CROSS- CULTURAL COMMUNICATION 1

Topic: Intergroup communication

Full name: Phan Thị Thủy- 20F7511182- Group 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Discuss the follow questions

II. Quotations from foreign visitors
III. References

I. Discuss the follow questions

A. What is the issue?

B. Is the criticism true?

C. What at underlies it? What is the logic behind it?

D. How could you explain the perceived?

II. Quotations from foreign visitors

1. Visitor from India

American seem to be in a perpetual hurry. Just watch the way the walk down the
street. They never allow themselves the leisure to enjoy life; there are to many
things to do.
- Many Americans lead very busy lives and often value productivity and
efficiency. It is true that the pace of life can be fast and hectic in many parts of
the United States, with people often juggling multiple responsibilities and tasks
throughout the day. The culture of productivity and efficiency is highly valued
in many aspects of American society, including in a workplace and in personal
life. For Americans, time is money. They never feel like they have enough
time. They talk about “waste time”, “take time”, “save time”, and certainly do
not want to waste time. Use time wisely and effectively because for Americans

1
 time is a straight line, time goes and does not return. They spend their time on
top-priority tasks, so Americans are always in a hurry. They often appear to be
fighting for time and losing time, never seeming to have enough time in a day
to complete all of their to-do lists. They are always in a hurry, trying to do as
much as possible in a day, they often want to convey the sense of urgency of
the work and deadlines. Americans often use time very strictly and time is
divided into chunks, marking, and planning. However, it is also important to
note that Americans do prioritize leisure time and enjoying life, and many
individuals and families make time for hobbies, travel, and other forms of
recreation. Additionally, the pace of life can vary across different regions and
communities, with some areas being more relaxed and leisurely than others. It
is important to recognize and respect these differences in lifestyle and pace,
and to prioritize self-care and balance in one's own life.
For example: a college student who is juggling a part-time job, extracurricular
activities, and a full course load. They may feel like they don't have enough
time to fully engage in each class, and may rush through assignments
2. Visitor from Japan
Family life in the U.S seems harsh and unfeeling compared to the close ties in our
country. Americans don’t seem to care for their elderly parents.
- I cannot agree with that statement as a generalization. While there may be some
cases of strained family relationships and neglect of elderly parents in the United
States, it is not representative of all families and individuals. In Vietnamese
families, the elderly often live with their children and grandchildren and are quite
dependent in their children old on their age. However, in the US, when they get
old, they often choose to live independently and do not want to depend on their
children. Usually, when they get old, the American couple will live together and
enjoy their old age together. They also have the thought of living for themselves
more and enjoying life to make up for the hard years and taking care of the
economy and family at a young age. Elderly people in the US can travel together,

2
 garden, and participate in community activities. For the elderly who live alone or
are in poor health, they do not choose to live with their children and grandchildren,
but instead go to nursing homes. For them, this is a way to not disturb their
children and grandchildren, but also a way to find joy in old age, where there are
close friends of the same age.
“In the surveyed, majorities of adults with a living parent age 65 or older say they
have helped the parent with errands, housework or home repairs in the 12 months
prior to the survey. About three-in-ten or fewer say they have helped the parent
financially or that they have provided personal care, such as bathing or getting
dressed.
Most of the assistance to aging parents who need help comes from family
members. In the U.S., about as many say they provide most of the help to aging
parents who need it as say someone else in their family does (37% and 38%,
respectively).”
Source: Pew Research Center Survey, Oct.27-Dec. 18, 2014
3. Visitor from Indonesia
In America, people show hospitality to strangers, but do not care for family
members.
- The typical American culture is open, enthusiastic and extremely comfortable,
they are not bound or forced by the old rituals. While it is true that people in
America often show hospitality to strangers, it does not necessarily mean that they
do not care for their family members. In fact, family is an important part of
American culture, and many families are close-knit and supportive of one another.
Of course, like in any society, there are some families that may have issues or
conflicts, but this is not a reflection of the broader culture as a whole. Overall,
Americans value the importance of family and strive to maintain strong
relationships with their loved ones.
For example, family dinners can be seen as a fine tradition in American home
culture. These are dinners on weekends or during holidays such as Thanksgiving,

