Figuring Foreigners Out attempts to identify big categorical differences between cultures, naming the individualist-collectivist and monochronic-polychronic as some of these differences. On a similar vein, the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture is a study that analyses cultural differences using indexes such as the Power Distance Index or the Masculinity Index.
I generally agree with these assessments and think that they can be useful references for people traveling to a new country for the first time. However, it should not be taken as more than a reference. Some of these indicators, like the individualist-collectivist, are historically accurate, but would not apply to every person in the country. For example, many East Asian countries whose governments were based on Confucian principles would historically have collectivists policies, but with increased mobility and improved technology many of the younger generation do not so strictly adhere to these principles. Also, the indexes mentioned by the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture talks about countries as if they are a single unit. However, like in the US, regional differences exist and should be taken into consideration when using the indexes.
Since my target language is a heritage language for me, I think I have the advantage of having a better understanding of the target culture associated with the language I am studying. I think the ideas from the reading can help me in understanding how people in my target culture communicate (direct/indirect) and allow me to estimate what the right word choice in different situations would be.
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