For this assignment, I choose to explore the Africa American culture. It is a culture populated with origin from West and central Africa. The African America culture was first witnessed in the ancient days of slavery where the slave owners tried to strip off the Africans of their culture. Despite the efforts, the culture was upheld due to the physical isolation and marginalization of the slaves that helped greatly in the retention of their cultures to the current days. The experience encountered; slavery, rebellion towards discrimination and the civil movements witnessed have shaped the cultural practices of the African Americans.
For this assignment, I used different approaches to acquire the information I needed to explore this culture. The review of literatures written about African Americans gave me background information of this community. I was therefore prepared and expectant of what to encounter in their locality. Observation of how they interact with each other through a visit in a town highly populated by the African Americans was insightful and helped in development of a personal impression. The last mechanism used was interviewing members of this culture which was the most important aspect as it gave me the information from their own perspective.
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Barriers to intercultural communication
Prejudices and negative stereotypes
The initial information I had concerning the African Americans is communication barrier that I had to deal with and overcome to carry my research on the community (Farnen, 2017) . To be accepted in this community and interview them, I had to accept and appreciate diversity and by all means eliminate the superiority of cultures that might arise. I was able interact normally and ensured my body language did not hinder their participation and affect the validity of the information gathered.
Language Barrier
Despite having English as a language in the U.S. different cultures accents and choice of words mean differently to different cultures. To overcome this, I used verification of the information. This approach ensured I got it right and the only means of being understood. Language barrier can be eliminated through the use of simple and clear words for communication.
Value of time
Different cultures perceive the value of time differently. I had to review the time aspect to undertake an intercultural survey. Different cultures view relationships as more important than work or beating a deadline. I had to practice patience to fit in my interviewee’s time schedule to retrieve the desired information.
African Americans Cultural Values
Music
It was observed that the African Americans listened to polyrhythmic music which originates from the Africa’s ethnic groups. This was witnessed in their homesteads while they were performing their daily chores. From the interview, the conflicting rhythmic music is used as a motivation and an elevator of moods. Music such as hip hop and rock is embraced by most of the African Americans. This differs from my culture as people listen to slow and soothing music.
Religion
African American religious practice is traced from the traditional beliefs from their origin. They believed in spirituality and the presence of spirits that habitats in nature; the reason behind the conservation of nature in their locality. The similarity of believes enabled the adoption of Christianity in the culture. Despite having a large percentage who are Christians, there are other religions such as Muslims, Buddhism and atheists.
Food
I joined one of the African American individual for dinner at their home. I observed how they prepare their food. Food is prepared in large quantities, and for an entire family which is served together. Children are served first followed by adults which is contrary to my culture where adults are served first.
Family
Despite the change in the structural and technological shift in the world, African American has maintained close family bonds. When those related by blood are separated for any reason, they establish another close bond with other individuals from the same race. This was witnessed as most of them referred to each other with family titles as brothers even when they do not know each other. This is interpreted as a symbol of unity and cohesion that enables them to support each other.
Cultural Events
Having held the family bond so closely and adhering to it, cultural events are regarded as communal. The events involve the participation of the all available members. During life events like marriages or death, the members of the family close and far gather to participate and give each other emotional and moral support.
Festive holidays
` Similar to other cultures in the United States, the African Americans participate in the public holidays but they own most of the African related holidays. This acts as bonding activity where they establish strong relationships and expand their social circles. The perception towards this is to restore their dignity and conserve their cultures and identity (Carson, Emma, Lapsansky-Werner, & Nash, 2012) .
Lessons learned from the African American Culture
Interacting with the African American culture has impacted my knowledge and perception about them. Initially, I perceived them as unfriendly and hostile yet they hold very close family ties and are supportive of each other. This assignment is very important not for academic purpose but it improves the social relationship that we have. An understanding of different cultures seals the loop that leads to stereotyping and discrimination. This is because of the appreciation of diversity and respecting other cultures. There is no superior culture from the other and thus the need to accept each other in a respectable way.
References
Carson, C., J, E., Lapsansky-Werner, & Nash, G. B. (2012). The Struggle for Freedom: A History of African Americans , Vol 1 to 1877 pg 18.
Farnen, K. (2017). Six Barriers to Intercultural Communication. Our Everyday Life . Retrieved from https://oureverydaylife.com/six-barriers-to-intercultural-communication-12080535.html
