Question

Write a journal that thoroughly answers the following questions:

1. Describe the cultural experience. Indicate where and when it happened.

2. Describe the others in attendance (if any). What cultures did they seem represent?

3. Describe the “visible” aspects of culture you observed. (for example, clothing, language, food, other behaviors and social practices that seemed culturally connected).

4. Describe your reactions, both positive and negative toward these visible elements of culture.

5. Describe at least one “invisible” aspect of culture (ie. values/beliefs/norms) that you inferred based on your observations of the “visible” aspects of culture.

6 . Explain how/why you came to the conclusion you did about the connection between the visible and invisible.

7. Describe your reactions, both positive and negative toward these invisible elements of culture.

Answer 1

1. My recent intercultural experience was when I visited a Burundian fest (Burundi: a country in Africa) with my African-american friend for a day last week.

At first, when I found out that I had to place myself in another person’s culture, I was definitely nervous. Mostly because, I am adapted to a very different American culture. So, to indulge in a cultural fest was both frightening and challenging. However,he experience of immersing myself in the Burundian culture helped me develop a deeper understanding of culture in our society.

2) There were a lot of other people from the African-Ameircan community. They all seemed to represent the Burundian culture as well.

3) The Burundian culture as I must say is very vibrant and beautiful. The visible aspect would definitely include the traditional head wrap, which even I styled for the entire day. Burundi clothing mainly consists of pagnes (wraparounds) in all vibrant colours. It was so colourful and definitely a sight to behold.

Beans are a staple of the burundi cuisine, so we definitely had a lot of those on our plate. They call it by a special name called IBIHARAGE. We also, had Ugali which is an African porridge. I have realised that whatever differences in culture maybe there but we all are socially connected by the love. They never made me feel like I didn't belong there. And isn't that what every culture ultimately preaches?

4. Their culture definitely is the most beautiful one. It was colourful, vibrant, cheerful, welcoming. I can ensure that one day was not enough. I could stay there for weeks. The music, the dance it's all so different yet so engaging. The food isn't very fancy, but it has this homely feel to it. As they mostly, prefer to cook at home. The fashion, as I would say was one of a kind.