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The given word -- different cultures, different perceptions

Hi everyone
I recently had a conversation with a friend about the different perceptions people have of a given word in different cultures. Some will take it as a promise, others as the expression of your intention at the moment. Neither of us is a sociologist but we divided the different patterns into two (caricaturized) groups:
- In the "warmer" cultures, people are more spontaneous, they will quickly show a big enthusiasm for something and make plans, everything seems to be very easy. Then maybe they will do what was said but not necessarily, whether they change their mind, or the plan, or just forget about it. After all, it's not about work so what you feel like doing at one point of time shouldn't be binding. The most important is to have fun and take it easy. They won't be upset if you change the plan either.
- In the "cooler" cultures, people will be cautious when making plans, they will want more information, they need to check their agenda, they might think about it for a while before "confirming". Everything seems complicated. But then if you make a plan together, they will regard it as binding. They will say no to anything else, be there when they said and expect you do the same, this being a matter of respect.
Sometimes there can be misunderstandings and frustrations when people from different backgrounds interact.
What do you think? Have you already experienced these differences?



The text you are quoting:

Hi everyone
I recently had a conversation with a friend about the different perceptions people have of a given word in different cultures. Some will take it as a promise, others as the expression of your intention at the moment. Neither of us is a sociologist but we divided the different patterns into two (caricaturized) groups:
- In the "warmer" cultures, people are more spontaneous, they will quickly show a big enthusiasm for something and make plans, everything seems to be very easy. Then maybe they will do what was said but not necessarily, whether they change their mind, or the plan, or just forget about it. After all, it's not about work so what you feel like doing at one point of time shouldn't be binding. The most important is to have fun and take it easy. They won't be upset if you change the plan either.
- In the "cooler" cultures, people will be cautious when making plans, they will want more information, they need to check their agenda, they might think about it for a while before "confirming". Everything seems complicated. But then if you make a plan together, they will regard it as binding. They will say no to anything else, be there when they said and expect you do the same, this being a matter of respect.
Sometimes there can be misunderstandings and frustrations when people from different backgrounds interact.
What do you think? Have you already experienced these differences?


NisreenFeb 14, 2012 @ 12:53
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