Evaluating Intercultural Behavior

Different cultures in various countries have their unique values and behaviors. In this generation of globalization and global migration trend, it is no longer difficult to observe different ethics of diverse cultures living together in a same society. Thus, it is a vital for us to understand and adapt to the various cultural behaviors in order to foster effective communication. In 2007, I embarked on an Overseas Cultural Exchange Programme to Myanmar with the NUSSU Volunteer Action Club (NVAC) team. During the stay in Myanmar, we visited various monasteries and conducted English enrichment classes in orphanages, interacting with the orphans and teachers. Myanmar, to me, is a mysterious and less-known country; hence I was not sure if I could embrace the various cultural behaviors of the Burmese in contrast with Singaporeans. However, with the aid of Burmese facilitators and seniors, I observed and learnt the different mannerisms and values of the rich-filled Burmese culture with not much difficulty.

After spending the first few days with the host family in a small but cozy village hut, I observed that it is considered rude to touch a person's head, because the head was deemed the most important part of the body. It is also taboo to touch another's feet, and made worse by pointing with the foot at someone who is older. This is because the feet are considered the lowest and nobody there thinks much of it. Additionally, patting a child on the head is not only improper but is thought to be dangerous to the child's well-being. This is very much unlike the tradition in Singapore where we are so used to patting a child on his head either to sleep or to praise him. I also learnt that pointing a finger at Buddha images or sculptures is considered an act of disrespect, even though this custom has slowly eroded. As typical Singaporeans, we had initially wanted to pose with the Buddha sculptures by pointing at it in awe. However, we were stopped by the austere monks. Inevitably, we learnt and adapted to their cultural practices to prevent any possible clashes.

In the orphanage school, we conducted an English postcard session, where we taught the Burmese students to write and draw postcards to Singapore students as part of an organized exchange programme. We were greeted by the students folding their arms as we made our entrance into the dilapidated outdoor classrooms. Initially, we thought that the students were shy towards us since we were considered foreigners to them. It was only after a brief chat with the facilitators did we realize that the act of folding of arms is actually a form of respect towards distinguished guests. In Singapore, this gesture would be deemed as being hostile. Clearly, there are huge differences between us and them. While having communal meals in the orphanage, I also came to realize that the Elders are served first at meals, and in their absence a spoonful of rice is put aside first in the pot as a token of respect before serving the meal. Young people would avoid sitting on a higher level than the elders or passing the food in front of them. If they really had to pass the food, they would tread softly with a slight bow. Things would be passed to the elders using both hands together.

After spending two weeks in Myanmar, I have learnt quite a bit from their cultural behavior. This trip made me feel the necessity to respect each other’s values so as to prevent any possible intercultural conflicts.

Potential Research Project Topics (Edited)

Observation:

Singapore is experiencing the problem of low birth rate common in developed nations, with the Total Birth Rate (TBR) standing at 1.29. This means that each family is on average producing enough just to replace either the father or the mother. To aggravate the situation, it has been predicted that this statistic will decline rapidly in the next few generations. The potential reason behind this scenario may be due to the change of mindsets of young adults nowadays. In the age of Confucian societies, men used to be masters of the households. However, times have changed and women want to be treated as equals. No longer are women satisfied with their traditional roles of staying at home to look after the family. Despite this changing phenomenon, men have yet to change their mindsets. Consequently, both parties are unable to settle for a partner due to different expectations on both ends. To attempt to tackle this problem, policies and incentives were announced during the national day rally by the Prime Minister to encourage single citizens to get married and startup their family early. These policies include an extra month of maternity leave, tax incentives and bigger Baby Bonus, to achieve the right balance between career and marriage.

General Research Question:

Would the implementation of the new Marriage and Parenthood package by the government have a huge effect on the new generation of couples to settle down quickly and give birth to more children? If not, what are their suggestions and reasons that may alleviate their concerns?

Problem Statement:

The objective of this research study is to analyze the reasons behind the low (TBR) and its impact on the society. Moreover, with the new policies adopted by the government, will it effectively solve the problem of continual decline in birth rate?

Purpose Statement:

The objective of this report is to garner the responses of the target audience and inform the Social Development Unit about the reasons behind this low birth rate trend. Another objective is to find out if the new strategies to boost the birth rate are indeed successful in motivating the young adults.

Survey Methodology:

The survey sample will be focused on the young educated adults within the NUS community. Through this survey, we can investigate whether the concerns of the targetted sample is coherent to the government observations on the reasons behind this declining Birth Rate trend in Singapore. Furthermore, We would like to explore whether the solutions and incentives tabled by the government is sufficient to change the mindset of the youths on marriage and setting up a family with 2 children.