The difference Between Indonesian and Amercian Culture - Research Paper Example

The Difference between Indonesian Culture and American Culture Introduction Cultural differences are common in many societies and are maintained as the cornerstone of acceptable interactions between people. The cultural differences are witnesses in terms of a country’s geography, ethnic experiences, customs, and traditions. In this way, they vary in social, religious, and language functions that contribute in the virtues and traits that people adhere to. The Indonesian and American culture have different characteristics as discussed below (Wanning). Indonesian Culture The Indonesian culture is basically focused on their ethnic customs and a bit of foreign practices. Their official language is called Indonesian or in their terms “Bahasa Indonesian” which was formed through the Malay dialect. There are other regional dialects that the people of Indonesian use like Minangkabau or Javanese, which are spoken at home, or social places. However, the official language “Indonesian” is acceptable in schools, official functions, and at workplaces (Forshee 47). Indonesians appreciate the value of communal effort by coming together in groups, village, or island to complete tasks. They mainly define themselves in terms of ethnic setting, family, and birth place. Indonesian family structure is largely traditional in nature while members of the family adhere to strict roles and interdependence eon each other. Hierarchical relationships are vital to ensure that respect is given to individuals with status, power, position, and even age. This is common in the village administration and office where the senior person has the right to generate ideas and decisions. The superiors are refereed by “bapak” or “ibu” which is a title that means leader, father, or madam (Forshee 44). Indonesian strive to maintain group unity and therefore, the idea of “face” is crucial. It is apparent that the people try enormously to avoid causing shame “malu” especially in public places. In this way, they watch how they speak and interact by avoiding behaviors of ridicule or shouting at another person. In the same manner, they ensure that one does not blame another in public. For instance, they phrase words in a way that the other individual would not be offended even when being turned down. It is actually true that the words “yes” and “no” have more than twelve meanings for each of them that are used politely (“The Latest! Cultural Clues….”). Greetings within the Indonesian community take a formal notion and this is appreciated as a way of showing respect. Handshakes is the form of greeting and followed by the term “Selamat,” while most Indonesians often give a slight bow, or place the hands on the heart after the hand shake. When a visitor is introduced a group of people, one must greet the eldest person first and use their titles to show respect. When it comes to giving gifts the process will be determined by the ethnicity of the receiver. For instance, is a person is of Chinese Indonesian descent, it is good to initially refuse a gift before taking it. This is an indication that the receiver is not a greedy person and therefore acceptable in the community. This community also advocates that items like scissors and knives cannot be given as gifts because it signifies trying to split a relationship. For Indonesian Muslims alcohol is forbidden and all gifts must be “halal.” Items that are not halal are things that include alcoholic components and those with pork byproducts like gelatin. Gifts must be given to the receiver using the right hand only to indicate respect and should not be unwrapped immediately (“The Latest! Cultural Clues…”). Dining is done in a relaxed and organized manner in Indonesian culture. Food is set in the middle and visitors have to wait for an invitation before beginning to eat. Dressing among Indonesians is conservative especially among the women. Women put on clothes that must cover everywhere including the ankles and neck. In business meetings, Indonesian takes it as time to get to know an individual without any rushed decisions. “Jam Karet” is a common phrase they use to indicate that they are not in a hurry since time is flexible. People enter the meeting room according to the rank of an individual in the society. The superior person is said to be “seat of the soul” which means that one has a bigger say. In this respect, touching a person’s head is strictly forbidden even if one is a child. Public displays of affection like kissing are not acceptable in any instance as it is viewed as a sign of disrespect. Only physical contact between people of the same sex is acceptable such that a girl can hold a friend’s hand without any problems (Sylvester). American Culture American culture is created by arrivals of immigrants with 83% being of European, Latin or Middle East ancestry, 12% African Americans, 3% Asian heritage, and a small 1% native American. The English language is the official language accepted in America but those that understand