International and Cross Cultural Communication - Term Paper Example

?International and Cross Cultural Communication Introduction The world and its people, since ‘origination’, have evolved into different and distinct groups, based on sizable number of factors. That is, people have segregated and organized themselves (actually they are still organizing as it is an ongoing process) into different groups mainly on the basis of their geographical territories and cultures, and also due to historical reasons. Importantly, geographical territories in the form of countries, provinces, counties, etc, are the key formations, as people exhibiting particular cultures have organized themselves into those geographical territories. Thus, when a country is focused, majority of the people there will exhibit or follow particular culture or vice versa. As Inda and Rosaldo (2008, pg.13) state, each “country embodies its own distinctive culture that the term culture is simply appended to the names of the nation states”. Although, there could be cultural diversity, there could be key cultural elements which will give identity to the country, and could be viewed as the culture of that country. For example, United States of America and India are lands of diversity or multicultural societies, as people belonging to different religion, race, ethnicity, etc, live there, exhibiting different cultures. Although, there is extensive diverseness, certain common cultural elements are viewed as the cultures of those two countries. This perspective was pointed out by Chandra and Mahajan (2007), who stated that although multiculturalism and diversity are prominently found in United States and India, both are integrating and assimilating on certain aspects, albeit at different pace. This diversity as well as commonalities makes the cultures of both United States and India an interesting ‘collage’. So, when these two ‘collages’ of cultures are compared, it will be give not only interesting but also insightful perspectives. The other reasons why these two cultures are focused is because, United States and India are two of the key global players, two of the biggest democracies, prominent economic powers and importantly has sizable population chunk of the world. As Hupe (1995), states although Aristotle held that a state needs to be small geographically and population wise in order to keep democracy alive, India and America are refuting him by having a functional democracy even while being two of the most populous nations of the world. The other correlation between US and India was pointed out by Schuman (2011) who stated that US became the strongest economy on the planet as a democracy, with democratic India matching success for success with authoritarian China. With US and India being key countries, understanding their cultures, including the similarities and differences between those cultures as mentioned above, could provide interesting and insightful perspectives Value differences between Indian culture and American culture As pointed out above, United States of America is a multicultural society as well as land of diversity in the complete sense because people from different race, religion, ethnicity, cultures, language, etc., live there ‘adopting’ it as their home. With America itself a ‘new’ country, when viewed from historically perspective, with minimal native population, sizable number of current population were from other places. Thus, America can also be viewed is a land of immigrants, although the majority population of White Americans and also the African American population have been settled in the country for centuries and so they cannot be called as immigrants. The culture of the United States, known as the Western culture because of its location in the western hemisphere, has a lot of influences from the British culture, due to the rule of Britishers over USA from 17th to19th centuries. The culture of British spread to USA in the form of English language, religion, costumes etc. Thus, the culture followed by the majority White population has origins in Britain, although their culture has evolved so much, that there are only minimal connections. As far as the African Americans are concerned, they came from Africa, and later from the Caribbean countries and the Central and South American countries. They brought majority of their cultures, and this culture continues in their population through the current generations, however with modifications in tune with changing times. However, sizable sections have entered the country in the recent past, and they constitute the immigrant population. Among them, majority are the Hispanics which included Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans and Colombian Americans. Because of the increase in their population, they are on the verge of becoming the largest minority group in America, surpassing even the African American population. “For a country long used to seeing itself as black and white, it will be something of a shock when Hispanics become the nation's largest minority group in five years and fully one-quarter of the population by mid-century.” (Robinson, 2000). Although, these immigrant populations are exhibiting different cultures, they are also trying to integrate and assimilate with the mainstream culture. The mainstream culture consists of sizable cultural components of the White Americans, along with the other minority groups. As pointed out earlier, India is also the home to various religion, language, caste, etc. “…since India is a secular pluralist state that is home to every religion known to mankind” (Tharoor, 2007, pg.14). However, unlike America, the diversity does not arise because different ethnicity people, but due to the different religions as well as languages that are followed and spoken respectively by the people. That is, although, India also has Tibetan immigrants and some Asian immigrants, their numbers are minimal, and so India have not received immigrants on the same scale as America, with the diversity arising mainly because of the different languages spoken by the people. Although, Hindi is the national language, majority of the states in India have separate language. As there