The Importance of History in Intercultural Communication 3 April 2013 by Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

History and Culture Why is history considered so important in intercultural communication? (More than ten good reasons…) Mention one aspect of history from your country that you think may have influenced the nation’s culture. Is there one American/Russian/Indian culture?

US History How - in terms of values and behaviour - has the US history of immigration and expansion influenced American culture? How can history explain American individualism? (Hofstede’s index score: 91) How do the authors of this text explain American informality? A constant theme in US history is that “anything is possible.” (Examples?) Has this idea become part of the American national identity, do you think?

Russian History Explain how geography may have had a major impact on Russian culture. According to the authors of this text, which other factor has clearly shaped the Russian national character and worldview? (Cf. Hofstede’s scores - PD: 93; UA: 95) How is Russian history different from US history, and how has this contrast affected the two cultures? What are the three values that President Putin claims are distinctly Russian?

Chinese History According to this text, how can we explain the somewhat ethnocentric feelings characterizing Chinese culture? Which period in their history do the Chinese refer to as “an era of national humiliation”, and how do these historical experiences influence Chinese culture today? How do the authors of this text explain the Chinese traditional cultural orientation towards collectivism and hierarchy? (Cf. Hofstede’s scores. Individualism: 20; PD:80)

Japanese History Explain Japan’s relative homogeneity. What are some of the cultural traits resulting from this? What is the Tokugawa historical legacy (from the early 1600s)? Hofstede’s index score for Japan regarding Uncertainty Avoidance is 92. Based on your knowledge of Japanese history, explain why this high score seems plausible. Collectivism is generally considered a typical aspect of Japanese culture. How can this trait be explained from the point of view of history and geography?

Indian History In what ways does both ancient and modern India influence our lives today? (Do these aspects represent cultural characteristics typical for what Professor Schwartz termed mastery cultures?) Indian culture is first of all characterized by diversity.” Explain. Does the conflict between Hindus and Muslims in India go back to the 1947 partition of India?

Mexican History “As is the case with all cultures, Mexicans take great pride in their history.” Which period are Mexicans particularly proud of? To what extent is it true that “the Spanish conquest and colonization of Mexico instilled in the native population many cultural traits that endure today”? (Cf. PD: 81) What does Mexico consider “its greatest disaster”? To what extent are the major social problems in Mexico today a result of historical events?

Islamic Civilization “Today, Muslims look at Islamic history with both pride and humiliation.” Explain. To what extent is it true that the historical achievements of Islam are a source of inspiration for contemporary Muslims? How could “a simple question of leadership” result in the Sunni-Shiite schism? Explain the statement that “Islamic history and religion are directly linked”.