This training program is especially targeted for American university students, but all exchange students, people on business and tourists can use this information to prepare themselves for a stay in Germany. It is addressed and written for all those people who are interested in the German-American cultural differences as well as for all of those who are curious and interested in how Germans appear and are seen by their foreign visitors.
You will be given a variety of typical daily situations which are often critical turning points for the acceptance and understanding between visitors and members of the host country. The chosen situations are known as "stumbling blocks", which often create confusion, misunderstandings and conflicts for many foreigners. For each episode there are four possible explanations for the native's behavior. Only one explanation is correct from the foreign point of view. The other alternatives are misinterpretations which arise from ignorance about the factors that influence a culture, or they arise from prejudices and wrong ideas about the foreign culture. The trainee has to choose the alternative he considers to be the best, in order to explain the situation from the host culture's point of view. Each explanation contains information as to why it is appropriate or not.
At the end of every unit the underlying "Culture Standard" will be explained as well as the historical development of these standards.
This step by step process will sharpen the interpretation skills of the trainee to the point that he will be able to see and do things the way a German would.
The training helps you to avoid intercultural missunderstandings from the start and thus makes it easyer for you to
cope with the foreign culture.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction to the Training Material
- The training: goals and theoretical background
- How this training program was developed
- The structure and use of this training program
- Tips on how to use this training program successfully
- The Training
- Unit 1: Culture Standard Background Information: Interpersonal Distance Differentiation
- Unit 2: Culture Standard Background Information: Direct Interpersonal Communication
- Unit 3: Culture Standard Background Information: Rule-Orientation
- Unit 4: Culture Standard Background Information: Respect for Authority
- Unit 5: Culture Standard Background Information: The Need to Organize
- Unit 6: Culture Standard Background Information: Physical Proximity
- Unit 7: Culture Standard Background Information: Clearly Defined Personal Space
- Unit 8: Culture Standard Background Information: Personal property
- Unit 9: Culture Standard Background Information: Compulsory Sense of Duty
- Unit 10: Culture Standard Background Information: Sexual Role Differentiation
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This training program aims to provide individuals with a better understanding of cultural differences and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate intercultural encounters effectively. The program focuses on identifying and explaining key cultural standards that influence how individuals perceive, think, and act in different cultures. It also aims to improve intercultural communication by reducing misunderstandings and promoting tolerance and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.- Cultural Standards as 'Game Rules' for Social Interaction
- The Role of Culture in Shaping Perception, Thinking, and Behavior
- The Impact of Cultural Differences on Intercultural Communication
- Strategies for Overcoming Culture Shock and Fostering Intercultural Learning
- The Culture-Assimilator-Training Method for Developing Intercultural Competence
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Introduction to the training material lays out the rationale behind the program, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural differences in promoting effective communication and navigating unfamiliar social situations. It highlights the profound influence of culture on how people think, feel, and act, and introduces the concept of "Culture Standards" as the guiding principles for social interaction within a specific culture.
Unit 1 delves into the cultural standard of Interpersonal Distance Differentiation, examining how different cultures perceive and manage personal space. It explores the variations in comfortable proximity between individuals in different cultures and emphasizes the potential for misunderstandings when these standards are not understood.
Unit 2 focuses on the cultural standard of Direct Interpersonal Communication. This unit discusses the differences in communication styles across cultures, including the use of verbal and nonverbal cues, and the nuances of directness versus indirectness in communication. It highlights the importance of being aware of these differences in avoiding misinterpretations and fostering effective communication.
Unit 3 examines the cultural standard of Rule-Orientation, highlighting the varying levels of adherence to rules and procedures across cultures. It explores how cultures differ in their emphasis on rules and regulations, and how this can affect perceptions of behavior and expectations in different contexts.
Unit 4 delves into the cultural standard of Respect for Authority. This unit explores the different ways in which authority figures are perceived and treated in various cultures. It discusses the hierarchical structures and power dynamics that shape social interactions, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and awareness of these differences in building respectful relationships.
Unit 5 discusses the cultural standard of The Need to Organize, highlighting the various approaches to organization and structure across cultures. It explores how cultural norms influence perceptions of order and efficiency, and how these differences can impact collaboration and teamwork in intercultural contexts.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Culture Standards, Intercultural Communication, Culture Shock, Cultural Differences, Intercultural Learning, Cultural Assimilator Training, Attribution, Perception, Behavior, Communication Styles, Social Interaction, Personal Space, Rule Orientation, Respect for Authority, Organization, Diversity.- Quote paper
- Richard Markowsky (Author), 2011, Studying in Germany - Intercultural Training for Students from USA, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/181169
