Cultural “Other” Awareness Post

Dear reader, 

This week’s class helped me reflect on how people from different cultures approach meetings. Cultural “other” awareness is about recognising and respecting differences between people and the way they communicate. In the videos, like the one with Conan O’Brien in Japan, it was clear how important politeness, bowing, and indirect communication are in Japanese culture. Compared to that, I come from a Bulgarian background where people are much more open and direct when meeting others. I personally enjoy starting conversations with strangers and connecting quickly.

I spoke to classmates from China and Mexico, and both told me that it’s not common in their cultures to start chatting with people they don’t know or to bring up sensitive topics like politics. I respect that approach, and I try to create a comfortable space so others feel safe sharing their views.

These cultural differences remind me to stay curious and adaptable. What may seem cold or distant to me might actually be a sign of respect in another culture. Being aware of these subtleties helps avoid misunderstandings and builds better communication.



Comments

  1. ChielMay 6, 2025 at 11:18 PM

    Good story. The videos were very interesting, because we don't have it in our country. The Dutch are more direct and open, even more so then Bulgarians in terms of directness. Here in Japan this can come off as rude, so we have to watch out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CatherineMay 6, 2025 at 11:20 PM

    Great insights! Your awareness of cultural differences in communication is important. I think in Belgium its not very common to go talk to people we dont know and we never bring up sensitive topic, it might be a bit dangerous hahahah

    ReplyDelete
  3. AliMay 6, 2025 at 11:21 PM

    Yeah, i agree. i also learn that japanese tends to do everything as polite as possible because they value pride and generosity more than almost everything.

    ReplyDelete

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