Living and studying
in a multicultural community
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Definition of culture
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Cultural differences
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Intercultural communication
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Cultural shock
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Summary
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Definition of culture
Hundreds of different definitions.
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software of the mind that guides us in our daily
interactions (Hofstede)
collective programming of the mind that distinguishes
the members of one group of people from another
system of knowledge shared by a realtively large
group of people
totality of assumptions, values and norms that are
shared by a group of people, influence the behaviour,
by reference to which we describe ourselves
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Definition of culture
Iceberg model of culture (Martinelli)
There is much
more below the
surface that we
may not even be
aware of.
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Definition of culture
Sense of belonging on different levels:
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geographical
religious
corporate
other groups
various subcultures
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Definition of culture
Characteristics of culture:
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is not inherent but learnt
is for large parts enacted subconsciously
is rooted in deep-seated beliefs (common sense)
is the basis for how we see ourselves and others and
how others see us
is complex
everybody is member of different cultures
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural differences
People are different in a variety of ways:
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looking at things
expressing personality
religion
education
home
...
and much much more
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Intercultural communication
Own behaviour is taken as a norm.
Everything that diverts from the norm is interpreted
negatively.
Focus on:
 how people from different cultural backgrounds
interact
 how misunderstanding and barriers to communication
can be avoided
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Intercultural communication
Prerequisites to successful intercultural communication:
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basic values and norms are influenced by our culture
basic values and norms of people from other cultures
might be different from ours
use this awarness to overcome communication
barriers
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural shock
Psychological reaction to a new environment that is
culturally different than the familiar one.
(Grzymala-Moszczynska)
Students who are going abroad.
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural shock
Phases:
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honey moon
confrontation
separation => exact cultural shock
stability – acculturation
culture competence
return shock
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural shock
Two models:
„W” model
well-being
well-being
„U” model
time
The Baltic University’2007
time
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural shock
Symptoms:
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health condition worsen
financial problems arisen
problems with adjusting to a new environment
loneliness
homesick
escape in alcohol / drugs
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Cultural shock
How to deal with it?
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prepare to it
look for information about a new place and a new
culture
have a good command of foreign language
be optimist 
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
Summary
If we want to communicate more effectively
with people from other cultures,
we need to look below the surface,
at the bare of the iceberg.
There is much more below the surface
that we may not even be aware of.
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland
The end!
Thank you for your attention!
Joanna Dynek
Technical University of Lodz
The Baltic University’2007
Joanna Dynek, TUL, Poland