A cultural acquisition and enculturation
A cultural acquisition is a process that begins from age of infancy and alters as a person grows up. The process, by which a person learns his or her culture through primary relationships, either formally or informally, is enculturation. The other way of gaining culture is though acculturation that involves learning another culture other than the primary one, through the socialization process. This second way of developing culture is called acculturation. Culture determines a person’s behavior and perception. Various cultures have varying beliefs, norms and perceptions that influence how the members of the communities associated behave and respond to various life phenomena.
Challenges of cross-cultural interactions
Having been brought up in an individualistic culture, I have firsthand experience on the challenges of cross-cultural interactions at home, school and even the workplace. I was born and bought up in a setting where my parents taught me self-dependence. In fact, most of the children in our neighborhoods believed interdependence was a sign of weakness. For this reason, every child had their own toys to avoid borrowing. In other circumstances, children offered their opinions on things that they affected their lives, feelings or priorities. I learnt how to stand up for myself especially when I felt discontented.
Culture shock in a new neighborhood
When I was in 6th grade my family moved to a neighborhood that was mainly composed of families from Latin America. Our whole family experienced culture shock because our neighbors valued interdependence while we were on the extreme of the dependence continuum. I quickly made friends especially because most of the children in the vicinity were welcoming. I always perceived their life as boring because anytime I suggested a leisure activity; my friends would need to check with their families if the parents needed them to do something at that time. However, I later learnt that for them the family needs superseded the personal priorities.
Evolving cultural perspectives
Growing up in this neighborhood, my cultural perspectives have evolved to include some aspects of the collectivist culture. For instance, I have become more attentive to other people’s opinions and feelings. I have also learnt how to create and maintain strong relationships in various stages of life. These relationships have been resourceful especially in decision making. Some of my close friends have also learnt to stand up for themselves when necessary. Today, I celebrate cultural diversity and I believe that such diversity should be utilized positively to enhance society.