3
 Christmas, and New Year's. On these days, everyone, even if they live separately,
will go home with their children and gather with grandparents, brothers, and
sisters at a reunion dinner. This is also the way that Americans express family
affection, solidarity, and attachment among members.
4. Visitor from Kenya
In American schools, the children are restless, inattentive and rebellious [ and the
teachers have] poor class discipline.
- The perception that American schools have students who are restless,
inattentive, and rebellious, and teachers who struggle with class discipline may
stem from a few different factors.
Firstly, the American education system can be quite competitive, with an
emphasis on standardized testing and academic achievement. This can create a
lot of pressure for students to perform well, which can lead to stress and
anxiety, and may manifest in disruptive behavior in the classroom.
Secondly, American schools can be quite diverse, with students from a wide
range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. This can create additional
challenges for teachers in terms of creating a cohesive classroom culture and
addressing the individual needs of each student.
Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, some American schools may struggle with issues
such as inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of teacher
training in classroom management techniques, which can contribute to student
restlessness and poor class discipline.
American schools having restless, inattentive, and rebellious students, and
teachers with poor class discipline is rooted in these underlying factors.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes
investing in resources and support for both teachers and students, creating a
positive and inclusive school culture, and addressing the individual needs of
students. This can include investing in teacher training programs, providing

4
 mental health and counseling services, reducing class sizes, and ensuring
adequate funding for resources and support.
5. Visitor from Iran
The first time my professor told me: “I don’t know the answer- I will have to look
it up, I was shocked. I asked myself, Why is he teaching me?” In my country a
professor would give a wrong answer rather than admit ignorance.
- It is important to recognize that admitting ignorance or not knowing the answer
to a question is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy but rather a display of
honesty and integrity.
In the United States, it is generally considered acceptable and even admirable
for a professor to admit when they do not know the answer to a question. The
emphasis is on learning and seeking knowledge, rather than pretending to have
all the answers. It is important for professors to model this behavior for their
students, as it encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and a collaborative
approach to learning. In fact, admitting ignorance and demonstrating a
willingness to learn alongside students can be a powerful teaching tool. It
creates a culture of intellectual humility, where everyone is encouraged to learn
from one another and work together to discover new knowledge. While it may
be different from the educational norms in other countries, this approach is
valued in educational institutions in the United States.
For example, in a Linear Dynamics System class, the teacher said that in
previous lessons, he had made a mistake, so this time he would need the
students to notice and point out his mistake.
In Decision Making Under Uncertainty class, the teacher joked that if he made
a mistake, it was because he had done so on purpose to see how aware the
students were.
Teachers often make mistakes and sometimes students will raise their hands
and say, "Oh, teacher, this answer is wrong", and the teacher will say, "Oh,
that's right. Very excellent. Thank you." No one is narcissistic, nor does

5
 anyone naturally feel a lack of trust in the teacher. These errors make students
realize that teachers are also human, helping to make the teacher-student
relationship become more equal.
6. Visitor from Australia
When i told to Americans they never really want to disagree. Why are they so
afraid to show their colors? They talk like resumes instead of letting you know
who they really are. We want blokes who care enough to disagree with us.
- In American culture, it is often considered impolite or confrontational to
openly disagree with someone, particularly in a professional or academic
setting. Instead, Americans tend to use more indirect language or offer a
different perspective without directly contradicting the other person. Instead of
disagreeing, they may offer a differing perspective or ask questions to better
understand the other person's point of view. This approach is intended to
encourage open dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than confrontation.
This style of communication is not necessarily a sign that Americans are afraid
to show their true colors or lack authenticity. Rather, it is a cultural norm that
emphasizes politeness and respect for others' opinions. However, this may be
expressed in different ways, such as through personal style, hobbies, or
creative pursuits.
For example: Let's say a group of friends is discussing a controversial political
issue, and one person expresses a point of view that another person strongly
disagrees with. Rather than immediately contradicting the other person, an
American may respond by saying something like, "I can see where you're
coming from, but I have a different perspective on this issue. Can you help me
understand why you feel that way?"
This approach is intended to acknowledge the other person's point of view
while also expressing a differing perspective in a respectful and non-
confrontational way. It allows for open dialogue and encourages mutual
understanding, rather than shutting down the conversation or creating conflict.

