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Cultural Differences

Sharing photos from around the world

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The cultural effects of Language go beyond the simple matter of speaking different languages. This area includes issues such as being identified as an insider or outsider, who decides which language to speak, the position of power based on language use, and linguistic ethnocentrism (we all think our language is somehow the best). Photographs in this section also show the way language is used in different cultures.

The cultural effects of Language go beyond the simple matter of speaking different languages. This area includes issues such as being identified as an insider or outsider, who decides which language to speak, the position of power based on language use, and linguistic ethnocentrism (we all think our language is somehow the best). Photographs in this section also show the way language is used in different cultures.

This includes such things as the physical traits of a location (e.g., size of an office), the effects of climate, topography, population, and the use of space. It also includes the perception the use of technology in changing the physical surroundings. Photographs in this section show some of these physical items.

Context refers to how much people depend on overt communication (e.g., the actual words spoken, the items written, or rules followed) versus a communication that relies on stored information gained from personal relationship and interactions. Thus “low context” cultures depend less on the context while “high context” cultures rely on stored information for their communication. Issues related to face-saving and politeness are often tied to our understanding of Context.

Definitions and expectations of authority and power are based on culture. Issues related to decision making, use of titles, leadership style all fit in the category of Authority. This category also included Power Distance, related to how much subordinates may influence and interact with their superiors.

The category includes a wide range of cultural issues: emblems, gestures, dress, eye contact, touch, proxemics, smell, colors, and numbers. Photographs from this category can include a wide range of sights from all over the world.

Not only does this focus on how we organize our calendar and schedule, but it focuses on cultures that follow monochronic time (those that handle one task at a time) and those that follow polychronic time (those that engage in many tasks at the same time).