Intercultural Communication

Education in Japan

Education homogeneous, uses a national standardized curriculum

Emphasis social studies, democratic political processes, religious tolerance

Calligraphy used to enhance self-discipline and meditation

Emphasis on reading and writing

Education in Japan

English is a required subject Little emphasis on oral communication Japanese take exams to get into good

junior and senior high schools Attend private schools, juku, to prepare for

entrance exams and master subjects Parents see education as most important

factor in their children’s future success

Education in Japan

Single most important natural resource--their people

High value on education and teachers Close partnership of parents and

teacher (Heart of a Nation) Teachers try to bring students along as

a group (Heart of a Nation)

Education In Japan

Uniforms, uniform book bags common in Japanese schools (Schools of Thought)

Japanese students polite and disciplined (Schools of Thought)

Important for Japanese students to work cooperatively together (Heart of a Nation)

Education In Korea

All schools follow same program of study Learn Korean, Chinese, and English Get into schools through regional exams

and lottery Emphasis on moral education Group solidarity and conformity are goals Wear badges and uniforms

Education In Korea

Show respect by avoiding eye contact Bow and don’t start a conversation with

an elder Students avoid disagreement with

teacher Remain silent rather than show lack of

understanding Hesitate to express personal opinions

Education In Mexico

Arts, vocational skills and Mexican cultural values emphasized (Sal Valdivia says no, reading, writing, arithmetic)

Each student takes tests to continue Few required classes at university level Mexican teacher has significant status

Education In Mexico

Teachers involved in their students’ personal lives (Sal says no)

Schools emphasize family ties and cooperative environment

Students enthusiastically participate in classroom discussions (Sal says students are quiet)

Teachers get physically close to students and use touch (Sal says no)

Education In Mexico

Mexican students work at a relaxed pace Mexican students put emphasis on doing

a good job Mexican students are not dominated by

the clock Sal Valdivia says some of these

generalizations may only apply to private schools

Education In Mexico

Sal Valdivia says Mexican law only requires students to attend school until the age of 12 or 6th grade

Most students do not attend high school Mexican teachers are friends with their

students (Sal says no) Teachers are autocratic, yet sensitive

(Teachers are aloof)

Communication Styles And The Educational Setting Direct versus indirect

– Americans– Chinese, Japanese, Native Americans

Formal versus informal communication– Americans– Egypt, Turkey, Taiwan

Relational Styles And The Educational Setting Participatory versus passive learning

– Many Hispanic and Asian cultures passive learning

– American culture tends toward active learning

Reflectivity versus impulsivity– American students taught quickly respond– Asian and Native Americans slower

response

Cultural Variations: Causes of Illness Many people of Asian origin may view

illness as an imbalance between yin and yang

Yin is passive, feminine, wet, dark, cold Yang is active, masculine, light, heat,

dryness Many traditional Mexicans and Puerto

Ricans believe illness caused by imbalance

Cultural Variations: Causes of Illness In four humors (blood, yellow bile,

phlegm, black bile) African, Haitian, Jamaican, and Native

American peoples perceive illness result of disharmony with nature

Hmong believe bad winds and evil spirits can cause illness

Cultural Variations: Treatment of Illness Chinese use acupuncture to restore balance

between yin and yang Chinese use herbal remedies Hmong use shamans to enter spiritual world Mien use healing ceremonies Mexicans use folk healers(Curanderos),

emphasis on restoring balance with God, relationships

Cultural Variations: Prevention of Illness U.S emphasis on physical exams,

exercise, good nutrition Many Muslims use Koran to protect them

from illness Mexicans and Puerto Ricans use charms

inscribed with magic symbols or sayings Candles, herbs, crystals, statues of saints

are used

Cultural Variations: Prevention of Illness Many cultures avoid violating cultural

taboos Some Native Americans taboo to cut

child’s hair Some Native Americans attach a

medicine bundle to chest of a child Some cultures don’t believe in

prevention strategies

Male Dominance

Male dominance in Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, Asia, and Africa

Male makes all major decisions in traditional Mexican households

Little credibility given to female doctors and nurses

Male Dominance

Little credibility given to female doctors and nurses

Saudi Arabian men answer all questions directed at their wives for doctor visits

Male child often receives preferential medical treatment

Formality

Many Asian, Mexican, and European cultures value formality in language use

Asian patient may be shocked when doctor addresses him by his first name

Many cultures it is extremely important not to be rude or disrespectful to authority figures

Formality

Many cultures authority figures not to be disagreed with or challenged