6
7. Visitor from Sweden
I have been most negatively impressed by the patronizing attitude of many of the
Americans with whom I discussed Third World countries. Some of them were
very definite in saying they believed that the people of the Third World were
underdevelopment because they were lazy and did not work hard enough.
- The belief that people in the Third World are underdeveloped because they are
lazy and do not work hard enough is a harmful and inaccurate stereotype.
However, it is possible that this perception may be influenced by a few factors:
1. Limited exposure to diverse perspectives: Some Americans may not have had
the opportunity to travel to or interact with people from developing countries,
which can lead to a limited understanding of the complex challenges faced by
those living in poverty.
2. Media portrayal: The media can sometimes perpetuate negative stereotypes
about people in developing countries, which can influence public perception.
3. Cultural differences: Work ethic and productivity can be viewed differently
across cultures. What may be seen as hard work in one culture may not be viewed
that way in another.
4. Lack of understanding of the root causes of poverty: Poverty in developing
countries is the result of complex factors such as historical colonialism, political
instability, lack of access to education and healthcare, and economic exploitation.
Without an understanding of these factors, it can be easy to oversimplify the issue
and attribute poverty to individual character flaws.
Overall, it's important to recognize that the belief that people in the Third World
are underdeveloped because they are lazy and do not work hard enough is a
harmful stereotype that is not based in reality.
So that, individuals to educate themselves about the root causes of poverty in the
developing world and to approach discussions about these issues with empathy,
respect, and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives. Patronizing attitudes

7
 can be harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes, and it's vital to promote
respectful, constructive dialogue in discussions about poverty and development.

8. Visitor from Taiwan

Before I came America, I always heard how hardworking Americans are, but
compared to my people they don’t seem to work very hard at all. Why, Americans
only work five days a week!
- Work culture and expectations can vary across different countries and cultures.
In the United States, the standard work week is typically five days, with most
employees working 40 hours per week. However, this does not mean that
Americans do not work hard or value productivity. Many Americans work long
hours and take their work very seriously, often prioritizing their careers and
professional success. Additionally, the American work culture places a strong
emphasis on efficiency and productivity, with many employers expecting their
employees to work efficiently and meet strict deadlines. It is also important to
note that work-life balance is becoming increasingly important in the US, with
more employers offering flexible work arrangements and benefits to support
their employees' well-being.
- In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards flexible work schedules
and remote work, which allows employees to have more control over their
work-life balance. Additionally, some companies offer alternative work
schedules, such as four 10-hour workdays or a compressed workweek, as a
way to accommodate employee needs and preferences.
9. Visitor from Taiwan
I feel that because my spoken English is not so good, that the American graduate
student also feel that I am not an intelligent adult worth getting to know. I begin to
feel as if I don’t exist
here.

8
 - Language barriers or language skills can be challenging and may affect how
others perceive you, but it does not determine your intelligence or worth as a
person. It is important to remember that many successful individuals have
overcome language barriers to achieve their goals and make meaningful
contributions to their communities. It is possible that the American graduate
student may be unaware of the difficulties you are facing and may not
understand the challenges of communicating in a new language. It may be
helpful to find ways to improve your English skills, such as taking classes or
practicing with a language partner, in order to build your confidence and feel
more comfortable in social situations. Remember that you are valuable and
deserving of respect, regardless of any language barriers you may face.
10. Visitor from Japan
The Americans were very kind to invite me into their homes for dinner, but
always, as soon as dinner was over, they would ask if I wanted to take a tour of
their house as if it was some sort of a monument. I really did not want to, but I
could not tell them no, so I said “ Yes, please”. They were so proud to show off all
their prized possession. It made me think that we all very materialistic. I was also
shocked that the bathtub and toilet are always together in an American home and
at how close the toilet usually is to the kitchen.
- Cultural differences can influence the way people socialize and interact in
different settings. It is true that Americans can be very proud of their homes
and possessions. In the United States, it is common for people to invite guests
to take a tour of their homes after a meal as a way of showing hospitality and
sharing their living space with others. While this may be perceived as
materialistic by some, it is not necessarily a reflection of the individual's values
or priorities. This may be due in part to the cultural emphasis on individual
achievement and success, as well as the importance of home ownership as a
symbol of stability and security. Additionally, the design and layout of homes
in the United States may differ from those in other countries, with bathrooms

