Reporter: BEN PAOLO S. SABIO
Ph.D. 514 – Culture, Values & Ethics in Global Society
Comparisons of national cultures often begin by highlighting differences
in social behavior. These various manners and mannerisms cause us great
amusement. We smile at foreign eccentricity, congratulating ourselves on
our normality. And yet we are aware that these mannerisms are largely
superficial.
It is remarkable how many common concepts are rooted so firmly in a
similar manner in very different societies. Everyone has different notions
of these concepts that appeal to so many cultures.
Ethics can be turned upside down. The American calls the Japanese
unethical if the latter breaks a contract. The Japanese says it is unethical
for the American to apply the terms of the contract if things have
changed.
It is common sense in Germany and Sweden to form an orderly bus line.
In Naples and Rio it is common sense to get on the bus before anyone
else.
The language we speak largely determines our way of thinking, as
distinct from merely expressing it. Thinking in two different languages
gives us added dimensions of reality.
Spaniards and Italians regard their languages as instruments of
eloquence. To achieve greater expressiveness, they use their hands, arms
and facial expressions and make maximum use of pitch and tone. They
are not necessarily being dramatic or overemotional. They want you to
know how they feel. They will appeal, directly and strongly, to your good
sense, warm heart or generosity if they want something from you.
Exaggeration and hyperbole are at the bottom of most American
expressions, contrasting sharply with the understated nature of the
British.
America: when immigrants speaking many varieties of halting English
were thrown together, the well-worn cliché was more understandable
than originality or elegance of expression.
TIME:
Switzerland and Germany, along with Britain, the Anglo-Saxon world in
general, the Netherlands, Austria and Scandinavia, have a linear vision of
time and action. They suspect, like the Americans, that time is passing
(being wasted) without decisions being made or actions being performed.
These groups are also monochronic; that is, they prefer to do only one thing
at a time, to concentrate on it and do it within a fixed schedule.
Linear-active people, like Swedes, Swiss, Dutch and Germans, do one thing
at a time, concentrate hard on that thing and do it within a scheduled time
period. These people think that in this way they are more efficient and get
more done.
Multi-active people think they get more done their way.
Multi-active people do not like to leave conversations unfinished. For them,
completing a human transaction is the best way they can invest their time.