1. Intercultural Communication

2. Education in Japan n Education homogeneous, uses a national standardized curriculum n Emphasis social studies, democratic political processes, religious tolerance n Calligraphy used to enhance self- discipline and meditation n Emphasis on reading and writing

3. Education in Japan n English is a required subject n Little emphasis on oral communication n Japanese take exams to get into good junior and senior high schools n Attend private schools, juku, to prepare for entrance exams and master subjects n Parents see education as most important factor in their children’s future success

4. Education in Japan n Single most important natural resource-- their people n High value on education and teachers n Close partnership of parents and teacher (Heart of a Nation) n Teachers try to bring students along as a group (Heart of a Nation)

5. Education In Japan n Uniforms, uniform book bags common in Japanese schools (Schools of Thought) n Japanese students polite and disciplined (Schools of Thought) n Important for Japanese students to work cooperatively together (Heart of a Nation)

6. Education In Korea n All schools follow same program of study n Learn Korean, Chinese, and English n Get into schools through regional exams and lottery n Emphasis on moral education n Group solidarity and conformity are goals n Wear badges and uniforms

7. Education In Korea n Show respect by avoiding eye contact n Bow and don’t start a conversation with an elder n Students avoid disagreement with teacher n Remain silent rather than show lack of understanding n Hesitate to express personal opinions

8. Education In Mexico n Arts, vocational skills and Mexican cultural values emphasized (Sal Valdivia says no, reading, writing, arithmetic) n Each student takes tests to continue n Few required classes at university level n Mexican teacher has significant status

9. Education In Mexico n Teachers involved in their students’ personal lives (Sal says no) n Schools emphasize family ties and cooperative environment n Students enthusiastically participate in classroom discussions (Sal says students are quiet) n Teachers get physically close to students and use touch (Sal says no)

10. Education In Mexico n Mexican students work at a relaxed pace n Mexican students put emphasis on doing a good job n Mexican students are not dominated by the clock n Sal Valdivia says some of these generalizations may only apply to private schools

11. Education In Mexico n Sal Valdivia says Mexican law only requires students to attend school until the age of 12 or 6th grade n Most students do not attend high school n Mexican teachers are friends with their students (Sal says no) n Teachers are autocratic, yet sensitive (Teachers are aloof)

12. Communication Styles And The Educational Setting n Direct versus indirect –Americans –Chinese, Japanese, Native Americans n Formal versus informal communication –Americans –Egypt, Turkey, Taiwan

13. Relational Styles And The Educational Setting n Participatory versus passive learning –Many Hispanic and Asian cultures passive learning –American culture tends toward active learning n Reflectivity versus impulsivity –American students taught quickly respond –Asian and Native Americans slower response

14. Cultural Variations: Causes of Illness n Many people of Asian origin may view illness as an imbalance between yin and yang n Yin is passive, feminine, wet, dark, cold n Yang is active, masculine, light, heat, dryness n Many traditional Mexicans and Puerto Ricans believe illness caused by imbalance

15. Cultural Variations: Causes of Illness n In four humors (blood, yellow bile, phlegm, black bile) n African, Haitian, Jamaican, and Native American peoples perceive illness result of disharmony with nature n Hmong believe bad winds and evil spirits can cause illness

16. Cultural Variations: Treatment of Illness n Chinese use acupuncture to restore balance between yin and yang n Chinese use herbal remedies n Hmong use shamans to enter spiritual world n Mien use healing ceremonies n Mexicans use folk healers(Curanderos), emphasis on restoring balance with God, relationships

17. Cultural Variations: Prevention of Illness n U.S emphasis on physical exams, exercise, good nutrition n Many Muslims use Koran to protect them from illness n Mexicans and Puerto Ricans use charms inscribed with magic symbols or sayings n Candles, herbs, crystals, statues of saints are used

18. Cultural Variations: Prevention of Illness n Many cultures avoid violating cultural taboos n Some Native Americans taboo to cut child’s hair n Some Native Americans attach a medicine bundle to chest of a child n Some cultures don’t believe in prevention strategies

19. Male Dominance n Male dominance in Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, Asia, and Africa n Male makes all major decisions in traditional Mexican households n Little credibility given to female doctors and nurses

20. Male Dominance n Little credibility given to female doctors and nurses n Saudi Arabian men answer all questions directed at their wives for doctor visits n Male child often receives preferential medical treatment

21. Formality n Many Asian, Mexican, and European cultures value formality in language use n Asian patient may be shocked when doctor addresses him by his first name n Many cultures it is extremely important not to be rude or disrespectful to authority figures

22. Formality n Many cultures authority figures not to be disagreed with or challenged