Jeff wrote:
> It is my understanding that all of us think in the language
> and culture we were exposed to from ages 2-7 (roughly). None
> of us are free from cultural immersion and it is almost
> impossible to step outside this box.
> I don't know if it is possible to separate ourselves from
> cultural immersion?
> For me "cultural immersion" means using cultural language and thinking
> patterns without being aware of it.
These seem in indicate that you think that cultural immersion is something
one is raised with, not aware of and hard or impossible to change. One
exception might be someone raised in a multicultural environment.
Jeff also wrote:
> If we were able to be multi-cultural and our thinking was not
> dominated by one culture, then would we use terms that required
> a cultural bias to give them meaning.
> It is only when we become aware of how immersed we
> are that change is possible.
> This indicates how difficult it is to shift from one cultural
> thought pattern to another.
These seem to indicate that you feel change is possible, though, difficult
and requires a shift toward "multi-cultural".
As I see it, it should not be impossible to shift cultural awareness.
There seem to be too many examples of people making such a transition. I
agree that it is difficult, as the number of books written about
intercultural communication shows. I can't say whether or not I have made
such a shift, at least not entirely, but I have gone through a dramatic
process of familiarization (?) with the Japanese culture. Learning the
speak such a different language forced me to adopt (invent?) a new way of
thinking and new ways of processing language and personal relationships. I
now have two ways to think (actually more, but that is another topic) and
two ways of looking at the world. My travelling and studies have also
given me hints of other such ways, but they are far beyond me. When
interacting with Japanese people, especially in Japan and using Japanese,
my values and awareness shift in order for the whole thing to function
smoothly.
One of the main reason that I assume the process is not complete for me, is
that there are still a number of stories, jokes, proverbs, folklore, etc.
that I have not been exposed to over the last 12 years. I believe that
they convey a lot of the values and assumptions of a culture. I also think
that since I am not a follower, I tend to avoid adopting the views and
values of those around me.
I agree it's an interesting topic, full of interesting aspects. I wish I
had more time to flesh out these thoughts.
Eric Storm
