Studying in NUS gives us the opportunity to come into contact with people of different cultures. Even more so when you are staying in Prince George’s Park residence where you can practically see foreigners everywhere. Within my own cluster (a cluster of 15 residents), there are already a few nationalities such as Chinese, Indian and Korean. They bring along with them their cultures which are distinct from ours.
I still remember the Cambodian exchange student who stayed opposite me last semester. When we first met, I realized her command of English was not that good. Subsequent conversations with her make me wonder whether she understood what I’m talking about as I realized she wouldn’t ask me to clarify even though she does not understand. I notice this behavior as well in another Cambodian friend. This is in contrast to other foreign students especially the Western students in which they are more outspoken and wouldn’t be ashamed to ask.
Another thing that I noticed about her culture is the laid-back lifestyle that she has in Singapore. Quite often I will spot her looking out of the kitchen window in the morning as I go for lectures. It is an uncommon scene as most students here that I know of will usually have a very hectic lifestyle and thus they are always seen rushing here and there. When I questioned her, she told me she just enjoy doing it.
Hi Vee Nee,
ReplyDeleteIt must be nice to stay in Prince George’s Park residence, being surrounded by many different people from different cultures there is sure a lot to learn. About asking questions, I too realize that different culture make people feel differently about voicing our doubts. I would clarify my doubts especially if there were words used that I do not understand, however there are times when it is hard to ask questions.
About the Cambodian girl, I find it amazing that she can do nothing and just look out of the kitchen window. Having many entertainment sources, I cannot imagine myself just looking at scenery. I agree that understanding the different cultures would really help in understanding the different behaviors.
Regards,
Peh Joo
Hey Veenee,
ReplyDeleteThe situation you got are so different from what I had in Raffles Hall. And I agree that it is important to understand the other culture group especially when we are staying in school hostel where there will be higher chance of talking to other culture people.
Although I can just look out of window to relax myself, not during school days when everything is so rush. So that would be the differences between the 2 cultures.
Lastly, I would like to say it is always important to approach people with action that we do not always see in our culture politely. As they might feel offended at the way we ask them.
Hi Vee Nee,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should always find out more about the practices of other cultures before making our own conclusions about them. I believe its is not uncommon for us to come across exchange students in NUS and find it hard to relate to certain things that they do. This is especially so if we're the one who travel overseas for exchange.
I liked the fact that you went up to ask the cambodian girl about what she is doing in an attempt to understand more about her actions and how it would relate to her culture. I also agree with Tommy that we have to phrase our questions carefully to prevent the other party getting offended.
Jeremy