Why is Cultural Understanding Important?

Cultural understanding is very important in our globalized society. Some cultures are more open, allowing you the perception that is relatively easily understood, but then you reach some kind of cultural "barrier” that does not allow you to go any further. This is why despite being important and a strong competence to develop, having a good cultural understanding is not easy and requires time.

As examples of why misunderstandings occurred of when we reach a cultural "barrier", we could consider the difference in cultures, Asian cultures or southern European cultures seem a bit easier in people interactions or more "open" sometimes. On the other hand, we have for example the Scandinavian cultures which are more difficult to crack in the beginning, but once you have done so, they are more open on the inside.

Try to imagine this with a fruit analogy. Every culture is sort of a different fruit. Some cultures are like watermelons, with a tough exterior that initially makes it challenging to access their true essence. However, once you crack them open, you'll discover their inner warmth and richness. On the other hand, there are cultures that resemble peaches, appearing soft and easily approachable on the surface. However, you may eventually encounter a barrier that prevents you from delving deeper. These seemingly open cultures can sometimes mask complexities beneath their initial accessibility. It's important to recognize that true cultural understanding requires going beyond surface-level interactions and actively seeking a deeper connection.

No matter which culture you are trying to understand, each of them has its own characteristic. The key takeaway is to develop the right competency to identify in which cluster, or "fruit category" a culture belongs. Once you do this then you will be able to understand it easier and adjust your communication and approach accordingly.

Cultural Awareness

The further we explore the world the more we should prepare when it comes to cultural understanding. This holds on most occasions; a trip from Europe to Asia will require much deeper cultural understanding and personal effort compared to a trip within the same continent. Cultural awareness is probably one of the most important skills that will determine to what extent living or working abroad will be successful. It is also the one which will take the longest time and effort to master and for some, may never be fully understood. Any progress in truly understanding another country’s culture and ethics will be both visible and impactful in all aspects of your everyday life whenever you interact.

There are several sources of information and approaches when it comes to cultural awareness. The one which I found most helpful is by starting to approach this whole topic by losing a bit of my guard and allowing new perspectives.  For example, if you are on a long-term expatriation or in general in new surroundings, approach this as a sort of another trip or a short holiday adventure. Begin by seeking information from travel guides or documentaries, it will provide you with a first good overview of what is that country most known for and most visited for. This will allow you to see the place you are or plan to go, from a new angle. Once you get a first understanding then you can choose also to dive a little bit into the history behind it, knowing the history of your new destination will indicate both a high interest once you start socializing and also will help you make easier sense of what you observe.

How culturally aware am I?

Although this could have several layers, the first indication of how much culturally aware you are will be shown in your social etiquette. It's essential to begin by understanding what is considered acceptable in your own culture and then strive to uncover whether the same norms apply to the culture you are exploring.

Consider this journey as an opportunity for discovery, recognizing that it may take time to adapt to various aspects such as handling appointments, respecting personal space, and exhibiting appropriate behavior towards women, elders, and children. Patience is important as you immerse yourself in these cultural intricacies.. Further details on this topic can be found in our book, including how to reach a level of unconscious correct reaction to a different culture.

Similarly, work etiquette presents a distinct yet crucial dimension. If you choose to live and work abroad, investing special attention in comprehending work-related cultural norms becomes essential.

Alternatively, seeking professional assistance in this matter is highly recommended. The effort and time invested in acquiring this knowledge are worthwhile, particularly when planning a long-term stay in a foreign country. To begin, we suggest consulting our recommended book, which provides valuable insights on this subject matter.