Tag: community

Inside Jokes & Cultural Context: When Humor Is Lost in Translation

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Ricky Gervais, Gad Elmaleh, Dave Chappelle, Ken Shimura. Take a look at your favorite comics, and you’ll often find that humor is rooted in shared experiences.

A shared cultural background and community often helps in connecting with what makes humor humorous. Without insider knowledge and localized context, jokes about politics, social norms, and everyday life are totally lost on outsiders.

The slapstick comedy that makes people laugh in one part of the world may leave those in another part rolling their eyes. The sarcasm some cultures find witty may confuse or offend others. And puns aren’t punny to those who don’t know the language or idioms enough to follow.

So, let’s explore humor across several cultures to identify where we might divide or come together.

British Sarcasm: Wit or Confusion?

“Let’s face it, the gene pool needs a little chlorine.” – Jimmy Carr

Irony is the Brits’ cup of tea.

With a dry, understated humor, the Brits have taken sarcasm to the next level.

They love deadpan, banter, innuendo, puns. It’s all part of their wit.

Monty Python is heavy with satire and wordplay. To a Brit, it’s hilarious – because they’ve learned to use sarcasm to deal with life’s sometimes painful and complex aspects. 

But to someone unfamiliar with the British way of speaking, their sarcasm can be baffling or even sound like genuine complaining. 

Without understanding the cultural context or the delivery, the humor is lost.

Japanese Puns: Wordplay That Falls Flat

In Japanese, puns are called dajare – literally “bad jokes” – and they’re the local version of dad jokes. These rely on homophones and wordplay, often charmingly silly.

Take this classic:

アルミ缶の上にある蜜柑 (arumi kan no ue ni aru mikan)

“A tangerine on an aluminum can.”

It plays on how “arumi kan” (aluminum can) and “aru mikan” (there is a mikan/tangerine) sound nearly identical. 

The result? A pun that’s more about the sound than the punchline

As you can see, to a non-Japanese speaker or one who is not fluent, this would just sound like a string of random words without any punchline. 

The humor relies on the nuance of Japanese language, which doesn’t translate well into other languages – and this can be said about puns in any language/culture.

When it comes to humor, context truly is king. A joke that causes audiences to double over with laughter in one country may fall flat in another…or may even be deemed offensive.

That’s why understanding humor in a cross-cultural context isn’t just about the words; it’s about the culture that shapes them.

A Tale of Two Cities: The Origin and Impact of Sister Cities

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Word War II wrought evil, but out of the ashes, some beauty was born.

One phoenix is the sister city programs — social agreements between international twin cities to exchange culture and build global camaraderie.

While international city links akin to sister cities do date back to the 9th century, the program really found its legs after the world was almost destroyed.

The Origins

Modern-day sister cities were the brainchild of Alfred Robert Grindlay, the Mayor of Coventry, a city that was heavily bombed in 1940. 

His intention was to join sister cities in allied countries that had suffered similar calamities to provide a sense of comfort in community.

And so, he sent a telegram to Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and developed a link. When the Battle of Stalingrad unfolded a year later, the people of Coventry donated money along with a tablecloth, embroidered with names and the words, “Little help is better than a lot of pity.”

The twinning continued, and once the war ended, the sister city program built bonds of friendship between many more twin cities and expanded into tourism, trade, and international business links.

Today, thousands of cities worldwide are linked in meaningful relationships that promote diplomacy, cooperation, and cultural celebration.

The Cultural Bonds

One brilliant example of how twin cities share in each other’s cultures is the partnership between Bologna, Italy, and Portland, Oregon, established in 2003.

Often twin cities have similar demographics, sizes, or industries. In this case, the industries of education and biotechnology brought the pair together, along with their food cultures.

Bologna and Portland possess a shared passion for food, culture, and sustainability.

Known for their culinary excellence, the cities collaborate through chef exchanges, food festivals, and workshops that merge Bologna’s Italian pasta traditions with Portland’s farm-to-table innovations.

Beyond gastronomy, the partnership fosters educational and artistic exchanges, with student programs and joint art exhibitions enriching both communities. 

The cities also share strategies in urban planning and sustainability, drawing on their mutual commitment to livability and green initiatives.

