Both articles discuss the various characteristics and dimensions of different cultures. In the article "figuring foreigners out", the author tries to divide cultures according to three characteristics: individualism and collectivism, monochronic and polychronic, internal and external. In Skim Geert Hofstede analysis, he set up 5 dimensions, including power distance index, masculinity, individualism, avoidance Index and long-Term Orientation. For me, the first two dimensions asserted by Skim Geert Hofstede analysis is more related by the nation's political system and historical context. For instance, China is communism and, thus, it inclines more towards the low power distance index by nature. However, there is a consensus between those articles, which I feel connected to as well. They both agree that no culture is extreme, neither is the people. People tend to behave differently in different situations. Otherwise, bothe culture as a whole and people as the basic unit tend to be more one way than the other in general. In other words, culture influence people in an intangible and undetectable way. People will make decisions sometimes based on social and cultural conventions and dimensions.
Specifically, I feel connected to the nonverbal communication mentioned in the "figuring foreigner out". In American and Chinese culture, people like to do the OK gestures (when your forefinger touches your thumb) to show agreement or admire. However, it represents a completely different meaning in Turkish culture. It means you are accusing someone of being a homosexual and is considered very bad. I think it is really interesting how the same gesture has the opposite meaning in different cultures. It also shows how important to learn some nonverbal communication at the same time.
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