• The English are conservative • Americans are individualistic • The French are romantic

National culture Personal traits of people from that nation
“Way of Life” definition of culture

Assumes that people with similar life experiences share VALUES. They see the world in similar ways. Members of important groups share MEANINGS. They can understand one another more easily than they can understand people from other groups. Group membership is often more important than national culture.
ICC - Intercultural communication competence

Knowledge of social groups in your own country and other countries Attitude of openness about other cultures and people Ability to gain new knowledge and to act on that knowledge Knowledge of processes and ability to use that knowledge How to communicate – not just how to speak the target language
Are Americans more individualistic than Chinese?

The conventional opinion is yes, they are. There is some truth to it, but it is an oversimplification. This idea alone is not a useful guide to predicting the preferences or behavior of Americans. Chinese educational culture is much more individualistic than American educational culture.
What do I know about the NBA?



Nothing at all I am female and I am old The NBA is American and I am an American It is an experience shared by male members of the international youth culture I am not a member of that culture So, don’t assume that national culture is the only or best level of analysis
• American teachers collaborate more. • Students do more group work.
If you use ‘American individualism’ to predict what Americans prefer, you will make many mistakes

People often ask me questions about Americans They assume all Americans are alike They want me to give them a generalization Generalizations about national cultures cause many misunderstandings in communication
Do I know how to use chopsticks?



Of course, I do. Why do people keep asking me that question? Because Chinese use chopsticks and Americans use knives and forks, and I am an American They assume that I am different from them in every way because I am a waiguo ren Look for similarities, not just differences When you meet someone for the first time, you look for what you have in common with that person.
• • • • Meeting, greeting, starting a conversation Expressing agreement and disagreement Asking for information Working with others
Then, how do we teach culture? Three approaches aretional competition Americans excel at team sports while Chinese excel at individual sports. Americans are constantly forming groups and joining groups to meet a variety of personal and professional goals. Typically, Americans participate in groups very differently from the way Chinese people do.

Big “C” Culture
• Important people, works, events • Mark Twain, Bill Gates, “I have a dream” speech, War of Independence, Civil War

Little “c” culture
What do I know about teaching?



A lot; it is my love, my craft, my life I share many experiences with other teachers It doesn’t matter whether they are Americans or Chinese We can communicate about teaching, learning, schools, students, etc. We share an academic or educational culture Differences in national culture are not necessarily significant barriers to communication
Pay attention to processes rather than traits



How do people carry on a friendship? How do they teach; how do they learn? How do they show respect? How do they express disagreement? How do they apologize? How do they handle relationships with people of higher or lower status than themselves? How do they participate in work groups?
Do all Americans sleep late?

A Chinese friend invited me to go to a park to do morning exercises BUT – all along the way she complained about the traffic. I asked – Why do you do it if it is so unpleasant? Her answer – You are an American, so I didn’t think you would want to go as early as I usually go. I am an early-riser. National culture is not a good predictor of most personal habits.
How do Americans celebrate Christmas?

In many different ways, some not at all
• Ethnic cultures – Italian/Swedish/German/Hispanic • Religious cultures – Christian/Jewish/secular • Regional cultures –south/north, east coast/west coast