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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 (

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

11. 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?

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

13. 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.

14. 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

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