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Instead, differences are meant to educate people of the diversity of the world around us and to be more respectful and considerate of each other. Indeed I have learnt a lot of things from her.
On to nonverbal communication, I have also observed that Durga would look intently in my eye whenever we talk which somehow tells me how much of a sincere person she actually is. During conversations, when we'd talk about American culture, she never fails to give a comforting nod -- one which somehow tells me it is okay to talk about our culture, our liberal views, about areas in our culture which I know is distinctly different from hers. I also observed how she always keeps her tone in a mild, courteous manner regardless of who she talks to -- may it be a professor or simply a classmate.
Cultural Sensitivity
At this point, I wish to integrate Hall's proxemics, particularly the four distances people keep during social situations -- intimate, personal, social, and public (Hall in Matsumoto 6-7). When we'd walk in the campus, I observed the public distance Durga maintains. Durga also keeps social distance whenever she speaks to our professors or to classmates who are not part of our inner circle (those we don't regularly talk to/hang-out with) while I sense the personal distance she gives whenever our group hangs-out. We'd all sit near each other as we laugh together and Durga has no problem joining in.
Using Hofstede's framework, I wish to focus on the individualism dimension ("Individualism" par 1) as this is very relevant in Durga's case. I see Durga having no problem joining in groups. She respects how individualistic some of our classmates...
She prefers to do projects and study in groups rather than alone. I think this has something to do with the collectivist nature of Indian society (Ghosh 187).
What are the consequences of Durga's act/s communication?
Durga's demonstration of her sensitivity and respect for the American society gained an equal respect towards the Indian society from us, her friends. Our conversations with Durga made us very interested about India, the history, the people, and the culture. It also taught us to be more sensitive of other people's cultural backgrounds, the things they value, the things that are dear to them -- and we also learned that sensitivity, respect, and sincerity always begin with thorough understanding and knowledge about other people's cultural specificities.
In the end, we found ourselves wanting to learn more about her country as Durga even invited us to their home in India.
References
Ghosh, Anjali. "Transactive Memory, Self-Construal and Subjective Well-Being in a Group of Indian Couples. 2008. Interpersona. 18 January 2010.
Matsumoto, David. "Culture and Nonverbal Behavior." n.d. San Francisco State University. 18 January 2010. < http://www.davidmatsumoto.info/Books/Chapter1.pdf>
Samovar, Larry A. And Porter, Richard E. Basic Principles of Intercultural Communication in Intercultural Communication: A Reader. California: Wadsworth Inc., 1991.
n.a. "Individualism." n.d. Clearly Cultural. 18 January 2010. <http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/individualism/>
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