Vocabulary, Cultural Models, and Stereotypes

Vocabulary

1. AMBIGUITY: Doubtfulness or uncertainty as regards interpretation.
2. NEPOTISM: Giving jobs to relatives.
3. ETHNOCENTRIC: The belief in the inherent superiority of one's own culture.
4. INVEST: To put money, time, or feelings into something.
5. ENLIGHTENMENT: Clear thinking that is free from delusion.
6. COURTSHIP: Time when one person pursues the other for marriage.
7. DECLINE: To reduce or to say no.
8. UNPREDICTABLE: Something that behaves in unexpected ways.
9. BRANCH OUT: To expand or extend, as in business activities.
10. SECULARISM: The view that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without religious elements.
11. BIAS: Inclination, prejudice, viewpoint.
12. CONTROVERSY: A prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention.
13. STEREOTYPE: Opinion that is often judgmental.
14. ACQUAINTANCE: A person you know superficially, but is not a close friend.
15. STRIVE: To try hard.

Short Answer

1. Explain one aspect of the Hofstede model and give an example.

One aspect of the Hofstede model is Masculinity versus Femininity: masculinity represents a preference in society for achievement, heroism, and material rewards for success. For example, men are generally more competitive. Its opposite, femininity, stands for a preference for cooperation and modesty. For example, women are often seen as caring for the weak and prioritizing quality of life.

2. What is the difference between stereotypes and generalizations?

A stereotype refers to an oversimplified idea of the typical characteristics of a person or thing. A generalization is making a general statement to encompass all individuals who belong to a particular category.

Example of a stereotype: Muslim women are oppressed.

Example of a generalization: Germans tend to be very punctual.

3. 3 characteristics of linear-active/multi-active

Linear-Active:

1. Linear-active people do one thing at a time, concentrate hard on that thing, and do it within a scheduled time period.
2. Linear-active cultures are very strict.
3. Countries where they are linear-active: Switzerland, Holland, Germany.

Multi-Active:

1. Multi-active cultures are very flexible.
2. These people are often less interested in schedules or punctuality.
3. Countries where they are multi-active: Colombia, Mexico, Portugal.

4. 3 similarities and differences between Sikhs and Buddhists.

Similarities:

1. Buddhism and Sikhism believe in reincarnation.
2. Meditation is an important practice in both Buddhism and Sikhism.
3. Sikhism and Buddhism have many religious rituals.

Differences:

1. Buddhists do not believe in any type of god, while Sikhs believe in a single formless god with many names.
2. The holy book of Sikhism is the Shri Guru Granth Sahib, while Buddhists follow the Tripitaka.
3. Sikhs believe in karma, while Buddhists do not.