Question

explain three of the continuums presented in 'Foreign to Familiar,' and share where you personally fall on these continuums

Answer 1

Three continuums presented in 'Foreign to Familiar' are Collectivism vs Individualism, High-context vs Low-context Communication, and Monochronic vs Polychronic Time. Personally, I fall more on the individualism side, prefer low-context communication, and align with monochronic time.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Collectivism vs Individualism: In some cultures, such as Japan or China, collectivism is valued, which means that the needs of the group are prioritized over individual needs. On the other hand, individualism, like in Western cultures, focuses on personal freedom and independence.
2. High-context vs Low-context Communication: High-context communication relies on implicit messages, non-verbal cues, and shared cultural understanding. Examples include Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. In contrast, low-context communication is direct and explicit, with words being the primary mode of communication, like in Western cultures.
3. Monochronic vs Polychronic Time: Monochronic cultures, such as the United States or Germany, value punctuality and emphasize strict adherence to schedules. Polychronic cultures, like many Latin American or African cultures, have a more relaxed view of time and prioritize relationships over being strictly on time.

I personally fall more on the individualism side of the collectivism vs individualism continuum. I believe in personal freedom and independence. For high-context vs low-context communication, I lean more towards low-context communication as I prefer direct and explicit conversation. Lastly, on the monochronic vs polychronic time continuum, I align more with monochronic time as I value punctuality and being on time.