Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

 

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 55 
B.
 
Cultural Learning 
Figure 4.2 shows different phases of cultural learning: 
Figure 4.2: Phases of cultural learning 
 
At the lowest level is the belief that all people are 
alike. Then comes a recognition that there are differences, 
an acceptance of the differences, seeing ways of 
synthesizing the different ways, selecting, and making 
things run smoothly.
The process of cultural learning can be helped 
along by experience, reflection and training. Intercultural 
Deftness
(Making it happen)
Selection
(I know what will work) 
Synthesis
(I’m finding some good combination)
Understanding (
I’m studying the difference
) 
Realization (
they are different from us
) 
Ignorance (
people are alike
) 
Local experts Tourist Curios sojourner Bicultural Expert Integrator Leader 

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56 | Cross Cultural Understanding 
training not only provides information but also develops 
skills, and encourages attitudes to enable people to 
progress along the cultural learning curve.