code-switching is a phenomenon that increasing numbers of people are likely to experience. Claire Kramsch describes this phenomenon as ‘language crossings’ (1998). She provides examples which highlight complex manifestations of identity enactment;
Code switching happens a lot in English in the US depending on the social group you are with
In any case, if we learn to speak a second language, it provides unique insights into what it is that is valued
In Chinese, I am learning that honor and shared cultural values are extremely important
The existence of a hybrid language such as Haitian Creole is one indication of the significant link between language and culture. Languages are rarely used in their "pure", standard form. Speakers adapt linguistically to others around them.
In Macau, we have Macanese--an Asian Creole language that is a combination of Chinese, Hindi, Dutch and African.
There was for Laforest a tragic disconnect between the language he used to describe the world and to embody his literary imagination on the one hand and the social and racial reality of Haiti on the other.
I read Edward Franklin Frazier, a social worker in the US who had a similar racial experience and spoke French and English.
One of the principal factors making personal identities complex today is the participation in online communities.
My first online community was Myspace. I was so excited about talking to strangers on that platform. Looking back, I can see that it was quite terrifying for me as a teenager to have been talking to strangers in an online chat room. This connects with the reading on age an online spaces.
In the US and India, for example, "Chinese" food is very popular, but differs markedly from what is found in China.
In our Chinese class, we go to a local Chinese restaurant. The food, however, is very different then the food in China.
In formally colonized nations, the language of the colonizer acquired a hegemony over the local languages, which continued even after the colonizer had left.
In Macau, where I was born, we have Macanese. It's a combination of a colonizer language; Dutch--combined with Tagalog, Hindi, Chinese and others. This blend brought a continuation of a colonizer's language long after the Macau's successful resistance against them.
One of the ways that as individuals we can contribute to understanding and tolerance towards other cultures is to engage in critical reflectivity, (Prayer, 1993), a practice often used in education and workplace settings.
I think that a lot of people's acting out comes from an insecure sense of identity. This process could be very helpful.
In addition to seeking out opportunities for gaining knowledge about other cultures, what is also needed is to engage with others in a spirit of openness and curiosity.
College is a great place to learn how to engage with other people in a. positive way. The stories we exchange and the friendships we make can be the stepping stones to future cultural experiences,
We can overcome the distortion of the "single story", as Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie puts it, in a number of ways (Adichie, 2009).
This author advocates pluralism as an antidote to the single story.
One of the issues with which microcultures often have to contend is language. The major institutions of a country – schools, government, industry – use predominantly or exclusively the language of the dominant culture.
As we've seen in many issues of power and privalege, language has been the medium that parties have either communicated or miscommunicated about their future.
Cultural identities are dynamic and can change with one's ongoing life experiences.
An example of this is my mother when she married someone from Russia. Her culture literally changed to part-Russian, however us kids could not understand this. She would come back to the US from Russia speaking the language and with all sorts of Russian trinkets for us. We weren't sure what to think. I can see however that her cultural identity was shifting.
oday, part of that process may well happen virtually, through online social networks and media. More exposure to different kinds of people does not necessarily mean acceptance of growing social diversity.
I've seen this in other countries where American tourists will self segregate rather than work within the local population. A great first step towards that goal is the acquisition of language. This lets the listener know that you care about their culture and want to get to know them.
Knowledge about important historical events, minority groups, social hierarchies, or the geo-political situation of the other person's home culture, all may be helpful in determining appropriate and inappropriate conversation topics.
A great resource I have used is "Lonely Planet." They may not be the most up to date, however, they are funny and a great historical reference.
When we encounter new ideas, new people, new situations, we try to fit them into that narrative. Chimamanda Adichie, the Nigerian novelist, talks about the power of the single story. It's a natural human tendency to make order out of complexity by simplifying. We feel more comfortable if we can put people and ideas into already established categories.
My story is based in Macau, China and combines superstition with Christianity, lucky numbers (3, 8, 7 ) and old folk tales. When I am reviewing that part of my life, I view people from different countries as I did when I was a child.
communication apprehension. Speaking in front of a group, for example, can produce anxiety for many people. Conversing with strangers can bring on even more apprehension. This comes in large part from uncertainty.
I experience communication apprehension when speaking in front of groups of people. This comes from self consciousness.
Language plays an oversized role in social cohesion and is the most important vehicle for transmission of cultural values. Nonverbal communication patterns are also a prominent constituent part of a group’s identity and an easily identifiable marker for group membership. Both systems are based on symbols.
Children use nonverbal communication frequently in their play and social interaction. It is a symbol of belonging and othering.
It is of particular importance for future leaders to gain insight and empathy into other cultures. National or regional officeholders, heads of political parties, and others in the public eye (entertainers, writers, activists) function as role models.
I had never thought of this until now. So much of what I had been focused on was strengthening ties between cultures and supporting my community.
xenophobia – the fear of foreigners.
When I came to the US, I experienced xenophobia. I view this behavior from a developmental level. Humans have predatory ancestors and conduct all sorts of behavior to regulate and portray dominance. Historical relations can also contribute to xenophobia.
Becoming knowledgeable about other cultures is also invaluable in gaining deeper insight into one's own culture. An experience living abroad or in close contact with those from another culture can lead to dramatically changed perspectives on the values and behavior patterns of one's native country.
I believe that my experience of being born and raised in South East Asia has profoundly impacted my view of myself and others. This cross cultural experience has made me more interested in the wellbeing of the world rather than the strength of my country.
Intercultural communication refers to the process of interacting with people who are different from oneself in fundamental ways related to appearance, language, worldviews, or a number of other categories. For many people this phenomenon is part of their everyday lives, for example, in multilingual, multicultural communities or in culturally diverse families
This practice is part of the core values of social work. I didn't realize it was also transferable to other businesses or human service agencies.