are close to 30 states of provinces, India has around 22 official or scheduled languages including Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, etc, etc.. The distinct language spoken by people in particular geographical territories have led to the formation of different cultures. Although the difference is not maximal, each state has their, own distinct culture. This is further compounded by the number of religions in India. As India is home to all the major religions of the world including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, etc., different language speaking people further diversify culturally, if their religious aspects are incorporated into it. For example, although people in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu all speak Tamil, there are some cultural differences between a Tamil speaking Hindu and a Tamil speaking Muslim. Speaking about the languages, the only connecting factor between America and India is the language of English and the British influence. As India was also ruled by British for a period of 300 years, like America, the English language left over by the British has now become a sort of unofficial national language of India, spoken by sizable portion of the population. So, when one looks at the key cultural value differences between American culture and Indian culture it can be implied that, although both are lands of diversity with multicultural societies, the diverseness arise due to different factors. The American culture has become diverse due to immigrants, while Indian culture is more diverse because of the different languages and religions. Predominant religious beliefs When it comes to religious beliefs that are prominent in the American and Indian culture, there are key differences. As pointed out briefly above, although America is land of diversity with people following different religions, majority of the population practice Christianity. That is, along with the White population who has been practicing Christianity, most of the immigrants groups, who entered America, also practiced Christianity, thus making it the prominent religion. Christianity, the monotheistic religion with the highest number of followers in the world, is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christianity is the biggest religion in the world having more than 2.1 billion followers all around the world, with America being the country with the highest Christian population followed by Brazil. Jesus by presenting sermons and by performing miracles only ‘seeded’ and contributed to the formation of Christianity, thus becoming its divine being. Theirs holy book is Bible and it is only regarded as the guide for life, as it lists all the ideologies of Christianity. Bible also lists numerous ethical attitudes and all are based on the sermons, Jesus gave to his disciples. “during his sermons, he preached about service and humility, the forgiveness of sin, faith, turning the other cheek, love for one's enemies as well as friends, and the need to follow the spirit of the law in addition to the letter” (Oldenboom, 2008). So, the main goal of Christianity is to impose faith in the God and live a life immersed in Godliness and Goodness. In Christianity, women are treated fairly without any subjugation, but they are most often excluded from Church leadership. As followers of Christianity will maximally attend the Church every Sunday, they follow various tenets of Christianity as part of their daily lives. Thus, it is clear that Christianity and its beliefs impact the Americans’ culture and their way of life, although people belonging to other religions are impacted by their own religious beliefs. This prominence of Christianity is slightly in contrast to the religious beliefs in India. Although, Hinduism is the majority religion in India, other prominent religions of the world like Christianity, Buddhism and Islam are also practiced by sizable number of people. Hinduism, one of the oldest polytheistic religions of the world, had its origins in India. Vishnu, Siva and Shakti are the main Gods or divine beings of Hinduism, whose lineage appears to be mostly mythical as they did not ‘live’ among common people. Most of the ideologies and ethics of the practicing Hindus are mentioned in its holy book, Bhagavad Gita. Majority of the Hindus go to the temple and follow the teachings of particular Gods. As part of ethical attitude, the Hindus believe that every individual’s life will be based on the actions or Karma of their previous life. If an individual carries out good actions, he/she will be a beneficiary of good things in the present life as well as in the next life, but if they do bad actions they will face repercussions. In Hinduism, women are treated fairly without much suppression, with many feminine form of the divine worshipped by people. Thus, religious beliefs of Hindus are impacting their daily lifestyle. On the same lines, followers of Buddhism in India are also trying to live peaceful on the basis of Buddhist teachings. Buddhism, a polytheistic religion, also had its origins in India. Gautama Siddhartha spread his principles and thoughts, which only came to be known as Buddhism. However, he is not considered as their main God and is only venerated in different shrines. The main goal of the religion and their basic ideologies is that people following Buddhism should live a simple and peaceful life, without exhibiting any violent streak. So, the ethical attitude of the Buddhists is not to harm anybody by actions or even through spoken words. When it comes to Islam, it is widely practiced in India, with India being the home to the third largest Muslim population in the after Indonesia and Pakistan. Islam is a monotheistic religion, which originated from the teachings of Muhammad, an Arab religious figure. Muslims does not believe in any visible God, but pray their invisible god, Allah. Thus, it is clear that, in India, many more religions are followed by the people in an extensive manner than in America, where Christianity is followed prominently. Although, there are differences in the religious beliefs, both in America and India, religion play a major role in impacting the daily lives of