In both of these readings, they stated the factors that make the language and the culture of each country unique from others. In Figuring Foreigners Out, the author mentions how the the two extremes ends of each spectrums, such as individualist/collectivist, nonverbal communication, monochronic/polychronic, internal/external, direct/indirect, affect countries to be different from one another. Hofstede also states a similar claim with ideas such as the power distance index, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty tolerance index, and long term orientation.
I agree with the statements made in both readings, and I believe the differences in countries based on these ideas is evident and quite distinct. For example, America is more focused on the idea of being individualists, while Asian countries, including South Korea, are more focused on the idea of being collectivists. In the U.S, people are more focused on being an individual and the idea of “every man for themselves”. They emphasize individual goals, and the achievement one makes on his or her own. In Korea, people are more focused on the concept of group or family. They believe that one must take his or her own responsibilities and provide for the group or family. There is a strong sense of membership, and the sense of cooperation and harmony is stressed, which is also proven by the Hofstede map.
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