Exploring Cultural Differences and Identities

This assignment delves into the complexities of intercultural studies. It explores observable and non-observable aspects of culture, using examples from Emirati society. The student examines the influence of cultural identity on behavior and worldview, contrasting it with personal experiences. Furthermore, the assignment includes interviews with individuals from Egypt and India, highlighting diverse perspectives on family, success, and religious beliefs. Through these comparisons, the student reflects on the similarities and differences between cultures, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.

Running head: INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

2INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
Part 1
Entry1:
Observable aspects of culture are easily recognizable. They can be seen by eyes
without any effort. The Observable aspects are the dresses, food habits, dances, greeting style
and religious ceremonies.
Example: in the Emirati culture, people eat Khabees which cannot be found in other
country. They greet by shaking hands and enjoy traditional dances like Rafza.
Non- Observable aspects of cultures cannot be expressed openly. These are the
behaviour, thoughts, values and assumptions of a person.
Example: in Emirati culture men and women cannot touch each other for greeting,
younger daughter can marry only after the elder one’s marriage.
Entry 2.
Behavioural traits are interpreted differently in different cultures. In some culture, an
attitude is acceptable but that same attitude cannot be accepted in other Culture.
Example: in Emirati culture the young men show respect the elder by leaving their sits
and standing but in other countries, this can be recognised as a symbol of disrespect.
Entry 3.
Personal behaviour: I love to sleep in cold and dark room
Cultural behaviour: we spread salt to keep the demon away
Universal behaviour: women get angry when their husbands prefer other women.
Entry 4.

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Personal identity: I am strong and optimistic
Cultural identity: I am an Emirati and love my culture
Social identity: my younger sister idolizes me and follows my way and thought.
The cultural identity ids the most important factor to me because it reflects my origin,
the cultural background as well as perception. It makes me feel connected to my soil and
tradition. I feel satiated and secured to be a part of its rich history and progress.
Dangers of Tribalism:
The tribalism sometimes cause danger to their own development. The thoughts,
behaviours, beliefs and perspectives of the tribes are much traditional which they usually
inherit from their forefathers. Most of these perspectives have lost relevant in today’s world
therefore prevent individual freedom and ambition.
Entry 5.
My family worldview does not follow the similar outlook as my culture does.
Because:
 I prefer to follow my own dreams and I know my limitations. This is why I chose to
study business management where as my family wanted me to learn medicine.
 I follow the regulations that an Emirati citizen must obey like wearing seatbelts while
driving and following the speed limits.
 I believe in direct communication. I speak my mind when other’s behaviours upset
me.
Entry 6.
In Hofstede’s masculinity dimension UAE scores 50%

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Examples:
1. I find my father working always to support family
2. The men in the family always act strict regarding the matter of their children’s
education as in our culture, education is essential.
3. Children failing to pursue their study is a serious concern for their parents.
In uncertainty avoidance dimension UAE scores 80%
Examples:
1. Punctuality is a very essential aspect if Emirati culture therefore, I find my father
always takes his food in right time and reaches works without being late.
2. My mother wants to avoid uncertainty about her daily duties, therefore, cannot
manage time for going out
3. To avoid uncertainty, my brother consults more than one experts.
Part 2:
Interview1:
The Egyptian interviewee says that he is from Alexandria but was born in UAE and
spent his life in this country. Culture to him is unique codes of behaviour and his family is
formed by the support of each member. Success to him is continuous progress which is
achieved by disciplined and punctual methodology. In Egypt, punctual people are respected
and privileged. He loves to taste any cuisine and loves to celebrate a lots of holidays
especially 6th October. He believes that religious rituals reveal god’s will and wants his next
generation to follow the same path. He has seen equality between men and women and
physical intimation is seen from modern viewpoint. As there is a great cultural mixture found

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in Egypt, youths face difficulty in bearing the traditional customs. To him, UAE is the
hotspot and provides security to his life and career.
Reflection:
The most important distinction that I have found in the cultures between Egypt and
ours that we have strict rules about physical intimation in public but Egypt does not have any.
They are follower of mix culture but my society believes in retaining orthodoxy in cultural
behaviour. However, my culture follows cultural endurance and offers freedom to all people
who has come to stay here and display no discrimination from gender or cultural perspective.
Interview 2
India is a place of different language, ethnic groups, religion and cuisines. To the Indian
interviewee, culture is a secured, harmonized and well connected behaviour. His family
shares same emotional, social and physical relation. The eldest of his family is respected for
his experience and wisdom. His culture encourages education because it brings
empowerment. Most of the world has a misconception that India is an unsafe place to stay
and people cannot speak English. He diversity of Indian cuisines allow him to treat his taste
buds. Indians have innumerable celebrations and there are no religious restrictions. Physical
contact in public is avoided showing mutual respect. He likes the welcoming nature of
Emiratis and feels at home for its same diverse culture as India.
Reflection:
In many areas my culture differs from the Egyptian and Indian culture like the
definitions of family, culture and success are different. To us, lunch is the most important

6INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
meal whereas, to Indians, it is breakfast. Most important difference I see is in religious
perspective. We can never of letting our children choose any religion he wants which I
directly oppose the views of the Indians.