- Published: October 3, 2022
- Updated: October 3, 2022
- University / College: University of Miami
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 28
The paper ” Comparing and Contrast Surface Culture and Deep Culture” is a worthy example of an assignment on culture.
Difference between surface culture and deep culture.
Surface culture includes all the visible manifestations of a foreign culture that are easy to notice for a newcomer. These are the very first things a foreigner notice as different from certain aspects of the own culture. Such aspects may include the way people look, dress, talk, and behave. Food, architecture, and transportation, among others, may also be bright examples of the surface culture.
While surface culture is easy to notice and understand, deep culture is something that needs time and experience to be noticed and understood. Deep culture includes rules, attitudes, feelings, and values of the foreign country’s people. Usually, they are related to the nation’s social and historical background and religious beliefs. Since it is not something a foreigner can see or touch, deep culture is much more challenging to cope with. The understanding of the deep culture comes only with time spent in the foreign environment.
Assumptions about the culture regarding standing in line.
In such a situation I would assume that standing in line while waiting for a bus is not common in the given culture. Therefore, since in a foreign country it’s better to behave like its citizens, the best option is to follow their example: wait together with the crowd, and be quick to get on the bus. I can’t say it is a good or a bad habit of the natives: it is just what they are used to, and, consequently, they can’t be judged for it. I believe such manifestations of a foreign culture should be simply accepted as they are.
The greatest benefit of living and teaching in another country.
The greatest thing about living and teaching in another country is, I believe, a chance to learn a new culture, and to share the knowledge about own one. Getting acquainted with a new culture not only broadens the person’s outlook but helps to get free from certain stereotypes that have possibly been created by the own one. The most difficult will, of course, be learning the deep culture of the nation.
