad luck to cry or argue during Tet, as it is believed to bring negative energy for the rest of the year Sweeping the floor during Tet is believed to sweep away good luck or breaking dishes during Tet is considered bad luck, as it is believed to bring financial loss

7 What are the major differences between formal communication andinformal communication?

Differentiator factors

Formal communication Informal communication Setting Used in professional or

Has no set rules or procedures Structure Generally structured,

organized and planned

Can be spontaneous and clear and concise manner May use storytelling, jokes or humor to convey information

Often written, such as in emails or memos

Often spoken, such as in conversations or phone calls Greetings and

Uses formal greetings and sign-offs (e.g., "Dear

Uses casual greetings and sign-offs (e.g., "Hey" and

Example A school principal meets with two parents to discuss their child’s enrolment application Or a teacher and a parent meet regularly every month to discuss and review adjustments for a student with disability.

A teacher calls the student’s father to tell him his child has not eaten her lunch for the past few days, and suggests they discuss how to approach this Or a parent and teacher have a quick discussion after school about an upcoming school concert.

8 What are major differences between oral communication and writtencommunication?

Basic for Oral communication Written communication

information and message through spoken words is oral communication

Interchange of message, opinions and information in written or printed form is written communication What is it? Communication with the

help of words of mouth

Communication with the communication are present Feedback Immediate feedback can

Example Radio, podcasts, sings,

9 What does “the complexity of people’s cultural identity” mean? Explain the four settings of cultural resources

The complexity of people's cultural identity refers to the way that individuals often have multiple cultural identities, shaped by factors such as family, gender, race, class, religion, nationality, and personal experiences People's cultural identity is a diverse and layered mix of cultural influences that determine their values, attitudes, behaviors, and worldview.

-You find the politics of the society or social group in setting 1 ‘distasteful’ You

counter this by drawing on a particular aspect of personality, literature and ideology from your own society or group and present your culture as being a left-wing activist For example, (1) African-Americans have been subjected to the ideology of white supremacy for centuries This ideology has shaped their experiences, beliefs, and values in ways that are unique to their cultural identity (2) African-American literature has been an important tool for exploring cultural identity in the United States which have helped to shape the cultural identity while also making it more complex and multifaceted (3) personality such as resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability have played a significant role in African cultural identity.

-You find the moral code in setting 2 ‘strange’ You reassure yourself by

drawing on religious beliefs, clothing and etiquette in your own society or social group and present your culture as a religious one with particular dress codes The traditional clothing of Japan such as the kimono, yukata, and hakama are an important aspect of Japanese cultural identity Wearing traditional clothing is not just a matter of fashion but also conveys respect for culture and tradition The clothing also reflects the wearer's social and economic status For example, the colors and patterns of kimono may change depending on the occasion, time of year, and the wearer's age.

-The people in setting 3 do not understand who you are because they have noknowledge of where you come from You strengthen your identity by drawing

on ceremonies, festivals and family values in your society or social group and present these as the basis of your culture.To strengthen my identity in a setting where others do not understand me, I can draw on the ceremonies, festivals, and family values of my society or social group to present a clear and meaningful picture of my culture This might involve actively seeking out opportunities to share these aspects of my identity with others, whether through participating in cultural events or sharing stories and experiences with others.

-You cannot identify with the ‘high culture’ (the arts etc.) of setting 4 In this

setting where I cannot identify with the "high culture" of the community, I can draw on the fine arts, cuisine, and music of my own society or social group to present a clear and meaningful picture of my culture These cultural elements are not only a source of pride and identity for me, but they also reflect the rich history and traditions of my community By sharing these cultural elements with

others, I can help to create a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the value of different cultural traditions.

10 What does silence indicate in conversations?

Silence can indicate a variety of things in conversations, depending on the context and the people involved Silent language or nonverbal communication is

to convey a message outside without using words In some cases, silence can be seen as agreements in communication because it can be seen as a way to let the speaker know that you have heard and understood what they are saying However, there are some cases when silence can be interpreted as disagreement: prolonged silence: If a silence lasts for a long time without explanation or expression of opinion, this can be interpreted as disapproval or lack of interest in the topic being spoken Silence can also be an indication of confusion or uncertainty When someone is unsure of what to say or how to respond, they may remain silent Finally, silence can be a sign of respect In some cultures, it is considered polite to remain quiet while someone else is speaking

11 Culture does not explain all behavior Explain this.

Culture does not explain all behavior It does greatly influence behavior, but so too do: an individual's personality; age, gender, economic and educational

levels, life experiences, relationships, and specific situations This is because culture is often compared to an iceberg as it has many visible and invisible layers

The visible part of culture (language, food, appearance) can be easily observed and experienced by outsiders These are the things that people think of when they hear the word "culture." However, these visible elements represent only a small part of what makes up a culture.

The invisible part of culture (communication style, beliefs, attitudes, values, perceptions) may not be immediately obvious to outsiders These aspects of culture shape how people understand and interact with the world around them, including their relationships with others, their ideas about success and failure, and their perceptions of morality and justice Like an iceberg, the invisible

elements of culture are much larger and more complex than the visible ones

12 What are the basic elements of where we come from?

The juxtaposition of the unexpected: This refers to the unexpected elements that can arise in cross-cultural communication, such as unexpected cultural norms, values, or beliefs For instance, a gesture that is considered polite in one culture may be considered rude or offensive in another culture Being aware of these unexpected elements can help individuals navigate cross-cultural communication more effectively.

Complex, many-layered, many-faceted society: This refers to the fact that societies are complex and multi-layered, with many different cultural traditions, values, and beliefs Understanding the cultural background and context of the person or group you are communicating with can help you to better understand their perspectives and communicate more effectively.

Complex representation – unexpected people, artifacts, and instances: This refers to the unexpected people, artifacts, and instances that may arise in cross-cultural communication For instance, a person may encounter unexpected artifacts or cultural symbols that they are not familiar with, or they may encounter unexpected individuals who challenge their assumptions or beliefs The non-essentialist view has no difficulty with the notion that cultural attributes can flow between societies.