Evaluating Intercultural Behavior
I went to Vietnam for vacation some time ago and happened to witness this incident.
This incident took place near a market which the guide brought the tour group to for some shopping.
While resting outside the market, a middle-aged Vietnamese woman went up to a fellow tour-mate, S, and started touting her items to her. S declined politely at first; however, the woman still refused to leave. Irritated, S raised her voice slightly at the woman, telling her in Mandarin and in a determined tone that she has no intention of buying anything from her. The woman got her message and left after that.
A few minutes later, S saw the woman making an attempt to tout her items to a Caucasian guy. Initially, the Caucasian shook his head, indicating that he was not interested. The woman, being ever so determined, started following him around and pushing her items to him. The Caucasian declined politely again in simple English. But the stubborn woman still refused to leave him alone. Unable to hold back his irritation anymore, the Caucasian shouted at the woman in his heavy American accent, telling her to leave him alone, and started hurling vulgarities at the shocked woman. Despite the woman not understanding English, she could easily guess that she was being insulted and started shouting back at the Caucasian in Vietnamese. The Caucasian tourist threw her the classic vulgar hand sign and left hurriedly after that.
These two people were from two culturally different environments. One was taught to express his opinions freely in his home country while the other knew that more money would mean a better life.
If only there was a more effective way for them to communicate, albeit the cultural difference, this dramatic shouting war might not have occurred at all.
Glenn replied:
Hi Wan Yee,
An interesting scenario that you have there! Well presented and an enjoyable read.
Yes, I do supposed that the cultural difference might have played a part it the ‘dramatic shouting war’, but it might also happen to people of the same culture. Examples could be insurance agents or tele-marketers.
The middle aged vietnamese woman seemed to me like a very seasoned tout. She might have over time understand certain cultural traits of foreigners. One of which she learnt was that certain tourists, if pushed hard enough, might eventually give in.
On the other hand, I’m sure the caucasian would also be aware of their sales tactics, but he just could not take it anymore.
Probably, a more effective communication might have helped the situation, but I’m sure tolerance from both sides might have been a better solution.
Cheers,
Glenn
March 4, 2009 at 12:42 pm. Permalink.
whimsicalwhining replied:
Hey Wan Yee,
Very interesting story. The problem with people today is the fact they fail to be considerate and patient. From the caucasian guy’s point of view ii totally understand his grievance when the lad kept harassing him. However, being in a foreign land he should understand their situation and culture and acted accordingly. I n his shoes would have just ignored go about my job. I am sure after some pestering she would oblige and leave. I n the case of the woamn being from a needy background i could imagine her how much the item she wanted to sell would me. I am sure if she came and did a communications module with us i am sure she would have acted more appropriatley.
Interesting !!
Cheerz
March 5, 2009 at 8:09 pm. Permalink.
Jay replied:
Hey Wan Yee,
Very interesting story. The problem with people today is the fact they fail to be considerate and patient. From the caucasian guy’s point of view ii totally understand his grievance when the lad kept harassing him. However, being in a foreign land he should understand their situation and culture and acted accordingly. I n his shoes would have just ignored go about my job. I am sure after some pestering she would oblige and leave. I n the case of the woamn being from a needy background i could imagine her how much the item she wanted to sell would me. I am sure if she came and did a communications module with us i am sure she would have acted more appropriatley.
Interesting !!
Cheerz
March 5, 2009 at 8:11 pm. Permalink.