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During my middle school years, a unique experience unfolded when my childhood best friend's family welcomed a foreign exchange student into their home. Despite being a few years older, the time spent with him provided profound insights into cultural differences and led me to reflect on my own cultural practices.
One aspect that stood out prominently was the emphasis on family meals in the foreign exchange student's culture. Unlike my usual routine, where family meals were sporadic, he advocated for eating together at least twice a day.
Witnessing this shift in my best friend's family, we began sharing breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This experience raised questions about the significance of communal dining in shaping familial bonds and cultural identity.
Beyond the dining table, the foreign exchange student exhibited a heightened environmental consciousness. His commitment to recycling and aversion to littering highlighted disparities in environmental awareness between his cultural background and the prevailing attitude in America.
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His proactive approach towards sustainability and global warming underscored the impact of cultural upbringing on individual behaviors.
Additionally, his distinct perspective on health and hygiene practices provided a source of amusement. His meticulous efforts to avoid illness, including a thorough Lysol spree at the slightest hint of a cold, reflected cultural nuances in approaching well-being. This divergence from typical American attitudes prompted reflection on the cultural underpinnings of health-related behaviors.
"The exchange of greetings is the most ordinary, everyday use of language and gesture found universally," as noted by Scupin (105).
Despite these cultural disparities, the foreign exchange student's greetings mirrored my own, highlighting the universality of certain social customs.
As Scupin suggests, "Our unprecedented success in adapting to different conditions reflects not only our open biograms, but also the influence of human culture" (61). This encounter prompted me to question my own cultural practices, leading to a realization that my daily actions and behaviors constitute my cultural identity.
Observing the foreign exchange student's eagerness to embrace new experiences emphasized the role of culture in shaping openness to diversity. As I contemplated my own cultural norms, I recognized that my personality is a product of learned behaviors and cultural influences.
The discussion with Francisco, another student, provided further insights into cultural diversity. His exploration of the musical and linguistic aspects of Puerto Rican culture revealed fascinating connections to the Taino people. The adaptation of instruments such as the guicharo showcased the enduring influence of pre-Columbian traditions.
Francisco's revelation that fewer than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently highlighted the richness of linguistic diversity within cultures. His passion for music and the identification of similarities between our cultures underscored the importance of cultural exploration and appreciation.
In conclusion, the encounter with the foreign exchange student enriched my understanding of cultural dynamics, prompting introspection into my own cultural identity. The varied perspectives on family, environment, and health underscored the intricate web of cultural influences on individual behaviors. Engaging with diverse cultural experiences, such as Francisco's insights, further emphasized the need for open-mindedness and appreciation of the rich tapestry of human culture.
Cultural Insights Through Foreign Exchange. (2018, Oct 12). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/childhood-best-friend-essay
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