Individualism & Collectivism: Cultural Level Lynn W. Zimmerman, PhD Fulbright Scholar, IRIM Chisinau, Moldova

General Cultural Characteristics Individualistic Collectivistic Individual goals In-groups’ goals Self and immediate family Look out for each other – group loyalty Individual initiative and achievement Belonging to in-groups Promote self-realization Fit into in-groups

Personality and Self-construal Individualistic Collectivistic Independent Interdependent Self-centered Focus on others rather than self; Put group needs ahead of own Unique “Part of an encompassing social relationship” (p. 66) Less sensitive to others’ behavior, status, social appropriateness Accept ingroup norms – usually without question; Act appropriately for the ingroup norms Strive for own goals One’s behavior is shaped by others Express themselves Fit in ; occupy proper place; maintaining harmony Self-enhancing Self-criticizing; self-effacement Be direct Be indirect Lower degrees of cooperation High degree of cooperation

Vertical and Horizontal Cultures Vertical Cultures Horizontal Cultures Stand out in relation to others Do not stand out in relation to others Equality not highly valued Equality highly valued Freedom highly valued Freedom not highly valued

Tight and Loose Cultures Tight Cultures Loose Cultures Impose many rules and constraints on behavior Place few rules and constraints on behavior High uncertainty avoidance cultures Low uncertainty avoidance cultures Norms and rules are clear Norms and rules are not clear Sanctions are imposed for violations Some deviation allowed; sanctions not severe Rigid rules Elastic rules Cultural homogeneity Cultural heterogeneity Behavior more predictable Behavior less predictable

How to Read a Poem Read with a pencil Examine the basic subject of the poem Consider the context of the poem Study the form of the poem Look at the word choice of the poem Finishing Up from: How to Read a Poem (https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReadingPoetry.html)

Read with a pencil Mark it up; write in the margins; react to it; get involved with it. Circle important, or striking, or repeated words. Draw lines to connect related ideas. Mark difficult or confusing words, lines, and passages. Read through the poem, several times if you can, both silently and aloud.

Examine the basic subject of the poem What does the title tell you? What does it promise? The poem's subject: What is this poem about? The poem's basic situation: What is going on in it? Who’s talking? To whom? Under what circumstances? Where? About what? Why? Is a story being told? Is something--tangible or intangible--being described? Is the poem built on a comparison or analogy? What is the author's attitude toward his subject? Does the poem appeal to a reader's intellect? Emotions? Reason?

Consider the context of the poem Are there any allusions to other literary or historical figures or events? How do these add to the poem? How are they appropriate? What do you know about this poet? About the age in which he or she wrote this poem? About other works by the same author?

Study the form of the poem Consider the sound and rhythm of the poem. How do they relate to the poem's meaning? What effect do they create? Divisions within the poem. How do these parts relate to each other? How are the ideas in the poem ordered? What are the form and genre of this poem? What should you expect from such a poem? How does the poet use the form?

Look at the word choice of the poem List all its verbs. What do they tell you about the poem? Are there difficult or confusing words? Consider various possible meanings of a word and be alert to subtle differences between words. What mood is evoked in the poem? How is this accomplished? Is the language in the poem abstract or concrete? How is this appropriate to the poem's subject? Are there any consistent patterns of words? Does the poet use figurative language? Metaphors? Similes? Personification?

Finishing Up Ask: So what? What does it do? What does it say? What is its purpose?

The Road Not Taken Read the poem silently Listen to a recording of it Mark words, ideas, etc. that strike you – read it with your pencil. Listen to a recording of it mark anything that strikes you about his reading – where he pauses, puts emphasis, etc. especially if it different from what you would do. Work in pairs or groups of 3 to read through it again and analyze it Analyze poem from the perspective of individualism/collectivism What is he saying about individualism and/or collectivism? Identify at least 3 ideas in poem to support your position.  

HW 4 - Which Road? Draw a picture or write a short poem which explains which road you would take and why. Connect it to concepts from today’s class. A4 paper

References Gudykunst, W.B. & Kim, Y.Y. (2003). Communicating with strangers: An approach to intercultural communication. 4th ed. Boston: McGraw- Hill.