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Book 3 L161 (Exploring Languages and Cultures)

Geert Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Let's keep this simple: Geert Hofstede is a respected academic who has done massive research into how countries fare in terms of equality, individualism, competitiveness/caring nature, how much of a tangent day to day activity can go off on, how important the past is and how much money is spent on having fun.

1.   Power Distance Index
How much equality exists between individuals of a society? A LOW Power Distance Index suggests more equality, whereas a HIGH Power Distance Index suggests less equality. China has 80%; the UK has 35%.

2.   The Uncertainty Avoidance Index
Many live by the saying "Que sera", but many definitely don't! Well, in China, 30%, and in the UK, 35%. Similar! This could well suggest that both don't mind waking up to a bit of uncertainty. Who knows what the day will bring?! 

3.   The Masculinity Dimension
What a load of archaic tosh. If your country's masculine, it is one of competitiveness and desire for success and control. If you're of the feminine variety, you like to make sure everything is looked after, including the Earth. China comes in at 66%, and... wait for it... the UK also comes in at 66%. Does this mean that the UK and China have equal amounts of respect for the Earth and those in it? Possibly not always...

4.   The Individualism Dimension
How possible is it be to 'be yourself', and do whatever makes you feel free and happy? This is also all about sticking to the rules, and in a country like China, this is what happens. In higher-scoring countries, tolerance and open-mindedness wallows. Is it 'every man for himself', or 'I work better within a team'? In China, the stats show 20% feel individual, whereas a whopping 89% of Brits say the same thing. Huge differences between the cultures, as you may expect. 

5.   Long Term Orientation
What is the past actually worth? Do we need to keep the memory of an old country alive? According to the Chinese, no. 87% said that China needs to move with the times, whilst a more reserved 51% of Brits said otherwise. With such a middling score, it is not possible, apparently, to tell whether Long Term Orientation is a key facet of a state. 

6.   Indulgence
My favourite. The easiest one to 'get'... How much money does a country like to spend on having a good time?! China scores a measly 24 here, suggesting that they like to save whatever money they have, possibly indicating the importance and potential lack of money in the everyday household. Brits, on the other hand, clocked up a score of 69. You can't take it with you!

How do I Define my Cultural Identity?

Within my network of friends and acquaintances, there are lots of people with whom I have at least one thing in common: I know many people who speak Spanish; I know many people who are teachers. One thing which isn’t clear though, is how I, just like everyone else, am unique, and this is something I’ve come to consider as a part of this course.

The idea of culture forming ideas of right and wrong is, for me, ludicrous. There are so many factors which one must take into account in order to consider right and wrong, that to just to such a quick conclusion would be presumptuous. The way I’ve been raised and my experiences in life have taught me the difference between the two, as well as observing what other people of other cultural make-ups do well and fail at. The fact that I am British, for example, doesn’t mean I know I shouldn’t steal from a shop, or key a car. This is something we observe and something we are taught. And even then, some Brits still see this as acceptable. I do not see this as a cultural influence.

Despite the fact I was baptised as a baby, I am an atheist.

I think it’s true that to some degree, cultural traits make you different from others, but there will always be someone who shares your views and opinions, who may not necessarily be from the same town, city or country.