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Cultural Sensitivity in Cross-Cultural Communication
In my sophomore year of high school, I had an awakening experience that revealed my lack of cultural sensitivity, particularly in understanding
Western customs as someone from an Eastern background.
Western customs as someone from an Eastern background.
This time, it
happened during a school event called “Homecoming.”
happened during a school event called “Homecoming.”
As the excitement for Homecoming week grew, I couldn’t quite grasp its
significance.
significance.
To me, it seemed like a week filled with dress-up days and a
dance party.
dance party.
One day, while discussing the Homecoming dance plans with
friends, I blurted out, “Why do we need such a big event just to dance and
wear fancy clothes?”
friends, I blurted out, “Why do we need such a big event just to dance and
wear fancy clothes?”
My Eastern perspective had trouble comprehending their enthusiasm
towards Homecoming.
towards Homecoming.
My friends, who cherished the tradition, looked at
me with surprise.
me with surprise.
They explained that Homecoming was not just about the dance; it was a celebration of school spirit, alumni connections, and creating lasting memories.
My comment left me feeling embarrassed for not fully
respecting their customs.
respecting their customs.
It served as yet another reminder
of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to
approach Western traditions with an open mind and
respect, even when they seem unfamiliar from an Eastern
standpoint.
of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to
approach Western traditions with an open mind and
respect, even when they seem unfamiliar from an Eastern
standpoint.