Theme: Strange cultural customs of some nations Structure of Presentation

Theme:Strange cultural customs of some nations

Structure of Presentation

• What is Culture?
• Understanding Cultural differences
• Dealing with Cultural differences
• Case studies

Culture

A shared system of

• meanings,
• beliefs,
• values
• behaviours

through which experience is interpreted and carried out

Culture Is ..

• Relative
• Learned
• Collective
• Changes over time
• Complex responsive process

Forces Shaping Individual Culture

Personal Culture
Values
World-views
Beliefs
Behaviours
Urbanization
Migration
Minority Experience
Cross-cultural Adjustments
Profession
Gender
Language
Education
Industrialization
Social background
Ethnic background
Religion
Nationalism
Colonisation

Culture – In Peace Operations

Civilians – Civilians (International)
International actors Local communities
CULTURE
Military – Military (International)
Military – Civilians (Organizational)
Local Communities

Understanding Cultural differences

Eating habits

• Asia - chop sticks
• Europe - knife and fork
• Clean right hand in some countries
• Common plate

Understanding Cultural differences

Eating habits

• Beef
• Pork
• Horse
• “Everything that moves”

Understanding Cultural differences

Eating habits

• Pork not eaten by Muslims for religious reasons
• Christians keep horses, dogs and cats as pets
• Fish is neutral

Understanding Cultural differences

Religion

• Religion – an important place in many societies
• Knowledge of religion of host nation very important
• Respect religious beliefs