用英文概括文章大意~
Certain lessons have to be learned the hard way.Some well meaning articles and presentations on cultural differences have a potential to do more harm than good and may not be as amusing.They present,like my bananas,too many generalizations or quite a distorted view.
Some often-heard generalizations about the Hispanic culture include:Hispanics1 need less personal space,make less eye contact,touch each other more in normal conversation,and are less likely to participate in a meeting.Generalizations are often dangerous,and especially when accompanied by recommendations such as:move closer when talking to Hispanics,make more physical contact,don’t expect participation,and so on.
Differences between people within any given nation or culture are much greater than differences between groups.Education,social standing,religion,personality,belief structure,past experience,affection shown in the home,and a myriad of other factors will affect human behavior and culture.
Sure there are differences in approach as to what is considered polite and appropriate behavior both on and off the job.In some cultures “yes” means,“I hear you” more than “I agree.” Length of pleasantries and greetings before getting down to business,level of tolerance for being around someone speaking a foreign (not-understood) language,politeness measured in terms of gallantry or etiquette (e.g.,standing up for a woman who approaches a table,yielding a seat on the bus to an older person,etc.) and manner of expected dress are all examples of possible cultural differences and traditions.
In Mexico it is customary for the arriving person to greet the others.For instance,someone who walks into a group of people eating would say provecho (enjoy your meal).In Chile,women often greet both other women and men with a kiss on the cheek.In Russia women often walk arm in arm with their female friends.Paying attention to customs and cultural differences can give someone outside that culture a better chance of assimilation or acceptance.Ignoring these can get an unsuspecting person into trouble.
There are cultural and ideological differences and it is good to have an understanding about a culture’s customs and ways.Aaron Pun,a Canadian ODCnet correspondent,wrote:“In studying cross-cultural2 differences,we are not looking at individuals but a comparison of one ethnic group against others.Hence,we are comparing two bell curves3 and generalizations cannot be avoided.” Another correspondent explained the human need to categorize.True and true,but the danger comes when we act on some of these generalizations,especially when they are based on faulty observations.Acting on generalizations about such matters as eye contact,personal space,touch,and interest in participation can have serious negative consequences.