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.