Week 7: Communication systems 1: Components & representation

This week's lesson started off with a video containing all the funny stories that happened to people, while they were overseas in the 1980s. These awkward situations stem from the fact that different countries have very different ways in doing or saying things. Today, with the increase in globalisation, people travel more often and gain access to information about other cultures easily. Thus, i think it'd be safe to say that culture shock upon arrival in another country is less prevalent nowadays.

Even so, i still found out many interesting things from the video! For example, now i understand why the Japanese people never fail to nod their heads whenever the other party says something. In the past, I simple felt obliged to nod back and wondered why they are so crazily agreeable. The man in the video explained that it is just a gesture that the Japanese people use to indicate that they are constantly listening to the speaker. However, this does not necessary mean that they agree to the speaker's point of view.

In Singapore, we share our own unique culture too. Even though we can be considered to be just a country of immigrants, like America, we have our own iconic 'MnMs' too. Anyone who cannot complete this sentence below is definitely not a Singaporean, or at least one who hasn't lived in Singapore in the recent 10years. 'PCK Private Limited, best in Singapore, Johor and ___________' I am sure you have already completed the sentence in your head by now ;)

Digress: Then again, some neighbouring countries do play our local TV as well. So I don't support the idea of asking this at the immigrations!

When we got on to discuss about Hofstede's Dimensions of Cultural Variability, I also learned about the various variables used to analysis a culture. Masculinity VS Femininity, Individualism VS Collectivism, blah blah, etcetera.. Other than analysing a culture with some of these tools, basically anyone can also use them to analyse themselves. Some traits for myself are towards femininity, individualism, high tolerance for uncertainty...... i think.

Basically, I feel that the conclusion of either trait polarity for one society, is only a collation of characteristics of different individual behaviours under different circumstances. Problems with overgeneralisation and accuracy of these conclusions are not uncommon. An example would be that we can't really conclude whether Singapore is a high or low tolerance state. We hate rise in our bills (who wouldn't) and constantly express out discontent about these hikes in the media. However, we also try to understand the government's rationale for implementing these hikes and NEVER protested on the street for more than 20years.

Another example more close to heart would be the magnanimousness of Singapore students. Singapore students may be very achievement orientated - a masculine trait, but most students do not spend all days cooped up at home studying, unlike many other parts of Asia. Volunteering - a feminine trait - is a huge part of many Singapore students' lives. In the midst of their busy lifestyle, they do not forget those who need a helping hand.

All in all, I would say that understanding a whole new culture is never easy. With the influx of more foreigners nowadays, it is even more important for us, the host, to be more tolerant of them. Not to mention it is also important for them to adapt to our Singapore culture as well. I hope the next time I order for a plate of Mee Siam mai hum, the foreigner stall helper would actually understand what I'm ordering, without me translating it into english :)