Cooperation in Crisis

The basis of the sister city program lives on, as twins also often aid each other in disaster relief and support during crisis. 

The partnership between Kobe, Japan, and Seattle, Washington, is one example of this. 

These cities have supported each other through recovery efforts, with Seattle offering aid during the 1995 Great Harshen Earthquake.

Such support during times of crisis can mean a lot to communities all over the world, as they suffer environmental disasters and economic hardship.

Forming a sense of kinship and mutual respect, these dynamic partnerships are brilliant representations of grassroots diplomacy and positive cultural exchange.

Extroverts Around the World: Getting to Know the Most Extroverted Countries

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Extroverts thrive in social settings, drawing energy from interactions with others. 

Understanding which countries have the most extroverted populations can provide insights into their vibrant social cultures. 

Data obtained from a three-year study of individuals who took the NERIS Type Explorer personality test allows us an inside look at which countries are most extroverted and which are most introverted.

Let’s explore some of the world’s most extroverted nations and how their geography and culture foster this outgoing nature.

Central America: Nicaragua

Nicaragua leads the list with a +14.97% extroverted population.

Known for its warm and welcoming people, the country’s tropical climate and beautiful landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and lakes, create a perfect backdrop for social gatherings and outdoor activities.

Nicaraguans have a strong sense of community, often coming together for festivals, street parties, and cultural celebrations, which amplifies their extroverted nature.

Middle East: Lebanon & United Arab Emirates

Lebanon, with a +12.78% extroverted population, is a country where socializing is a way of life. 

The Lebanese culture values hospitality, family gatherings, and vibrant nightlife. 

Beirut, the capital, is known for its lively social scene with numerous cafes, bars, and nightclubs. 

The Mediterranean climate further encourages outdoor social activities, making Lebanon a haven for extroverts.

The United Arab Emirates, with a +7.99% extroverted population, is a hub of cultural and social diversity.

Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are famous for their luxurious lifestyle, bustling markets, and high-energy events. 

The cosmopolitan environment of the UAE fosters a culture of social engagement and networking, making it a prime destination for extroverts.

Africa: Rwanda, Cameroon, Uganda, & Nigeria

Rwanda, with a +10.32% extroverted population, is known for its communal culture and strong social ties.

The country’s emphasis on community development and collective well-being fosters a sense of togetherness.

Rwandans often participate in community events and traditional dance and music gatherings, reflecting their extroverted spirit.

Cameroon, with +8.43% extroverted, offers a diverse cultural landscape that promotes social interaction. 

The country’s numerous ethnic groups and languages contribute to a rich tradition of festivals, music, and dance. 

This vibrant cultural scene makes Cameroon an extroverted nation where social bonds are celebrated.

Uganda, with a +7.69% extroverted population, is renowned for its friendly and sociable people. 

The country’s lively markets, music festivals, and national parks provide ample opportunities for social interaction. 

Ugandans’ love for storytelling and communal activities further highlights their extroverted nature.

Nigeria, with a +7.43% extroverted population, is one of Africa’s most dynamic countries. 

Known for its bustling cities, particularly Lagos, Nigeria has a vibrant social life characterized by music, dance, and festivals. 

The Nigerian culture emphasizes communal living and social networks, making it an ideal environment for extroverts.

Asia: Uzbekistan & Afghanistan

Uzbekistan, with +8.5% extroverted, boasts a culture rich in hospitality and social interaction. 

The country’s tradition of tea houses (chaikhanas) serves as social hubs where people gather to share stories and build connections. 

The vibrant bazaars and cultural festivals also contribute to Uzbekistan’s extroverted nature.

Afghanistan, with a +7.56% extroverted population, has a culture that places a strong emphasis on family and community. 

Social gatherings, traditional music, and storytelling are integral parts of Afghan life. 

Despite the country’s challenges, the Afghan people maintain a resilient and extroverted spirit, fostering strong social bonds.

Oceania: Fiji

Fiji, with a +7.25% extroverted population, is known for its friendly and welcoming people. 

The island nation’s culture revolves around community and social activities. 

Traditional Fijian ceremonies, communal feasts, and vibrant dances reflect the extroverted nature of its people, making Fiji a paradise for social interaction.

