The Way We Do Things
1./ I have 4 children who have passed through primary school. Basically, I’ve had to attend primary school 4 more times since I left it.
One of their core subjects is social studies; and a topic which always fascinates me is “Culture.”
1./ I have 4 children who have passed through primary school. Basically, I’ve had to attend primary school 4 more times since I left it.
One of their core subjects is social studies; and a topic which always fascinates me is “Culture.”
2./ Culture is the way a people do things. Culture is dynamic and culture changes from one locale to the other.
Recently, I had some dealings with some Ghanian lawyers and in the process we disagreed on a small but important point. Somewhere along the line,
Recently, I had some dealings with some Ghanian lawyers and in the process we disagreed on a small but important point. Somewhere along the line,
3./ I acted with some brash Nigerianism. My Ghanaian counterpart visibly withdrew and I had a hard time clawing back our previous level of cordiality.
What happened? I had breached cultural protocol. My response would have been normal in Nigeria. But in Ghana, it was offensive.
What happened? I had breached cultural protocol. My response would have been normal in Nigeria. But in Ghana, it was offensive.
4./ These are important lessons.
The world has become smaller and people often transact across borders. It will be easier to do so if we make the effort to learn about the culture of our counterparties. It is immaterial that their ways are “silly” to us. When in Rome,
The world has become smaller and people often transact across borders. It will be easier to do so if we make the effort to learn about the culture of our counterparties. It is immaterial that their ways are “silly” to us. When in Rome,
5./(if you want it to go well with you) do as the Romans do.
I do not boast of knowing the culture of every country, but I recognise, particularly for us as Nigerians with our innate superiority complex & the recent upsurge in emigration, that this is important knowledge for us.
I do not boast of knowing the culture of every country, but I recognise, particularly for us as Nigerians with our innate superiority complex & the recent upsurge in emigration, that this is important knowledge for us.
6./ I’m considering running a short thread each week on the basics of culture for people who want to do business or study in foreign countries.
It won’t have every detail but probably enough to spark an interest in knowing more.
I’m curious to learn more about other cultures.
It won’t have every detail but probably enough to spark an interest in knowing more.
I’m curious to learn more about other cultures.
7./ You’re welcome to come along on my journey.
I hope we all learn something interesting and maybe, just maybe something which saves us from making an embarrassing faux pas.
Have a great week.😊
I hope we all learn something interesting and maybe, just maybe something which saves us from making an embarrassing faux pas.
Have a great week.😊
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