How would you qualify or describe different aspects of your target culture? Reflect and your own experiences and expectations of the culture in question.
For the Hindi language I focus mostly on Indian culture because that is the culture I know most about and relate to most. However, Hindi is spoken in other countries as well but I associate it with Indian culture. There are multiple different aspects of Indian culture including the food, music, movies, and history. I have more experience with the first three because I have been exposed to the food, music, and movies all throughout my childhood. I have not learned that much about India's history and how it has shaped the language and the culture so that would be an interesting topic to learn about.
How does your culture reflect various qualitative Hofstede dimensions of culture explored in class, e.g., body language, how people talk about time, etc.
Individual-Collectivist - I believe Indian culture leans more towards a collectivist society because they have a large focus on family and community and doing what is best for those around them and the next generation. They also have a lot of national pride, which contributes to collectivism.
Nonverbal Communication - There is not much nonverbal communication in Hindi or in India but as the article mentioned the idea of using your right hand for everything is very important because Indians, especially Hindus, consider the left hand "dirty." In relation to the nonverbal chart at the end of the reading, India is very similar to Culture 2.
Monochronic-Polychronic - Indians are more polychronic because though they do value time, they are more laid back about it and they are not very strict with deadlines. They will take their time with basic tasks and enjoy the moment rather than worrying about what is next.
Internal-External - I believe Indian society leans more towards the external side because of their connection to the Hindu religion. Many Indians are deeply devoted to Hinduism and they believe that God is responsible for what happens in their life.
Direct-Indirect Communication - I think Indian culture is somewhere in the middle of this spectrum because in Indian culture people tend to shy away from confrontation and avoid doing things that could dishonor their family name. Also, they sometimes do not exactly say what is on their mind and gossip or make assumptions instead. However, if they are mad about something then they will not be afraid to speak their mind and argue, especially men. For women it is completely different. While growing up you are taught to keep your opinions to yourself and be complacent.
It is very interesting to see how Indians who have immigrated to the US adapt to American cultural norms since the US and India are almost opposite on many of these dimensions.
Also, have you ever experienced culture shock? If so, describe.
I have traveled to many different countries, especially while I was studying abroad but I didn't really experience that much culture shock because they were Westernized countries. When I visited India when I was younger I suppose I experienced culture shock because life in India is so different, but since I was very young I do not think I understood it as culture shock. The closest thing to culture shock I have felt is coming to Richmond. I am from New Jersey so the Northeast lifestyle is very different from the South. In addition, I came from a very racially diverse community so coming to a predominately white institution was something I had to adapt to.
Replies