9
 and toilets often located in close proximity to other rooms. As for the
placement of the bathroom fixtures, it is a common practice in American
homes to have them located in close proximity to each other. This is for
practical reasons, as it allows for easier installation of plumbing and drainage
systems. Different cultures have different values and priorities when it comes
to home design and decor. What may seem strange or materialistic to one
person may be perfectly normal and practical to another. It is important to
approach cultural differences with an open mind and a willingness to learn and
understand the different perspectives and practices of others. If you are
uncomfortable with an invitation or request, it is okay to politely decline or
express your feelings in a respectful manner.
11. Visitor from Algeria
I was horrified at the ignorance of the high school students about my country-
Algeria. They knew nothing at all about it-location, people, language, political
condition. What made it worse was the ignorance of the teacher herself. Her
knowledge was very shallow and in certain instance, quite erroneous.
- Education systems can vary greatly between countries, and what is taught in
one country may not be emphasized or prioritized in another. However, this
does not excuse the lack of effort on the part of the teacher to educate
themselves and their students about different cultures and countries.
There are several factors that could contribute to the lack of knowledge about
Algeria among American high school students, including:
1. Limited curriculum: American schools may not have a comprehensive
curriculum that covers every country and culture in depth, and Algeria may
simply not be a priority in the curriculum.
2. Lack of resources: Schools may not have access to enough resources or
textbooks that cover Algeria and its culture in detail.

10
 3. Limited exposure: American media and popular culture may not highlight
Algeria and its culture, which can limit the exposure of the country to
American students.
4. Teacher training: Teachers may not have received adequate training to teach
about Algeria and its culture, which could lead to shallow or erroneous
knowledge.
Maybe this are not unique to Algeria and that other cultures and countries may
also be underrepresented or misunderstood in American education and media.
However, it is for educators to make an effort to broaden their knowledge and
understanding of the world and to provide accurate and comprehensive
information to their students.
12. Visitor from Lesotho:
Some Americans I have met seem to like to live with animals, more than with
people, and they treat their pets like human beings, even kissing them and holding
them on their laps
- It is true that many Americans are fond of pets and treat them as part of their
family. In fact, pets are often considered as companions and bring joy and comfort
to many individuals.
There are several reasons why Americans seem to like to live with animals:
1. Companionship: Many Americans consider their pets to be companions and
enjoy the emotional connection and sense of comfort that comes with having an
animal around.
2. Health benefits: Research has shown that living with pets can have positive
health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and
increasing physical.
3. Entertainment: Pets can be a source of entertainment and enjoyment for their
owners, providing hours of and interaction.
4. Socialization: Pets can also serve as a way to meet new people and socialize
with others who share a love for animals.

11
 5. Family tradition: For many families, having pets has become a tradition that has
been passed down through generations.
According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in
2019-2020, approximately 67% of American households, or about 84.9 million
homes, owned at least one pet. The most common pets owned by Americans were
dogs and cats, with over 63 million households owning at least one dog and 42
million households owning at least one cat. Other common pets included
freshwater fish, birds, small animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs, and
reptiles.

13. Visitor from the Netherlands:

America is really a salesperson' society... They are always selling something

They're selling their product, their company, their services and, last but not least
they are selling themselves--and doing quite well at it too.
- It is true that America has a culture that values salesmanship and marketing.
Advertising and marketing are ubiquitous in American society, with products and
services being promoted through various forms of media, such as television, radio,
and the internet.
Additionally, many Americans are entrepreneurial and focused on building
successful businesses and personal brands. This can result in a culture that values
self-promotion and sales skills.
Here are some examples of how America is a salesperson's society:
1. Advertising and marketing: Americans are exposed to a large amount of
advertising and marketing on a daily basis. Companies use various forms of media
to promote their products and services, such as television commercials, online ads,
billboards, and social media.
2. Job interviews: Job interviews in America often involve selling oneself to the
employer. Candidates are expected to highlight their strengths and skills in order
to convince the employer to hire them.

12
 3. Political campaigns: American political campaigns are often focused on selling
a candidate's platform and ideas to voters. Candidates use a variety of tactics, such
as speeches, debates, and advertisements, to sell their message.
4. Real estate: The real estate industry in America is highly competitive, with
agents and brokers constantly selling properties to potential buyers. This often
involves staging homes and using persuasive language to convince buyers to make
a purchase.
5. Personal branding: Many Americans place a high value on personal branding
and self-promotion. This includes building a strong social media presence,
networking, and showcasing one's skills and accomplishments in order to advance
in their career or personal life.
These are just a few examples of how America is a salesperson's society. Culture
of salesmanship is not unique to the United States and can be found in many other
countries and cultures as well. Salesmanship and marketing are certainly valued in
American culture. Additionally, while salesmanship can be a valuable skill, it is
also important to prioritize honesty, integrity, and ethical practices in all aspects of
business and personal interactions.