the people. Social and gender roles viewed in this culture When the focus is shifted towards the social and gender roles prevalent in the American and the Indian culture, clear differences exist, however, the wide gulf seems to be bridging in the current times. The American society is more open and modern, when compared to the Indian society. Although, Indian society has opened up sizably, there are still sections in the Indian society which exhibit traditional and orthodox leanings. “To India, America represents democracy and modernity; to America, India is a diverse traditional society with modern democracy.” (Khare, 1985, pg.15). The roles of the people in both the society are defined by certain sets of factors, which race, caste, financial status, etc. Among these factors, race and caste play key social roles in the American and Indian culture respectively. At the same time, caste issues are not found in America, while in India racial issues does not make a major impact. In America, race issues particularly Racism against African American population have a longstanding history. Although, this racism has reduced sizably, it is still an issue in the American society. Racism is an issue that had its roots since the earliest practices of Slavery, which date back to the early 1600s. There is a view, that the African Americans are viewed inferiorly and negatively, thereby not providing them with equal opportunities in various spheres of life from jobs, education, etc. Currently, particularly in the post-9/11 period, the Muslims are complaining that their social roles are stereotyped, and all of them are viewed as radicals or even as terrorists. The same accusations of marginalization of social roles was also visible in India, with the minorities like Muslims and Christians are complaining that they are not treated fairly, with certain sections among them even being attacked. In India caste systems also define the social roles of the people, with people from certain supposed ‘upper’ castes dominating the social sphere due to certain religious and historical reasons. Although, the Indian government has implemented Reservation policies to provide equal opportunities for the people belonging to the low caste, still social roles of individuals are formulated based on their castes. When it comes to gender roles also, there are differences in the American and the Indian culture. With the American society opening up optimally, women are playing major roles in their personal, professional as well as social lives. Women in the American culture were able to gain a lot more gender prominence as they initiated various people movements and philosophies like Liberal Feminism. Liberal feminism, had its roots in 1960s and 1970s, with its tenets being more personal in nature as well as open and straightforward, like stop calling a wife “the little woman,” use Ms. instead of Mrs. or Miss. (Lorber, 2001). In addition, liberal feminism wanted the men to allow the women to study as much as she wants and choose a profession of their own liking, instead of pushing them to early marriage and child care. With this backing, the policies of the various ‘stakeholders’, particularly business organizations has to be reoriented in favor of their women employees. However on the other hand, gender roles in India were skewed against the Indian women. In majority of the areas in India, women are still viewed or stereotyped as the inferior sex, whose only role in life is to take care of their husbands as a docile wife and be a caregiver to their children. Although, Indian women of current times are taking positive steps in various fields and are shining outside the confines of their homes with Indian having strongest Political leaders like Sonia Gandhi, the above mentioned stereotypes are still held by the men as well as the by the society. Family structure When it comes to family structures in both the culture, there are exists key differences. In America, nuclear families exist widely, while in India there is an equal proportion of nuclear as well as joint families. As the children in America are made to live an independent from their childhood, they move out of their families during their educational as well as professional period of life. Thus, when they get married, they will start to have their own nuclear family. Although, this family structure is emerging in India also, sizable sections of the population live as part of joint families, with the children particularly the boys or males living with their parents, even after they have a career of their own and also even after they have been married. However, when it comes to social occasions, the Americans will involve their immediate as well as their extended families or family members. This is particularly visible during weddings, with wedding being viewed as a personal, religious and even a social event. In America, the normal process of marriage will start with men and women dating without any need for parents’ approval, then proposing and the eventual marriage in the Church with the family. However, in India, sizable number of the marriages, are arranged marriages, with the groom and bride being matched by the parents. Although, the new generation Indian boys and girls are following the Western system of dating followed by the marriage, with or even without parents’ approval, the tradition of arranged marriages is maximally prevalent. “Indian parents’ exaggerated concern with dating is disguised as a concern for cultural preservation, but is really about controlling women’s sexuality” (Sinha, 2005). Apart from these differences, there are some similarities between the Indian and American family structure, particularly among the American immigrant population, in the way the elders are respected. Members of all the Hispanic groups give respect to the elders in the family including parents, grand parents, etc. They will normally avoid eye contact when authority figures speak to them or they speak to the elder members. Also, they use limited vocal expressions against superior or authority figures. Likewise, Indians also hold the elder members of the family in respect and even in awe. They would not speak loudly in front