definition: a person who consumes culture in any way they can find; like birds that scavenge by the roadside, culture-vultures feast on wherever they find it
The norms and cultures of a country define how people act, interact and react. However, many times what is considered normal for one culture may not be the case for another. The students at HMKW Berlin hail from diverse cultures where many of the aspects
and norms differ depending on what part of the world you are from and then later study in. If you're ever traveling, you can test your skills of knowing, before going with a cultural quiz.
Someone smiles at you on the train. How do you respond?
Hint: in Western countries, smiles are often exchanged between strangers.
Though smiling differs across cultures, in America, people are pro-smiling, as it shows a sign of general happiness. However in many European countries, people can come across as friendly but will not be caught smiling at you to display it. In high-context countries like Japan or Russia, any overt displays of happiness towards strangers is not common.
At an international conference, an American employee motions the "okay" sign to foreign colleagues. Is this problematic?
Note: in the USA, people often use this gesture to agree.
In Brazil, Germany, Russia, and many other countries around the world, the “okay” sign is offensive because it can be used to depict a private bodily orifice. The sign actually does mean “okay” in the United States, however in places like Japan it means “money,” and it's commonly used to signify “zero” in France. While this gesture isn't offensive everywhere you go, make sure you're aware of what it means beforehand.
You go for a meal at a French restaurant and the steak is a little under-seasoned. You wave over the waiter and ask for salt. He returns a little while later looking disgrunted. What went wrong?
Remember: the French take their food very seriously.
In France, Italy and Spain, asking for condiments to alter your meal might raise a few eyebrows. It's considered rude to the chef if the customer wants to alter an ordered meal. Also, if there are condiments on the table, feel free to use them – if not, refrain from asking!
You are going on a small tour of Southeast Asia. At your first stop, you ask locals for directions and maintain eye contact with them to make sure both parties understand each other. Everyone quickly averts their gaze. What's happening?
Note: some Asian countries consider making direct eye contact insulting.
Many Asian cultures consider making direct eye contact as a sign of agression or disrespect. On the other hand, in many of these same cultures, avoiding eye contact with a member of the opposite sex is seen as a sign of respect. Outside Asia, eye contact can be seen as flirty/inappropriate.
You are at an international peace gathering with people from around the world. An Englander is showing the ‘V‘ for victory sign. Could this be taken the wrong way?
While the ‘V’ hand symbol is denoted as a sign of victory in England, abroad it means something else. Making this gesture with your palm facing inward in Australia, Scotland, South Africa, and several other countries throughout the world, funnily enough, means 'up yours.'
This marks the end of the quiz. Are you now a culture vulture?
This was merely for fun, and doesn't represent what real life cultures are like when you're in new countries to experience them. Nevertheless, always be mindful of cultural differences and be sure to know, before you go!
