Oh Chicago, How I Sometimes Loathe You!
Written intercultural communication guidelines like the ones provided on the website Ezine articles, (link http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247
would have been great to consider when I traveled to Chicago for my FedEx Express training! I was way out of my comfort zone, and the cultural composition was overwhelming compared to Upper Michigan, where everyone speaks English and has pretty much the same cultural background.
In Chicago, I remember my head was almost spinning while I was walking around at the airport. There were so many different conversations in so many different languages. All of Chicago seemed to be like that. I listened a lot to what was going on around me so I could “fit in.” I wanted to respect the fact that this was not “my house” (ownership of area) and be polite. Hanging back and observing is the best way, in my opinion, to learn other cultural norms and respect them. I adjust to my surroundings a lot quicker that way. A few extreme religious people approached me now and then, and came on a bit strong. They tried to convince me I wasn’t going to Heaven unless I followed their beliefs. I tried to brush them off gently. No point in ticking anyone off, especially in an unknown environment.
I am naturally a flexible person who can “go with the flow.” For intercultural communication that can be a blessing, along with patience and respect. I have all of those. I remember some of the Chicago cab rides. I thought some of the cab drivers were crazy! I was polite, told them thank you still.
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