Cross-Cultural Connections - Essay Example

The author of the paper states that due to globalization, civilization, and increased ease and speed of transportation from one corner of the globe to another, cultures have traveled to new areas rather fast (Elmer 86). It is thus imperative that people know what to expect when they encounter new cultures and how to deal with the resultant culture shock so that they may truly connect with the new cultures. One value of connecting with other cultures is that one has the opportunity to compare different cultures and lives, enabling us to examine our own lives’ views and postulations (Elmer 35).

Further, meeting and interacting with other cultures allows one to look at cultural assumptions from different viewpoints. In interconnecting with other cultures such as Chinese, South American, and Japanese cultures, it is of the essence that one looks out for and avoids cultural pitfalls and exploits every opportunity that is helpful in the building of positive cross-cultural relationships. For immigrants and established cultures to attain a level of cross-cultural understanding that creates comfort in society, sound social and cultural interactions are in order.

In fact, these social and cultural interactions are not only essential for communal comfort but also for a widened appreciation of all cultures. Cross-cultural and social interactions also direct people’s attention to the commonalities among cultures that unite people while diminishing the differences that could divide them. As a matter of fact, cross-cultural interactions have improved the relationship among communities, more so immigrant and resident cultures that constantly compete for jobs and other resources (Smith 2).

Therefore an integrated process in which new and old cultures are treated equally and benefit one another should be encouraged for the general enrichment of the recipient society.  Because cultures play such integral and defining roles in society’s worldview and identity, it should remain the basic framework for interacting with others, be it in community centers, school, grocery shops, or parks. Notwithstanding the venues of these interactions, it is important that exact information on cultures is disseminated in frank discussions for the sole purpose of eliminating or reducing misperceptions and misunderstandings, which hamper social and cultural integration and oneness (Smith 4).

There are numerous real-life illustrations and tools on how an individual may avoid or reduce cross-cultural apprehension and communicate effectively, and establish trust and acceptance across cultures. Instead of being cultural imperialists, people should be authentic ambassadors of their cultures whether just traveling or living among different cultures (Smith 5). There are several tips that have been rather useful in promoting cross-cultural interconnectivity. First, people should travel to and interact extensively with other cultures to feel and understand them.

Instead of traveling with own people, one should travel and meet the local communities in the visited country and try to ask about things not understood from own cultural perspective. It has also been established that listening more and talking less could helping in addressing one’s curiosity about certain aspects of new cultures. Further, cross-cultural relations require an open mind instead of a judgmental one since what one sees may not be the truth.