Who Am I? Cultures in America

1. Who Am I? Cultures in America

2. Culture • Values and perspectives shared by people who are “conditioned by similar education and life experience” • Regional: country, area, community • Religion: sects, variations, etc... • Corporate: industry, company, department • Other groups: schools, clubs, etc...

3. Individualism and collectivism Nature of change Perception of gender roles Criteria/definitions of success Perception of space Nature of authority Perception of time Nature of humor Importance of hierarchies Values & Perceptions That Differ Within & Across CULTURES

4. Communication Practices (norms) That Differ Within & Across CULTURES • Role of written communication • Role of meetings • Patterns of reasoning and argumentation • Level of formality in inter-personal communications • Oral presentation style • Non-verbal communication behaviors

5. Characteristics of CULTURE • Culture is not inherent, but learned • Cultures are rooted in deep seated beliefs • Culture is the basis for self-identity and community • Cultures are dynamic

6. Tips for Approaching Cross Cultural Communications • Avoid ethnocentrism • Is the belief or attitude that one's own group is superior • Look beyond stereotypes • is a generalized perception of a first impression: behaviors presumed by a group of people judging with the eyes & criticizing ones outer appearance (or a population in general) to be associated with another specific group. • Seek common ground • Observe non-verbal cues • Study your own and other cultures

7. Nationality  Age  Ethnicity Economic status Gender Race  Urban-suburban-rural Geographic region Identify Your Own Cultural Orientation

8. Write a paragraph on some area of cultural discrimination that you have observed in school • Remember a paragraph includes: • 4-5 sentences • Correct grammar and punctuation • Answer the question