by Ron
What are my cultural habits and are they suitable for the culture I am going
into?
I met Sarah Lanier in France many years ago and she gave me her book Foreign
to Familiar. I have found it the most helpful for understanding different cultures.
She has lived in numerous countries and travels internationally as a consultant
and lecturer on culture.
What Lanier does is divide the world into two halves: hot-climate cultures
and cold-climate cultures. You then figure out where you are and then figure out
where you are going into.
Here are six culture touch points you need to understand if you are going to
live successfully in another culture.
- Relationship Versus Task Orientation
Relationship – Hot Climate Cultures
- Are relationship based.
- Communication creates a ‘feel-good’ atmosphere.
- Though the individuals may be otherwise, their society is feeling-oriented.
- Efficiency and time do not take priority over the person.
- It is inappropriate to ‘talk business” upon first arriving at a business
meeting or making a business phone call.
Task – Cold Climate Cultures - Are task oriented.
- Communication must provide accurate information.
- Though individuals may be otherwise, society is logic oriented.
- Efficiency and time are high priorities and taking them seriously is a
statement of respect for the other person.
2. Direct Versus Indirect Communication
Indirect Communication – Hot Climate Cultures
- It’s all about being friendly.
- Every question must be phrased in such a way as to not offend by its
directness. - Use a third party for accurate information if you sense that a direct question
will be too harsh, or not get the results you are seeking. - A ‘yes’ may not be an answer to your question; it may be the first step in
beginning a friendly interchange. Or verbal compliance may be required by
the culture. Therefore, avoid yes-or-no questions. - Avoid embarrassing people.
Direct Communication – Cold Climate Cultures - Short, direct questions show respect for the person’s time, as well as
professionalism. - A ‘yes’ is a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ is a ‘no’. There are no hidden meanings.
- An honest, direct answer is information only. It does not reflect how the
person feels about you. - You can say what you think (nicely), and it will usually not be taken
personally.
3. Individualism Versus Group Orientation
Group-Oriented – Hot Climate Cultures
- I belong, therefore I am.
- My identity is tied to the group (family, tribe, etc.).
- The group protects and provides for me.
- Taking initiative within a group is greatly determined by my role.
- I do not expect to have to stand alone.
- My behaviour reflects on the whole group.
- Team members expect direction from the leader.
Individualistic – Cold Climate Cultures - I am a self-standing person with my own identity.
- Every individual should have an opinion and can speak for themselves.
- Taking initiative within a group is good and expected.
- One must know how to make one’s own decisions.
- My behaviour reflects on me, not on the group.
- 4. Inclusion Versus Privacy
- Inclusion – Hot Climate Culture
- Are group-oriented cultures.
- Individuals know they are automatically included in conversations, meals,
and the other activities of the group. - Possessions are to be used freely by all: food, tools, etc.
- It is not desirable to be left to oneself.
- It is rude to hold a private conversation or make plans that exclude others
present.
Privacy – Cold Climate Cultures - People enjoy having time and space for themselves.
- People are expected to ask permission to borrow something or to interrupt
a conversation. - Each person is considered to be the steward of his or her possessions and
has the responsibility to maintain and protect them. - In a community setting, it might be common to label one’s food, tools, etc.
to set them apart from the group’s common possessions. - It is acceptable to hold private conversations or make exclusive plans with
a few people, not including everyone.
5. Different Concepts of Hospitality
Hot Climates
- Hospitality is spontaneous, often without an advance invitation.
- It is the context for a relationship (even a business relationship).
- Hospitality usually takes place in the home.
- The host fully takes care of the needs of the guest. The guest pays for nothing.
- A gift is usually expected.
- Food and drink are involved.
- Travelers are taken in and provided for.
Cold Climates - Hospitality is taken very seriously and is planned for.
- It is usually not as spontaneous. The host usually needs advance notice of
a visit. - Travellers are expected to make their own arrangements other than what
has been specifically communicated to the host ahead of time.
26
Know How to Survive in Another Culture - Guests need to expect to pay for their transportation and restaurants if
visiting in North America. If hosts plan to pay, they usually will say so. - Hospitality is a special occasion, taking the full attention of the host.
6. Different Concepts of Time and Planning
Hot-Climate Cultures
- Are not as oriented toward the clock as cold-climate cultures.
- Are event-oriented.
- Are spontaneous and flexible in their approach to life.
- Respond to what life brings.
- Consider saving time not as important as experiencing the moment.
- Recognize structure is required in some areas of life (the military, for
example). - Have informal visiting as part of the event.
Cold-Climate Cultures - Are time-oriented.
- Are structured in their approach to life.
- Enjoy using time efficiently.
- Try to plan their day, and saving time is a value.
- Expect the event, dinner, the arrival of a guest, or a meeting to begin at
the time announced. Visiting or informal chatting happens before or after
the event.
Next Steps
- Look for a ‘cultural interpreter’, a person who can explain the culture to
you, a fellow foreigner who has already transitioned well into this culture
may be a better coach than a local person. - Search the internet to find resources other foreigners have found useful in
a certain culture. - Learn something about the history, religion, and background of your
country and people group. - Before departing, if possible, find people from the culture who can inform
you about their homeland. - Learn phrases in the local language.
- Go, listening and observing.
A useful quote that has stuck with me over the years was from the Wycliffe
anthropologist, Dr. Marvin Mayers, “Build a bridge of trust strong enough to bear
the weight of truth.“
So, do locals and your new work associates trust you yet? How strong is your
bridge? Have you worked hard enough to build trust in your new relationships –
it does take time. Understandably, this likely doesn’t happen within a week or a
month’s visit in another culture
Download all 16 tips in this e-book https://www.cmacan.org/resources/on-mission/
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