Q:1. Thus far what has been your experience in understanding and following cultural norms, making accommodations for different beliefs, values, laws, and behaviours in your host country?
So far in my experience of being in Brazil, or more specifically Bahian culture my understanding has been that the culture is very laid back and over all happy. Most people seem to be open to me as a foreigner and my lack of portuguese speaking abilities. The beliefs are similar to my own as a Roman Catholic which is what the majority of the population practices here as well. However values are more focused on having relationships with people (friendly) and families. The law (for driving anyways) seem to be a lot more lax than in Canada, however for serious crimes it is just as or more strict than in Canada. The behaviours of the people here are similar to Canada, except for one major thing, their openness to new people. Brazilians, or Bahians seem to be VERY open and welcoming people which is nice for a change from the typical Canadian behaviour with new people. Overall I think I am adjusting well to the cultural norms because they are not drastically different from my own.
1. Q:2. This question is an assessment of network and relationship building as a global competency. From your experience to date, what would you say are the main factors in connecting with local people and partners, both socially and professionally? Has it been different from how you might connect with colleagues and partners in your own country, or do you find things fairly similar?
To date it seems the main factors in connecting with local people and partners are simply be friendly and open and make a legitimate attempt to speak in Portuguese initially so they are more secure in attempting English (if they know it). Socially, a smile will take you far especially when you don’t speak the same language. When they speak English it is of course much easier to connect on a social level, discussing soccer and local politics and asking questions about Brazil seems to be the best ice breakers. Professionally it is a lot more difficult to make connections, especially since most of the professional relationships have had large language barriers where a translator is needed and it extends the process of a simple meeting from 1 hour to 3 just to translate. It is extremely different making connections here in Brazil than in Canada. In Brazil (or Salvador at least) people love to talk, for hours about life, soccer, family, friends, the weather and everything in between, this includes professional relationships. In Canada people are more to the point and personal interest is limited. The affection level is also higher here in Salvador, people kiss you on both cheeks first time they meet you, with hugs and hand holding. Closer friends now are even more apt to touch your arm hold your hand and be in close proximity, much closer than in Canada however I am used to it now and it is nice as you feel a closer connection to people faster.
2. Q:3. This question is an assessment of intercultural communication as a global competency. How have you found communicating with local people and colleagues? What have you found works best in getting your message across to local people and colleagues, and alternatively picking up on what local people and colleagues are wanting to communicate?
This question relates to question 2 in the sense of communication and relationship building. Communication with locals is limited because of the language barrier and is basic hello, how are you, excuse me etc. Smiling and nodding are the easiest way to communicate when shopping etc. With colleagues majority speak English so simply talking and discussing weekend plans and day-to-day life is the basics of communication. Getting the point across is the same as in Canada, simply be honest and say what you mean they appreciate honesty here.
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Q:4. This question is assessing an attitude of sensitivity and respect as a global competence. How have you found maintaining an attitude of sensitivity and respect while in situations where cultural protocols, etiquettes, gender roles, and social systems differ to what you are use to or to what you are comfortable with?
I have been successful in maintaining an attitude of sensitivity and respect while here in Salvador. It is still difficult to see the vast differences between the upper and lower class citizens but I have maintained my respect and sensitivity for all and actually gained greater respect for those lower class citizens. Cultural protocols and etiquettes are not too different from Canada so the change was not difficult to adapt to. Gender roles, for the most part are similar to Canada as well, however the social system is different as I explained earlier with the close proximity to each other when speaking and greeting and the extreme friendliness of people. Acquaintances will discuss everything for hours they love to chat and get to know new people. I am comfortable with it now but still adjusting to the lack of personal space.
