How to Encounter a New Culture
Get Familiar with Your New World
Imagine yourself as an astronaut. Having been accepted to participate in a special project on the space shuttle, what would you do? You'd probably learn as much about the conditions of space and get as much training on the specific nature of your job as you could before lift-off.
Soon you are going to feel as if you are on another planet. It's time to get as prepared as possible for the differences you will experience during "lift-off" and while you're "in space." Like space travel, cross-cultural relationships and ministry do not come naturally. Yes, God has given you special characteristics and unique personal experiences that help you to fulfill His calling to cross-cultural ministry. But He's also given you intelligence and vast educational resources. Work to equip yourself as much as you can prior to stepping into your new host country. You won't regret it.
The following is a list of areas to research that will help you understand the forces shaping your host culture and the people you will soon meet.
Family & social structure:
• Family roles
• Social classes/hierarchies
• Customs & traditions
Education:
• Theories of education (e.g. memorization vs. problem solving)
• School system
Religion & philosophy:
• Predominant religion(s)
• Influencing philosophies
• Understanding syncretism in cultural context
Arts & Sports:
• Art, dance, cinema, music styles
• Use of arts in the society (e.g. to teach religion, for recreation, etc.)
• Traditional or popular sports
• Traditional children's games
Politics & government:
• Political parties
• Organizational structure
• Current political figures
• Police system
• Military
Media:
• Who owns and what influences TV station(s), newspapers, etc.
• How media is influencing that particular society
Economics:
• Currency
• Main industries
• Urban and rural conditions
• Current economic trends
How are you supposed to learn these things? Visit a library. Surf the web. Find a helpful chat room. Read magazines and newspapers from that country. Watch educational TV. Meet people. (People may give you the most contradictory information, but it will be the most accurate! Ask lots of questions. Observe their habits and mannerisms and customs. And ask more questions.)
If you haven't done so already, develop a lifestyle of learning. It costs time and energy. But in-depth understanding of your new country and new friends will have huge pay-offs personally and for the Kingdom.
Adapted from the InterVarsity LINK Handbook, 1999.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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