Understanding the extroverted nature of these countries offers a glimpse into their dynamic social cultures.

From the bustling markets of Nigeria to the communal tea houses of Uzbekistan, these nations exemplify the vibrancy and energy that extroverts bring to the world.

Self-Assertive Interdependence: The Paradox of Arab Culture

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How does one become self-assertive in an interdependent culture?

It might seem like a paradox.

After all, interdependent cultures generally prioritize harmony over self.

Being bold or self-assertive might be seen as “rocking the boat.”

But Arab culture is the exception that proves the rule.

Although it’s a treasure trove of rich heritage, Arab culture is often overlooked in the realms of cultural psychology. 

This study explores a unique interdependence, infused with a self-assertiveness that sets Arabs apart.

How Landscape Shapes Culture

Picture a world shaped by harsh ecological and climatic environments, where survival hinges upon the protection and unity of tribal groups. 

Within the tapestry of Arabian cultures, a code of honor emerges, demanding respect and trustworthiness as integral traits of every individual. 

As this study’s hypothesis takes shape, the pieces align.

East Meets West

Study 1 reveals the captivating psychological profile of Arabs, bridging the gap between East and West. 

Like their Eastern counterparts, Arabs showcase interdependence and holism, embracing the profound connections that bind us. 

But, in a fascinating twist, they combine this interdependence with a self-assertiveness akin to Western cultures. 

These cultural intricacies defy simplistic categorizations.

Motives Behind Self-Assertiveness

Study 2 and Study 3 paint an even more vivid picture, illuminating the underlying motivations that drive self-assertiveness in Arabs and Westerners. 

For Arabs, their self-assertiveness serves the greater cause of interdependence, amplifying their sense of unity and communal strength. 

On the other hand, Westerners channel their self-assertiveness towards independence, valuing individual autonomy as a cornerstone of their cultural fabric.

Nuance is Everything

The authors’ work marks a significant milestone in the ever-evolving landscape of cultural psychology.

Beyond the conventional East versus West, interdependence versus independence paradigm, it uncovers the nuanced complexities of Arab culture. 

The study contributes to a deeper understanding of human diversity and the interplay between socioecological environments and cultural identities.

Social Capital & Promoting Development in Low-Income Communities

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Picture this: You’re driving down a rural road, and suddenly your car breaks down. 

You’re stranded, with no phone signal and no idea what to do. 

But then, a friendly farmer pulls up and offers to help. She calls a mechanic she knows, and within an hour, your car is fixed and you’re back on the road. 

This is an example of social capital at work – the norms and networks that enable people to act collectively.

In their study, “Social Capital: Implications for Development Theory, Research, and Policy,” Michael Woolcock and Deepa Narayan explore the concept of social capital and its potential for promoting development in low-income communities. 

They argue that social capital can play a crucial role in creating positive outcomes, including economic growth, improved health and education, and reduced crime and violence. 

Let’s see how.

Social Capital, Defined

We’ve covered social capital extensively over the last several weeks, and similarly, the authors of this study define social capital as 

“the norms and networks that enable people to act collectively.” 

They emphasize that social capital is not just about individual connections but also about the broader social norms and institutions that support collective action. 

Some of these norms include trust, reciprocity, and social networks that help create social capital, which can vary by community, region, and country.

Further, the study notes that while bonding social capital can provide social support and a sense of belonging, bridging social capital is particularly important for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. 

However, bridging social capital can be particularly challenging, as it often requires overcoming social and cultural barriers.

Regardless, social capital can be particularly important for marginalized communities, as it can provide a source of support and resources.

Social Capital vs. Individual Outcomes

According to research, social capital has several advantages over traditional development approaches that focus on individual outcomes or economic growth. 

Social capital can create “public goods” that benefit everyone in a community, which can be self-sustaining over time. 

The authors note that social capital can help to build trust and cooperation within a community, which can be particularly important in post-conflict or post-disaster contexts.

The Cons

While the study makes obvious the many benefits of social capital, it also notes potential pitfalls and emphasizes the need for a nuanced and context-specific approach to promoting it.

