The Importance of History in Intercultural Communication

1. The Importance of History in Intercultural Communication 3 April 2013 by Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

2. History and Culture • Why is history considered so important in intercultural communication? (More than ten good reasons…) • Mention one aspect of history from your country that you think may have influenced the nation’s culture. • Is there oneAmerican/Russian/Indian culture?

3. US History • How - in terms of values and behaviour - has the US history of immigration and expansion influenced American culture? • How can history explain American individualism? (Hofstede’s index score: 91) • How do the authors of this text explain American informality? • A constant theme in US history is that “anything is possible.” (Examples?) Has this idea become part of the American national identity, do you think?

4. Russian History • Explain how geography may have had a major impact on Russian culture. • According to the authors of this text, which other factor has clearly shaped the Russian national character and worldview? (Cf. Hofstede’s scores - PD: 93; UA: 95) • How is Russian history different from US history, and how has this contrast affected the two cultures? • What are the three values that President Putin claims are distinctly Russian?

5. Chinese History • According to this text, how can we explain the somewhat ethnocentric feelings characterizing Chinese culture? • Which period in their history do the Chinese refer to as “an era of national humiliation”, and how do these historical experiences influence Chinese culture today? • How do the authors of this text explain the Chinese traditional cultural orientation towards collectivism and hierarchy? (Cf. Hofstede’s scores. Individualism: 20; PD:80)

6. Japanese History • Explain Japan’s relative homogeneity. What are some of the cultural traits resulting from this? • What is the Tokugawa historical legacy (from the early 1600s)? • Hofstede’s index score for Japan regarding Uncertainty Avoidance is 92. Based on your knowledge of Japanese history, explain why this high score seems plausible. • Collectivism is generally considered a typical aspect of Japanese culture. How can this trait be explained from the point of view of history and geography?

7. Indian History • In what ways does both ancient and modern India influence our lives today? (Do these aspects represent cultural characteristics typical for what Professor Schwartz termed mastery cultures?) • Indian culture is first of all characterized by diversity.” Explain. • Does the conflict between Hindus and Muslims in India go back to the 1947 partition of India?

8. Mexican History • “As is the case with all cultures, Mexicans take great pride in their history.” Which period are Mexicans particularly proud of? • To what extent is it true that “the Spanish conquest and colonization of Mexico instilled in the native population many cultural traits that endure today”? (Cf. PD: 81) • What does Mexico consider “its greatest disaster”? • To what extent are the major social problems in Mexico today a result of historical events?

9. Islamic Civilization • “Today, Muslims look at Islamic history with both pride and humiliation.” Explain. • To what extent is it true that the historical achievements of Islam are a source of inspiration for contemporary Muslims? • How could “a simple question of leadership” result in the Sunni-Shiite schism? • Explain the statement that “Islamic history and religion are directly linked”.