of them. They will seek blessings from the elders by touching their feet, on festivals and when they go on new initiatives. So, in both the cultures, an element of respect will be visible in their exchanges with elders, however White Americans may not exhibit it openly. Education system The education system in both America and India are on similar lines, albeit with some differences. Both the education system involves 12 years of school education, which involves primary and secondary education in United States while high school and secondary school in the case of India. The schooling can be followed by Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees, which will be in line with their professional aspirations. However, the main difference regarding the study of “professional programs is that, while Indians can take up professional degree programs after completion of their secondary (+2) education,” students in America “have to first complete their Bachelor’s (a four-year degree) and then take up professional degree programs.” (“Education System”). When the educational system in both countries, is focused from cultural perspective, it provides some more differences. That is, in United States education is provided to children without any social or cultural aspects impeding it. However, in the case of India, children could be deprived of formal education because of family restrictions, economic status, etc, thus leading to child labor. Instead of sending for a formal education, children in India are taught family business skills at work place and their homes, so they can take over that work when they grow up. Thus, it is a cultural thing, because children are more often employed in various industries to assist their parents or guardians. In addition, due to social distancing prevalent in India, children from the so called lower castes are not welcomed into the education system by the village elders, teachers and even fellow students and their family. This results in high dropout of these kids from school, thereby leading to child labor. This culture related child labor problem is not prevalent in the American education system. However, when other issues plaguing the American Education system is focused, it is being stated that current education curriculum is not enriched enough and updated to provide the children with optimal knowledge and skill. In addition, conditions of some of the American public schools appear to be inferior. “Walk into any public school, and the odds are good that you'll find overflowing classrooms, leaking ceilings, and demoralized teachers. In 1 out of 4 schools, you'll find students "learning" from textbooks published in the 1980s-or earlier.” (Moore). Information for cultural adjustment From the above comparison of the American and the Indian culture, it is clear that both cultures have certain similarities as well as differences. When these aspects are understood, it could be beneficial for the individuals who go to these countries as part of their work assignment or study. Although, these similarities and differences expand to a whole cultural sphere, when it is viewed from expatriate employees’ and students’ perspective, certain aspects can be focused. The earlier mentioned difference of America being an open and modern society, and India being a closed and traditional society, will be visible in business organizations. That is, management style in American companies could be open management without much of hierarchy. So, all the employees from the CEO to a security guard could have open interactions, and would call each other by their names, and not by any respectful terms like sir, madam, mister (Mr.), etc. However in India, the traditional and hierarchy filled society, as well as the organizations and its leaders would expect the subordinates to address them with respectful terms. As pointed out earlier, in India, there are close to 30 states, each having different languages, customs and different cultures. So, instead of viewing the Indian culture as a wholesome entity or practice, workers and students entering India has to learn about the culture of the place or state, where they are going. In America, issues surrounding race are always sensitive, so the entering employees and students have to understand the commonly held view about certain racial factors, before uttering any word or before carrying out any actions. Thus, it is clear that understanding countries’ cultures, even if is minimally, will aid the people of other countries to integrate and assimilate with the society easily when they enter into that country, for some constructive purposes. References Chandra, B and Mahajan, S. (2007). Composite culture in a multicultural society. Pearson Education India. “Education System.” Impel Overseas Education. Retrieved from: http://www.impeloverseas.com/StudyAbroad/USA/USA-Education- System.aspx Hupe, R. S. (1995). Democracy and American foreign policy: reflections on the legacy of Alexis de Tocqueville. Transaction Publishers. Inda, J. X. and Rosaldo, R (2008). The anthropology of globalization. Wiley- Blackwell. Khare, R. S. (1985). Culture and democracy: anthropological reflections on modern India. University Press of America Lorber, J. (2001). Gender inequality: feminist theories and politics. Roxbury Publications. Moore, M. (2004). Stupid white men: and other sorry excuses for the state of the nation! Penguin Book Publishers. Oldenboom, E. (2008). Dalai Lama, Tibetan People and Jesus Christ. Retrieved from: http://oldenboom.typepad.com/blog/2008/03/dalai-lama-tibe.html Robinson, L. (2000). The Real Multinationals. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/03/05/reviews/000305.05robinst.html?_r=1 Sinha, C. (2005). “Being Indian” and “Being American”: Exploring the Social Space of Second-Generation Indian American Dating. Georgia State University Schuman, M. (2011). Can democracy solve the West’s economic problems? Retrieved from: http://curiouscapitalist.blogs.time.com/2011/08/03/can- democracy-solve-the-west%E2%80%99s-economic-problems/ Tharoor, S. (2007). The elephant, the tiger, and the cell phone: reflections on India, the emerging 21st-century power. Arcade Publishers. Read More