The other important cultural differences are those concerning social values (beliefs about behavior in definite situations or in general). Representatives of some cultures admire punctuality, while other cultures do not mind being late. For example, some people consider present events more important than past or future ones others value planning for future and cannot live without schedules. The knowledge about the interlocutor’s perception of reality definitely makes the communication easier. Speaking about the differences in the attitude towards time and space, it needs to be mentioned, that they are of major importance too. It is important to understand people you speak to: both in verbal communication (grammar, semantics, phonology, discussion modes) and in non-verbal one. To my personal way of thinking, all the members of American multicultural society have to know these things about the cultures they deal with or, at least, to be ready to get information about them. Different cultures have their own rules of communication. Besides, language can be either formal or informal. In the USA, the predominant language is English but it is clear that there are many speakers of other languages in the country.
It includes not only verbal communication but also non-verbal means (body language, proxemics, signs, symbols, touch). All the members of our society understand that they deal with multiculturalism every day as people from different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups live in very close physical proximity.Īmong the keys, that can help us to unlock the doors of other cultures are certain elements of cultural interactions, namely language, attitude towards time, space, gender and family roles, education, etc (Hall, 1990). People who live in a multicultural society must understand differences between existing cultures so that the communication and interaction between individuals were effective. The idea of multiculturalism in the United States supports the immigrants and thus, Americans are becoming more aware of the importance of proper education and spreading the information about different cultures. It affirms that everyone has his or her own validity and importance (Kellner, 2003). Multicultural country is the one, where citizens of different cultures (religions, traditions, races) have equal status. In the most general meaning, multiculturalism is a form of ideology, by means of which our society carries out the strategies of social amity and stability based on the principles of equal coexistence of different forms of cultural life (Habermas, 1994). However, if speaking about the culture more generally, there is one American culture characterized by diversity and multiplicity. The culture a person belongs to depends on its every detail, belief, and experience. To my way of thinking, each person belongs to his personal culture, as we all are different and unique individuals. Many things influence person’s cultural orientation, namely class, gender, mental and physical abilities, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. In reality, culture is broader than race or ethnicity. Those who do not realize that culture is a complex notion, which consists of many elements and cultural indicators, usually make assumptions about someone’s beliefs on one cultural indicator, such as ethnicity or race. Besides, people can change their beliefs during their lives from those with which they were raised (Zion, 2005).īeing the result of our thinking and world perception, culture in its turn shapes our view of the world and of the people around us. In this way, a person who is born into poverty can eventually become rich. It is interesting, that culture is a dynamic system, and people can move between different cultures. Culture may refer not only to the groups people are born into (for instance, ethnic or racial ones) but also the ones that they choose to belong to (social and religious groups). Culture is a set of feelings, thoughts, and beliefs that are shared by any ethnic, racial, social, or religious groups of people. Very often, people associate culture just with the visible traditions such as music, foods, and holidays. Living in present-day society is impossible without understanding the culture and cultural differences because it influences our communication, interaction, and worldview. Nowadays, the problem of multiculturalism here is especially pressing and as a result, Americans realize the importance of compulsory multicultural education for every citizen of the country. The USA is a multicultural country, where every national culture has a right to existence.
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