Emotion in cultures

14 important questions on Emotion in cultures

What plays a significant role in whether a culture will outwardly choose to show any emotion or not?

The concept of losing or giving 'face'.

Culture shapes how we ............................... About emotion.

Show and how we talk

When can we begin to learn how differently emotion is shown within each culture?

We should strive to make emotion a subject which we can discuss amongst the different cultures we work with.
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Chinese children aged 1 or 2 years old will smile and cry ... Then American children of the same age.

Less

Next to culture, what will also affect how we emotionally respond to situations?

our environment (when we grow up)

If we take happiness, this will be expressed more internally by someone from an individualistic culture or a collectivistic culture?

An individualistic culture.
Individualistic cultures will describe finding the source of emotions within themselves.

Somebody from ... Culture is more likely to express pride in what they have personally achieved, whereas people from ... cultures might see this as conceited or boastful.

1 an individualistic
2 collective

When talking about emotion, Western people tend to look at the mouth of people. Where do Japanese people look at?

Facial expressions, they will focus on the eyes more than the mouth. They also listen more to tone of voice.

Even between western Cultures (for example Germany and France) the expression of emotion and how thy use emotion can differ. Can you give an example of a difference when talking about buying cars?

For example: For Germans a car is purely functional - for getting from A to B. They focus on the quality of a car that it is made from solid parts, by experienced mechanics.
For example: French people look more for a car that has a boot big enough to transport a complete barbeque. That it can take the whole family to a beautiful location to enjoy some quality time together.

Can you give some examples on how Japanese people communicate nonverbally?

Having a clean desk, greeting everybody and being punctual.

In which culture can drinking with colleagues and managers be a tactical and safe way to tell people how they really feel about things and why?

In Japan.
If emotions are questioned or the result of an emotional outburst threatens to escalate they can say that it was not them talking, but the alcohol.

Where does nomunication stand for?

This is a portmanteau of 'communication' and the Japanese word 'nomu', to drink.
(Often in Japan it is not what is said, but where it is said. In a meeting between two or more people , what is said means something different if it is said in the pub, for example.)

What does the word nemawashi from Japan mean?

It is a sort of pre-meeting where the foundations for proposed changes or important decisions are laid. A moment to obtain agreement in advance or at least some sort of informational consensus. It allows people with differing view to adjust their opinions. It will save time during the meeting and keep the relationship harmonious.

What are the 4 takeaways from emotions in culture?

  1. Culture affects how people experience and display emotion.
  2. If emotional signals form someone seem inappropriate, check. You may be misinterpreting their behaviour based on your cultural values concerning emotion.
  3. A multicultural team will express and use emotion differently. Be willing to give space to those who need to outwardly express emotion and respect those who internalise emotion. The emotion is always there, just manifested differently.
  4. Say yes to an evening of karaoke. It could be a Japanese colleague's attempt to tell you how he/she really feels!

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