Visible cultural difference

Full Answer Section

• German Culture: In contrast, greetings in Germany are typically more concise and formal, especially in initial encounters or professional settings. A firm, brief handshake is common, often accompanied by a direct "Guten Tag" (Good day) or "Wie geht es Ihnen?" (How are you?) without expecting a lengthy response about personal life. Extended verbal inquiries about family or personal matters are generally reserved for closer friends or more informal settings. Germans tend to maintain a larger personal space, and standing too close can be perceived as intrusive.

One Psychological Cultural Difference: High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication

• Kenyan Culture (High-Context): Kenyan communication often leans towards high-context, meaning much of the meaning of a message is conveyed indirectly through non-verbal cues, shared understanding, context, and implied meanings rather than explicit words. People might hint at things, use proverbs, or expect you to "read between the lines." Direct confrontation or saying "no" outright can be considered impolite, so indirect language is used to soften rejection or disagreement. Relationships and maintaining harmony are often prioritized over directness.
• German Culture (Low-Context): German communication is typically low-context. Messages are conveyed explicitly and directly, with a strong emphasis on clear, unambiguous language. Germans tend to be very direct, precise, and literal in their speech. They value efficiency and clarity, and getting straight to the point is often appreciated. Saying "no" or expressing disagreement directly is not usually seen as rude but as a sign of honesty and clear communication. The expectation is that one means exactly what one says.

Four Features of Culture and an Example of Each

1. Culture is Learned: Culture is not innate; it is acquired through socialization, observation, and direct instruction from birth.
   • Example (Kenyan Culture): A child in Kenya learns the importance of communal eating from a young age. They observe family members sharing meals from a common platter, learn the etiquette of washing hands before and after, and are taught not to pick food directly from the center of the platter but from the portion in front of them. This is not instinctual but a learned behavior passed down through generations.
2. Culture is Shared: Culture is a collective phenomenon, shared by members of a group or society, rather than being unique to individuals. It provides a common framework for understanding the world.

Sample Answer

Okay, assuming "my culture" for this exercise is Kenyan culture, and I will compare it with German culture for the examples.

One Visible Cultural Difference: Greetings and Social Space

• Kenyan Culture: In Kenya, greetings are often elaborate and involve a significant amount of verbal exchange and often physical contact, even among acquaintances. When meeting someone, it's common to ask about their well-being, their family, their journey, and even their work, before getting to the main point of conversation. A handshake is almost always expected, and depending on the relationship, a longer hold, a double handshake, or even an embrace might occur. The personal space (proxemics) is generally closer, and it's not unusual to stand quite near someone during a conversation.