In today's highly globalised and mobile world, many of us would have had a chance to interact with someone from a different culture. It can be communicating through the internet or having a face-to-face chat. All of these present good opportunities for one to learn more about the culture and their norms.
During the last winter holidays, I had the chance to visit Europe. It was an eye-opener for me as I finally had the chance to experience the European culture. Prior to the trip, I was told by friends and family members that it was better if I knew some French as the people in France would not want to communicate in a language other than French. However, I was thinking that in today's context, where every country is trying to promote their tourism industry, the popular tourists area would have someone who could speak an international language, English.
However, I was proven wrong upon reaching France. I had bought a train ticket and needed to clarify some issues regarding the usage of the train ticket. Therefore, I went up to the counter. The staff upon seeing me, slid open the panel on the counter. I asked my question in English. However, the staff (probably seeing that I am a foreigner and speaking English), ignored me and continued talking to her colleague. I repeated my questions (a few more times) in English but the staff continued to ignore me. After which, she replied, "No.. Dont know English" and slid back the panel.
At that very moment, I was really fuming. Even if the staff did not understand English, she should have shown some basic respect by giving me the due attention while I was asking my question, instead of just ignoring me. In addition, she could have politely told me that she does not understand English and I could check with someone else.
On the other hand, I also had the chance to visit Japan on an exchange programme. Unfortunately, I fell ill and was sent to the school's sick bay. The staff were not proficient in English and they tried their very best to communicate and understand my condition. It was with great relief that there was an English-Japanese dictionary and the staff made the effort to flip through the pages of the dictionary to show me with the words they wanted to say to me. This greatly enhances the communication between the staff and I and I really appreciated their efforts in doing so.
From these two cases, we can observe that the Japanese makes the effort to communicate with someone of a different culture despite the language barrier. However, the French displayed an indifferent attitude when communicating with someone who does not speak French. I believe that in intercultural communication, both parties should make a concerted effort even though there is a language barrier. It is with great regret that I did not have a good impression of the French culture after the incident. However, I really appreciate the efforts by the Japanese in ensuring an effective communication between us.
Perhaps, this is what defines the culture itself -- the norms, actions and behaviours.
