Often it is us -- North Americans -- who have gone abroad and seem to struggle with the way things are done and have a goal of getting things done. However, let's just take a few steps back in time. Mary Clark, author of “In Search of Human Nature,” points out that when Europeans first arrived in North America, they labeled everything including the Native Americans as “backwards” and “primitive.” Clark explains how based on their observations they justified imposing new ways of life on the locals. I grew up in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and was aware of the Indian struggle. Anybody who knows anything about the Native Americans' way of life is aware that this has been a sad and destructive legacy.
Looking around the world since the turn of the century, and in particular since the Internet revolution, we can see some similar evidence of how the introduction of new methods and ideas has not always been the best for culture.
The best solution when you go somewhere new is not to try to make it like where you just came from.
Part of the experience of living overseas is learning about other cultures and people. Those around you will also be curious about you and will want to know more about you and your home country. You can find these basic questions to ask when trying to understand another culture in any anthropology textbook: Who are we? Who do we seek to be? How do we relate to others? What matters? Why does it matter?
When we visit a new place, it is crucial to understand its identity and culture. If we learn about the culture rather than trying to change it, the experience of working abroad will go much smoother. Try to avoid the “us” and “them” mentality. A fusion of ideas is often best when working together.
Since our cultures give us different ideas about identity and meaning, our way of pursuing our goals and working out differences can create or escalate conflict. You may wonder why, let's say, Ayşe or Ahmet do things the way they do when it could be done in a different way and as far as you are concerned a better way. Younger adults in the local culture may know there is a better way to do something, but they are also aware of their traditional culture and values such as:
Perhaps their culture is more hierarchical (e.g., clearly demarcated ranks exist in positions of authority, family and community and are to be deferred to accordingly).
Spending time with people and relationships are important. Waiting is common for them.
The concept of “fate” (kısmet) affects planning ahead.
People are used to not taking the initiative. They were taught to do as they are told.
Some cultures have far more strictly defined gender roles.
You may wonder sometimes why something more is not being done about something. This is true regarding earthquake preparation. Some things are being done. However, for too many people, natural disasters are seen as a part of the natural order of things. It all has to do with fate.
When you are working in a setting where two or more cultures are represented, it is important to identify your shared starting points and values in order to work effectively together.
Are you thinking that living in another country is not as easy as it first appeared?
The urge to make things happen comes to all of us who come from cultures where it seems “things happen.”
You'll find in some cultures where you live there are no pat answers as to why things are done the way they are. It doesn't seem logical to you. Sometimes we just can't make things happen. Or maybe it is happening but at a different pace than your time frame.“Although culture provides strength and stability it is never static. Cultural groups face continual challenges from such powerful forces as environmental upheavals … migrations and the growth of new technologies. As a result, cultures change and evolve over time.” --Joan Luckmann (author of “Transcultural Communication in Nursing”)
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
