ESL 21b

Essay 1.2

Intercultural Differences

People who grow up in a particular region share certain beliefs, cultures, and values. Beliefs are the assumptions we make about ourselves, about others in the world, and about how we expect things to be. In some instances, accepting cultural groups involves struggles to reorganize resources and opportunities to victims of past or present injustice, such as the issue of race-conscious districting in the United States{1}. In my country, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise, a city that never sleeps, and continuously hears from the crowds and other noises in most of the places at night. Hong Kong also holds a unique characteristic where might be not suitable for everyone. If foreign visitors come to examineWChoice my country they should be aware of the following criteria'sWChoice: concept of time, directness, and individualism in order to adjust more easily and avoid intercultural conflicts and misunderstandings.

Hong Kong is a busy city where most of the employees have a really fast pace in terms of the concept of time. As we know thatCut the world expectation is escalating day by day whether in economics, education or personal knowledge's. Employees recognize that if you do not put in hundred percent effortsCount/Non-Count in work or academics that means not treasure the time and spend it wisely,Awkward and then it will be extremely hard to climb up on the ladder once you compete with othersAwkward. Hence, some employees even work at lunchtime as an extra time to finish the work. Plus, some go to night classes to strive for more knowledge'sWForm enhancing themselves into more variety of job opportunities. In contrast, foreignWForm in Europe or Brazil will be amazed if they come to visit Hong Kong experiencing the brilliant fast pace as in a walk. {***}ChoppyIn this article "American Values and Assumptions," by Gary Althen says, "They are more likely to conceive of time as something that is simply there, around them, not something they can use. Europeans have a simple and ways perspectives on concept of time, and more joyfulness for their lives." In most European places, they live with simplicity; they do not feel like being pushed by someone from the back. Moreover when they turn in older ageAwkward, they have a great deal of benefits done by the governmentAwkward. At this point, foreigners will feel the definite pressure when you stand on the intersection of the streets in Hong Kong; you will feel not so right due to all people walk in a quick pace. Unlike yourself, look around the buildings, hands in pocket and walk as if you were wounded. Therefore, Hong Kong and Europeans foreigner both have different aspects of time, this is something that the foreigners should aware of.

Hong Kong simply does not have the same concept of "directness" as other nations have. In Hong Kong, everything and everybody are very indirect. Hong Kong has been colonized by the GreatCut British for a long period of time, people are more likely to have manners and indirect. Moreover, Hong Kong have a awful custom which talks behind people instead "I should tell you about it directly, so you will know, clearly and from me personally," said in the article "American Values and Assumptions," by Gary AlthenAwkward. Differences in communication style are the cause of many cultural conflicts between Hong Kong and foreigners. Foreigners like the Americans prefer to communicate in a way that is direct. Interests are mostly expressed in terms of 'I want' or 'I need' and more indirect phrases such as 'Would it be possible' or 'It would nice if…' may well be misinterpreted, if not missed completely. Similarly, a difference in opinion may well be expressed simply as 'You're wrong' rather than using the more subtle approach of 'In my opinion…' or 'You may be right, but…' Although directness may seem crude, rude and even arrogant to those of an indirect persuasionGoodWordChoice, in Hong Kong, it is very much to accept and appreciated this custom unless people are close in relationship. Furthermore, Hong Kong often view indirectness as difficult to read and unnecessarily polite and prefer it when people just clearly say what they think (even if it is informing you that your thighs are fat!) As a whole, Hong Kong do not take directness as part of their culture, so let's make sure that the Americans when they come to Hong Kong@talk gently or else they might feel offense and then yell back for a small purpose,Awkward that is going to smash up the reputation of Hong Kong{2}.

People from my country like to gather asCut in groups{***}Punctuation no matter to study or to eat. It is rarely to see as one walking on the streets. Based on this article, "American Values and Assumptions," by Gary Althen says, "Americans are trained to conceive of themselves as separate individuals and they assume everyone else in the world is too. "In US's value ideaAwkward, the individualism is a very important aspect. Individualism holds that every person is an end in him/herself and that no person should be sacrificed for the sake of another. They also hold that the individual is the unit of achievement. While not denying that one person can build on the achievements of others. In Hong Kong, employees mostly work together in different groups in order to accomplish each part of work. Whereas we think being united will bring the power, even if there are any loses, a group will maintain as a team. Therefore, Hong Kong view individualism is not the particular working style, at the same time individualism is sometime good as in leadership and decision making.

In conclusion, if foreigners come to visit Hong Kong, they should be of the following things: concept of time, directness, and individualism. In personal, I am becoming into more American living style, I think it is much suitable for me because I enjoy spending time alone. Actually, where to immigrant is a key to everything, choosing the right nation to fit in your ideal living style do take a while, but you will fulfill your dream to live at last.