Question 1

The fact that putting a thumb between the index and middle finger means good luck in Brazil but is an obscene expression in Russia shows that cultures can differ a great deal in their use of
A) gestures.
B) idioms.
C) mindfulness.
D) values.

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the variation in the meaning of gestures across different cultures. What is considered a sign of good luck in one culture can be seen as offensive in another, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural context in non-verbal communication.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is important to remember when interacting with people from other cultures?
A) Expect consistency.
B) Adapt to the behavior patterns you observe.
C) Be aware of similarities in access to communication technology.
D) It is disadvantageous to adapt to communication behaviors from other cultures.

Accepted Answer

Adapting to the behavior patterns observed in other cultures is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication. It shows respect for the other culture and facilitates smoother interactions.

Question 3

Marissa travels to Israel as part of her study abroad program. Because she knows little about the culture and language, she feels unsure and not certain of what to do. It is important for Marissa to remember that such __________________ is common when we travel cross-culturally.
A) adaptation
B) ambiguity
C) ethnocentrism
D) tolerance

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity is the correct answer because it refers to situations that are unclear or uncertain, which is common when experiencing a new culture and language, as in Marissa's case.

Question 4

Because cultures can differ substantially in communication patterns, it is common to experience a lack of certainty when communicating with someone from another culture. What is this experience called?
A) Uncertainty avoidance
B) Disorientation
C) Flexibility
D) Ambiguity

Accepted Answer

This experience is called ambiguity, as it reflects the uncertainty and potential for misunderstanding that can arise when communicating across different cultural norms and patterns.

Question 5

Atsuko is from Japan and Mahek is from Pakistan. They meet as exchange students in Australia. At the end of the semester, they return to their native countries. Atsuko has regular access to a computer and e-mails Mahek regularly. She grows frustrated as Mahek, instead of e-mailing back, sends letters via traditional mail, which can take weeks. What term would a social scientist use to describe what Atsuko and Mahek are experiencing?
A) The digital divide
B) Culture clash
C) Ethnocentrism
D) Values

Accepted Answer

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. In this scenario, Atsuko has regular access to a computer and prefers emailing, while Mahek, possibly due to limited access to technology, prefers sending letters through traditional mail. This difference in access and usage of technology between Atsuko and Mahek exemplifies the digital divide.

Question 6

Kyle, an Australian student, uses the Internet regularly to do research for projects. His Bolivian friend, Diego, instead goes to a local library to use books. Social scientists refer to this difference in access to communication technology as
A) ethnocentrism.
B) low-power-distance.
C) the digital divide.
D) norms.

Accepted Answer

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs). Kyle and Diego's different access to technology exemplifies this divide.

Question 7

To ___________________ means to change your behavior to accommodate what others are doing.
A) alter
B) overcome
C) be respectful
D) adapt

Accepted Answer

To adapt means to adjust or change your behavior, methods, or approaches to deal with new or different situations, often in response to the actions or expectations of others.

Question 8

The musician Madonna, although born and raised in the United States, has been filmed by media speaking with a British accent since moving to England several years ago. In fact, her publicist once e-mailed a major newspaper saying that Madonna naturally picks up on the languages and sounds of people around her. This could be seen as an example of which of the following?
A) Ethnocentrism
B) Adaptation
C) Values
D) Norms

Accepted Answer

Madonna adopting a British accent after moving to England is an example of adaptation, where she adjusts or changes her speech patterns to match those of her new environment.

Question 9

In order to overcome ethnocentrism and adapt to other cultures' customs, we should
A) remember that "different" doesn't mean "wrong".
B) promote our differences.
C) assume others understand our cultural customs.
D) copy others' behavior even if it causes offense.

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism can be overcome by recognizing that different cultural practices and beliefs are not inherently wrong, just different from one's own. This mindset encourages openness and adaptability to other cultures. Promoting differences (B) can sometimes exacerbate divisions rather than foster understanding. Assuming others understand our cultural customs (C) does not help in adapting to other cultures and can lead to misunderstandings. Copying others' behavior without understanding the cultural context (D) can be offensive and counterproductive.

Quiz 2: Culture and Communication

The fact that putting a thumb between the index and middle finger means good luck in Brazil but is an obscene expression in Russia shows that cultures can differ a great deal in their use of

Which of the following statements is important to remember when interacting with people from other cultures?

Marissa travels to Israel as part of her study abroad program. Because she knows little about the culture and language, she feels unsure and not certain of what to do. It is important for Marissa to remember that such __________________ is common when we travel cross-culturally.

Because cultures can differ substantially in communication patterns, it is common to experience a lack of certainty when communicating with someone from another culture. What is this experience called?

Kyle, an Australian student, uses the Internet regularly to do research for projects. His Bolivian friend, Diego, instead goes to a local library to use books. Social scientists refer to this difference in access to communication technology as

To ___________________ means to change your behavior to accommodate what others are doing.

In order to overcome ethnocentrism and adapt to other cultures' customs, we should