Hosted by Doreen Cumberford and featuring Renata Urban, an expert with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural communication, the episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone living or planning to live abroad.
Understanding and Integrating into Your New Culture
Culture is a nuanced, intricate web that surrounds and influences us, yet remains largely intangible until we're removed from our familiar environment. Renata's analogy of fish only noticing water once they're out of it brilliantly illustrates the subconscious nature of cultural influences. To thrive abroad, one must first embrace the learning curve that comes with entering an unfamiliar societal pool—a theme repeated throughout the episode.
Five Steps to Cultural Agility
Renata introduces a five-step system to bridge the cultural divide: self-awareness, cultural awareness, gap analysis, understanding 'different' over 'better' or 'worse,' and stretching the comfort zone. Each step acts as a rung on the ladder to achieving the sixth sense Renata mentions—the superpower she'd grant every expat, enabling them to sense and respond appropriately in varied cultural scenarios.
Language Link
Both hosts underscore the importance of language as a gateway to understanding culture. Learning even the basics of the local language is a gesture of respect. It extends an olive branch of sorts, indicating a willingness to engage and appreciate the new world you're a part of. As Renata notes, language learning is not just about the words; it is intrinsically tied to the cultural fabric of a place.
The Pitfalls of Cultural Missteps
The episode also discusses the fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation—a potential minefield for the uninitiated. Establishing good relations and transparent intentions is crucial when navigating this delicate terrain. Renata and Doreen advise expats to proceed with caution, showing humility and openness to learn from those embedded within the culture.
Effort Over Perfection
Renata stressed the need for expats to appreciate when locals make any effort communicate in English, and to value their willingness over their linguistic prowess. This can carry us forward through more experiences that are authentic and local than one could ever imagine. This perspective is a constant drumbeat throughout Nomadic Diaries, where the journey of crossing cultural boundaries is treated as an evolving process that favors effort and adaptability over perfection.
Conclusion
Living abroad is rarely a static experience; it is dynamic and continuous. As expats, we are encouraged to build and maintain our 'cultural muscles,' while remaining patient and persistent. This is much like going to the gym and working out on a regular basis.
Through Renata's expertise, listeners of Nomadic Diaries are equipped with the tools and mindset to navigate the rich and sometimes challenging waters of global citizenship. For more resources and personalized guidance, Renata extends an invitation for listeners to engage with her directly through various platforms.
Contact Renata Urban
Renata.UrbanTraining@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renataurbantraining/
Explore Renata's range of training and courses to take your intercultural skills to the next level.
A stark reminder that you cannot master the art of living abroad overnight. This is one journey taken one breath at a time, one moment at a time and on one day at a time. With every nuanced conversation, every challenging adaptation, and every hint of cultural appreciation we grow, we change and we adapt.
Nomadic Diaries, with its rich dialogues and insightful guests, continue to serve as a compass for those traversing the diverse landscapes of a nomadic lifestyle.
