The main ideas of Hofstede Dimensions include individualism-collectivism which is when people of culture represent and identify themselves to be self-sufficient, focusing on personal needs first then the needs of a group second, and also personal freedom, and self-reliance also represent this category. Collectivism, on the other hand, is the opposite where people group together for survival and view the group as their identity as they work together keeping harmony, and interdependence with the exception of ingroups and outgroups. Another aspect is a culture’s relationship and views with time Monochronic and Polychronic (how cultures view time).
The main ideas of Figuring Foreigners out are about the idea of external and internal forces. Direct and Indirect Communication (how behaviors/actions are presented in different cultures in the form of communication) INDIRECT- IMPLY rather than say things directly DIRECT-more explicit in what they are trying to convey.
I do partially agree that I have seen some of these ideas being represented in different cultures in different ways. But I am also aware of the possibility that not everyone that’s a part of the same culture follows the same ideals or beliefs of that culture. And I didn’t find any statements, in particular, to be problematic.
I think that much of American culture is based around individualism and monochronic because of how the government structure is set, the economy, and society (based and built on capitalist views and the ‘American Dream’). I think these ideas are important to research and learn more about for my target language because Korean culture may be very different in comparison. And by becoming more aware of these differences and more knowledgeable on the topic, I can avoid miscommunication that could occur and be able to build better relationships.
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