Intercultural Communication: Cultural Scripts
One way to describe the differences between cultures is through the use of 'cultural scripts.' Anna Wierzbicka defines cultural scripts as a way to explicitly represent a society's "characteristic ways of of speaking and interacting." Cultural scripts emphasize the variation between cultures and stress that language shapes our way of thinking. These scripts suggest certain ways to feel and act, which accounts for the differences between cultures, as our lives are shaped a considerable extent by our culture.
Cultural scripts and cultural norms can oftentimes mean that when traveling to countries different than your own, you will run into situations that you might react differently in compared to a reaction by someone living in that country. While in India, I stumbled across many situations in which I felt uncomfortable in simply because of my inexperience in that culture. This is completely normal, something that is inevitable to happen when you step outside of your comfort zone. Many times the only way to prepare is to become familiar with the culture you are going to traveling to through books, websites, and various other sources; however, it is important to remember that nothing will prepare you for 'cultural scripts' quite like the experience of being there in person.
Cultural scripts and cultural norms can oftentimes mean that when traveling to countries different than your own, you will run into situations that you might react differently in compared to a reaction by someone living in that country. While in India, I stumbled across many situations in which I felt uncomfortable in simply because of my inexperience in that culture. This is completely normal, something that is inevitable to happen when you step outside of your comfort zone. Many times the only way to prepare is to become familiar with the culture you are going to traveling to through books, websites, and various other sources; however, it is important to remember that nothing will prepare you for 'cultural scripts' quite like the experience of being there in person.
Reflection: Challenges on Encountering a New WorldAlthough my time in India was full of positive experiences, it wasn't always easy...
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