14. Visitor from Cameroon:

It is shocking to me to see how the father and mother in America kick out of their
family their own children when they become eighteen years of age. The most
surprising thing about it all is that the young people do not seem mind it or think it
is too cruel to be thrown out of their own family, but they accept it as the natural
and normal way of behaving.
- In the United States, there is a cultural emphasis on individualism and
independence, and young people are often encouraged to become self-sufficient
and independent once they reach adulthood.
In the family culture in the US, when children turn 18 and graduate from high
school, they can start the future of their youth's life and career. Because according

13
 to the way American parents think, when they reach the age of 18, their children
have the right to make personal decisions about the law. So you can take care of
your own life without your parents having to worry and take care of you like when
you were a child. Moreover, America is a country that respects individualism and
this is one of the ways to show it.
When they reach the age of 18 and go out into society, families usually don't
worry about their children's finances anymore. Instead, they will have to become
financially independent, work to support themselves, and learn to live
independently. On weekends or holidays, children will come home to gather with
their families and gather around warm reunion meals. Independence has been
formed from a young age, so children in the US after the age of 18 can completely
worry and decide for themselves in the best way.
This can include moving out of their parents' homes and starting their own lives.
While this may seem harsh or cruel to some, it is not necessarily a reflection of a
lack of love or care for their children. Many parents see it as a necessary step in
their children's path to adulthood and autonomy. Additionally, it is important to
note that there are many social programs and resources available to support young
adults who may be struggling with housing or other challenges as they transition
into adulthood.
Overall, while the expectation of young adults to become independent at a certain
age may seem surprising or shocking to some, it is important to recognize that
family dynamics and cultural expectations can vary greatly across different
societies and communities.

15. Visitor from Turkey:

Once... in a rural area in the middle of nowhere, we saw an American come to a

stop sign. Though he could see in both directions for miles and no traffic was
coming, he still stopped

14
 - In the United States, stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic laws is highly
emphasized and enforced. This is due to a number of reasons, including the
importance of safety on the roads and the potential legal consequences of violating
traffic laws. While it may seem unnecessary or even inconvenient to stop at a stop
sign when there is no other traffic present, it is important to remember that traffic
laws are in place to protect everyone on the road, including drivers, pedestrians,
and bicyclists. Additionally, in rural areas where there may be less traffic, drivers
may be more accustomed to following traffic laws strictly in order to maintain safe
driving practices. We need to respect and follow traffic laws in order to ensure the
safety of everyone on the road. While it may seem unnecessary to stop at a stop
sign when there is no traffic, it's always better to be safe than a foul.

16. Visitor from Japan:

Unfortunately, I have been given a bad impression by some American students

who speak of their own country very badly, especially of its foreign policy. I knew
all the foreign policy of America isn't good, but I did not want to be told so by a
native. I hate people who speak badly of their own land, even if they speak the
truth
- It is understandable to feel uncomfortable or disappointed when hearing
negative opinions about a country from its own citizens, especially if these
opinions are critical of its foreign policy. However, we need to recognize that
people have different perspectives and opinions on political issues, and it is
healthy to engage in open and honest discussions about these topics. It is
possible to love one's country while also acknowledging its flaws and
shortcomings, and many Americans are passionate about advocating for
change and improving their country's policies and actions on the global stage.
It is important to approach these conversations with an open mind and a
willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints, even if they may be uncomfortable

15
 or challenging to hear. Ultimately, it is through open and respectful dialogue
that we can work towards creating a better society and world for everyone.
I can understand why hearing negative comments about a country can be
disappointing and hurtful, especially from those who are from that country.
Every person is entitled to their own opinions and perspectives, even if they
differ from our own. Instead of getting upset, it might be helpful to engage in a
respectful and open conversation with those individuals to better understand
their viewpoints and perhaps share your own as well. However, it's important
to remember that every country has its flaws and issues, and it's okay to
acknowledge them. In fact, acknowledging and addressing these issues is a
crucial step towards making positive changes and improvements.

III.References

Pew Research Center, 2015

Psyc INFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved
Pew Research Center Survey, Oct.27-Dec. 18, 2014
Spring2016Global Attitudes Survey.Q36c.
The 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey
The American Pet Products Association in 2019-2020

16