As I've mentioned before, my favorite aspect about my university is the large international student body. I have hung out with students from all around the world, but overall, I have found the Asian cultures to be the most difficult to interact with. The language barrier is one obstacle, but that obstacle exists with several other cultures as well. I've noticed that many Asians (definitely not all!) seem to be cliquey with each other and often look down/away when eye contact is made. However, tonight I had a breakthrough conversation in class that allowed me to see the situation through different eyes....
My new friend, Lithang, explained to me a cultural difference using a normal pub scene. He said, "In most cultures it is normal for someone to meet a stranger in a pub, strike up a conversation, and begin a friendship." However, Lithang explained that this is not normal in most Asian cultures. He said that people in Asian cultures tend to develop friends differently. Many Asians make friends through the circles/groups they are a part of -school, clubs, teams, etc. These friends are who they hang out with and from whom they build more friendships from. Additionally, Lithang said that many Asians find it crazy when a random stranger tries to say "Hi" to them.
Interesting....
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