Social capital is not a universal remedy for development challenges – there are several potential disadvantages, including the possibility of exclusion and inequality within social networks, the risk of “elite capture” where social capital benefits only a select few, and the potential for social capital to be used for negative purposes such as corruption or discrimination.

Further research into social capital and its potential in low-income communities might give us a clearer idea of how to avoid these pitfalls.

Social & Cultural Capital, Part 1: How to Benefit from Each in the Workplace

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Your success on the job often relies on the type of capital you possess. 

We’ve been discussing social and cultural capital over the past few weeks, and these two types of capital are what matter at work. 

To review, social capital is all about the strength of relationships and connections within a group, whereas cultural capital is the shared values and goals that bring a group together.

Social capital can help you achieve more or reach objectives more easily at work. 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at social capital and see how to assess and build upon it.

Assessing Your Social Capital

Maybe you don’t even know where you stand with your social capital.

After all, it’s not exactly something tangible that you can measure.

The following questions might help you identify where you’re at with your social capital:

  • Do I carry influence? What is my reputation like? Do others see me as strong or weak, reliable or flakey, positive or negative? Do they want to work with me?
  • How strong are my relationships within my team and without? Do I build connections with others across departments? Do I network?
  • Do I build strategic and enduring relationships or just transactional ones?
  • Do I have the energy and influence to mobilize resources and colleagues to support and achieve my goals? 
  • Do I keep abreast of important news and developments within my workplace and industry?

Improving your social capital can enhance your job performance, satisfaction, and career prospects. 

To do so, networking with peers and colleagues in your industry, cultivating relationships based on mutual interests and values, and offering help and support to others are paramount to banking more social capital. 

Aggregate Benefits

Not only does social capital improve individual success and potential, but the entire workplace improves.

Successful workplaces cultivate social structures in which everyone benefits.

This happens through social intercourse, empathy, fellowship, compassion, consideration, and most importantly, trust.

If the social structure benefits only a small group within the workplace, the organization’s aggregate benefits from their social capital decrease.

It feeds into a negative company culture, in which trust is lost, along with the sense of community.

When none of these things are there, those in the social structure can’t rely on each other and cooperation and society collapses.

If you look at your workplace and you cannot identify its values, then that’s a problem.

It means you’ll have a hard time personally building social capital there…as will the workplace, itself.

Building your cultural capital, which relates to your knowledge, skills, and understanding of cultural norms and practices, is also important for career success.

We’ll talk more about that next week.

Does Individualism Corrode Social Capital? Find Out Here

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Would you require more social capital and cultural capital to succeed in an individualist country? Or less?

Do you think the individualist system or the collectivist system is more conducive to social cohesion?

There is a debate among theorists about whether individualism poses a threat to a society’s cohesion and communal association or whether it aids the development of social solidarity and cooperation. 

Some argue that the growth of individuality, autonomy, and self-sufficiency is essential for a healthy society, while others argue that excessive individualism undermines social ties and leads to a breakdown of community.

This study by Anu Realo and Jüri Allik suggests the opposite is true. 

Let’s take a look.

Individualism-Collectivism & Social Capital

Social capital and individualism-collectivism (IC) are two important constructs that have been studied extensively in the social sciences. 

As we outlined in a previous post, social capital refers to the networks, norms, and trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation among individuals and groups.

We’ve also extensively discussed IC – the degree to which people prioritize their own goals and interests versus those of the group.

Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of individualism and social ties, research on the relationship between social capital and IC suggests that there is a positive association between the two constructs. 

Individualism & Trust

Countries with higher levels of social capital are more individualistic, which suggests that independence and freedom to pursue one’s personal goals are of value to social capital. 

This is because social capital is based on trust, and trust is more likely to form in societies that value individual autonomy and self-determination.

Those societies in which trust is limited to only nuclear family or kinship have lower levels of social capital. 

Social capital is not evenly distributed within societies and can vary depending on the size of social networks and the degree of trust within them.

Social Capital Not at Odds with Individualism

To put it simply, social capital and individualism are not necessarily at odds. 

Instead, promoting social capital through policies that strengthen relationships and trust – such as investments in education, infrastructure, and community development – can help to build stronger communities, even in societies that value individual autonomy.

Prosocial Behavior: Why Do We Give? Why Do We Care?

