Cultural Awareness - Essay Example

A third and final assumption that I had formed was that the way to be effective while dealing with other cultures was just to be yourself. All these assumptions had been instilled in me as I grew up and had led me to form such stereotypes about the different cultures (Gaston 2). After the “exploring differences” CDT assignments, my worldview on culture has completely changed. I became aware of the relationship that exists between language, identity, and culture. Language is a paramount tool through which meaning is formed as we interact.

It is also important that as we communicate with others, we form some kind of linguistic code. I also learned that culture offers an individual identity and a sense of belonging. Culture distinguishes the different people and it is mandatory to share the good about our different cultures. In the beginning, as an overseas student, I was faced with culture shock and for a while, I had lost my identity, but now I understand that it was a necessary experience and an essential process of adaptation into a new society (Gaston 8).

In conclusion, the way to solve misconceptions and learn new things is to grow and change a personal perspective about different cultures. One can also become more curious and become conscious of their emotional responses to the different cultures they encounter.