it often speak others like Spanish. Greetings among Americans are not formal since there is the perception that everyone is equal. In most cases, including formal meetings casual greetings like “Hello” or even “How are you?” are common. It is rare for American to shake hands in social gatherings even when leaving the event. American respond to greetings with words like “Fine” and greetings do not meant one needs information about a person’s well-being bur rather it is a simple pleasantry (Wanning 143). The family component in America is mostly accepted as nuclear and is mostly small. Many families have a one, two, or three children while the extended relatives have their own homes. Titles and names are not perceived as sacred in America, a person can mispronounce a name and laugh about it or address the individual with an alternative name when the family name is complex to pronounce. When meeting a person and one is not aware of their names using terms like “Mr.,” Miss,” "Mrs.,” or even “Ms.,” is most prudent. Further, it is important to have a respectable tone when speaking with others including in public places. Words like “thank you,” “please,” and “excuse me” are necessary to talk with others politely. However, Americans do not shy aware from interacting with strangers and often start conversations with them easily (Bloch). Mainly American offers each other gifts during birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas holidays. A person can offer any simple gifts as long as it is not anything illegal, and when invited into someone’s home it good to carry a bottle of wine or some flowers. When in social gathering it is good to respect “personal space” to avoid making others uncomfortable. Americans appreciate when others do not touch them aimlessly or ask personal questions directly. Socialization happens in homes and “backyards” including in restaurants as well as other public spaces. Table manners are not strict as people often use a fork and knife to eat. A person can refuse additional food and drinks without offending anyone. It is however, good to allow the host to welcome people to serve to show respect (Bloch). Dressing in social events and normal occasions is not restricted in American culture. People put on any clothes they feel comfortable in and it is common to see women in tight fitting or short attires. Dressing for business or work is however, restricted to formal wear with men having a suit, tie, socks, and fitting shoes. Women in offices also dress formally without putting on a lot of makeup. They also need to avoid glittery or flashy jewelry, short dresses, and low cut neckline blouses. In terms of hand signals, there are those that are considered rude and vulgar and should be avoided. For instance, showing someone the index finger is bad manners. However, signs like “ok” which is done by circling the thumb and index finger is acceptable. The other is “V” which is accomplished by raising the middle and index finger alone but independently to indicate victory (Gregg, McDonogh and Wong 254). Business meetings are taken seriously in America and there is no need to make friendships. Money is the main issue in the discussion and therefore, social remarks like those meant to deter someone from “losing face” are not considered. Plans and proposals are analyzed directly because of the spirit of “time is money.” Further, American people do not appreciate ethnic and religious comments or jokes and are strictly shunned. Sports and weather topics are best for “breaking ice” which means starting a comfortable conversation (Wanning 209). Conclusion The Indonesian and American culture differ greatly in terms of social, religious, and business interactions. Indonesians assume a traditional and conservative form of acceptable lifestyle but Americans appreciate modern and easygoing lifestyle. In this respect, Indonesians value strong community ties while Americans appreciate them but are not necessarily core in their undertakings. Works Cited Bloch, Lyudmila. An Honest Look at the American Culture: Strengths and Shortcomings, February 19, 2013. Web. September 17, 2013. < http://www.etiquetteoutreach.com/blog_new-york-etiquette-guide/bid/89582/An-Honest-Look-at-the-American-Culture-Strengths-and-Shortcomings> “The Latest! Cultural Clues: Do’s & Taboos A series of cultural tips for countries from A to Z Communication Guidelines for Indonesia”, Circles of Excellence. September 20, 2011. Web. September 17, 2013. Forshee, Jill. Culture and Customs of Indonesia. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Gregg, Robert, McDonogh, Gary and Wong, Cindy. Encyclopaedia of Contemporary American Culture. London: Routledge, 2013. Print. Sylvester, Phil. Indonesia: Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity, worldnomads. February 12, 2011. Web. September 17, 2013. < http://safety.worldnomads.com/Indonesia/69438/Indonesia-Etiquette-and-Cultural-Sensitivity> Wanning, Esther. Culture Shock!: USA. North West Wilson, Portland: Graphics Arts Center Publishing Company, 1991. Print. Read More