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Do you donate money to charity? Time and energy to volunteering? 

Are you concerned about social issues, like homelessness, racial discrimination, or gender inequality?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you’re engaging in prosocial behavior.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at prosocial behavior and culture.

But first, let’s define and understand it.

Origin of the Term, ‘Prosocial Behavior’

The term, ‘prosocial behavior,’ appeared in the ‘70s as an antonym for ‘antisocial behavior.’

It’s defined as demonstrating actions such as cooperation, diplomacy, sharing, helping, feeling empathy, etc.

Basically, prosocial behavior involves caring for other people and your community.

Personal benefits of being a “helper” include boosting one’s mood, reducing stress, and giving your network or community social support.

Reasons for Prosocial Behavior

Aside from the personal benefits of prosocial behaviors, there are other evolutionary and psychological reasons to engage in it. 

  • Reciprocity – Helping others may have evolved from the social norm of reciprocity. When on the receiving end of help, one might feel obliged to help the person in return in their time of need.
  • Socialization – Early child development often includes teachings on kindness, sharing, and helping. These prosocial behaviors may be encouraged as the child grows.
  • Egoism – One might be performatively prosocial, engaging in prosocial behaviors purely to benefit themselves.
  • Survival of the Fittest – Evolution might explain why prosocial behaviors developed. Helping one’s in-group (family, for instance) would ensure survival of your species and/or genetics.

Types of Prosocial Behavior

Researchers have that prosocial behavior can be driven by different motivations.

Here are three distinct types of prosocial behavior:

  • Altruistic – This type of prosocial behavior is not motivated by personal gain. It seeks to help and support others for their sake. Think donating to a cause anonymously.
  • Reactive – This type of prosocial behavior is motivated by individual needs. The individual is acting in response to someone’s specific need. Think supporting a friend when they’re going through a hard time.
  • Proactive – This type of prosocial behavior is motivated by personal gain. The goal of this behavior is to seek status and in-group popularity through “generous” actions. Reciprocity is expected. Think national diplomacy.

With this brief introduction to prosocial behavior, we’ll be discussing how it manifests culturally over the next few weeks in the context of charity and volunteering.

Culture in Crisis, Part I: How Cultural Values Impact Communal Response to Trigger Events

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Fight, flight, or freeze: these are three common human responses when one is under threat.

Each individual will respond to crises in a different way.

But does our culture influence how we, as a community, respond?

Think NYC’s response to 9/11 or Japan’s response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

From terrorism to natural disasters to global pandemics, communities and nations often respond in different ways to trigger events, based on their own cultural values.

Let’s take a look at one example.

The Amish

A school shooting occurred in an Amish community on October 2, 2006. Five young girls were killed.

Amish values include forgiveness, living righteously, and hating the sin and not the sinner, and this was reflected in their response to the trigger event. 

As Melinda Rene Miller’s paper, titled “The Human Element: A Study of the Effects of Culture on Crisis Reactions,” notes, revenge is not a part of Amish culture.

In mourning the victims of the tragedy, the community also mourned the shooter and embraced his family. 

They donated money to the killer’s widow and children and attended his funeral.

Sociologist Donald Kraybill who co-authored a book on the tragedy spoke on the power of Amish forgiveness, saying, 

“Several families, Amish families who had buried their own daughters just the day before were in attendance [at the killer’s burial service], and they hugged the widow and hugged other members of the killer’s family.”

Other cultures might respond to this type of crisis with a need for action, through new laws or regulations; a need for revenge or justice, through an investigation and public trial; and/or a plea for monetary donations for the community to recover.

None of these approaches would have lent themselves to the values of Amish culture.

The response of unity and emphasis on religion and humanity’s purpose on earth correlated with their values.

Behavioral and Attitudinal Reactions

As mentioned in the intro, everyone reacts to crises differently. 

Miller’s 2007 study set out to determine if, and to what degree, cultural values impact group response to trigger events.

The paper’s abstract proposes:

“While each individual person within a given community will react to a potential crisis situation in their individual ways, as a whole, their reactions will never vary too greatly, as their behaviors and attitudes are largely based upon their learned cultural values.”

Next week, we’ll delve into the results of this study, surrounding varied outcomes in communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.