Abstract

In this book, the author tries to explain cultural differences in various perspectives and to equip the readers with the knowledge on how to cope well with the cultural differences.

The rapid technological development in the last few decades has changed our world to a global village in which interaction among people of different cultural background is more and more common. How to equip ourselves to understand more about different cultures is particularly important for us to be successful in the international arena. The author makes use of many interesting real life examples as well as useful references from various sources to explain clearly the meaning of culture, and illustrate various elements of culture such as races and languages,religion and spiritual traditions, political belief,values,attitudes and behaviors,customs and traditions, etc.,and then explains in details some cultural differences. Examples in many important areas, such as names, addressing, greetings, colours, dressing, consumption of foods and beverage, punctuality, touch, hand gestures, etc. are given to demonstrate the cultural differences. The readers can obtain very useful information from the list of these examples to prevent themselves from falling into embarrassments arising from cultural differences. In the last few chapters, the author offers useful tips to guide the readers on the means to appreciate the cultural differences and how to survive in a multicultural environment. The author also explains the three phases of cultural shock and shows the readers the right path to go through successfully phase by phase the cultural shock journey.

The book is particularly useful to foreigners who wish to prepare themselves to start settling in a new environment with a culture different from their owns. Since the author has vast experience in both Western and Asian cultures, she is able to quote many informative and interesting examples which make the book very practical in application.