Week 5: Cultural Miscommunication

This week in my class we are learning about cultural miscommunication and the problems associated when we misinterpret a person’s message or actions. Even though it can be challenging to make sense of different cultural norms, it’s important to respect them.

A Cultural Faux Pas

While serving as a missionary in Washington, D.C, my mission president introduced a rule that missionaries should never accept food from investigators. His reasoning was that our investigators should view us as teachers of the gospel rather than casual friends. On one occasion, my companion and I were scheduled to teach an Asian family of four. When we arrived at the house, the wife brought out a large platter filled with a stunning array of colorful and unique foods. She and her husband excitedly encouraged us to eat as much as we wanted. It was such a tough situation! If we ate the food, we would break a mission rule. If we didn’t eat the food, we would insult our investigators. In the end, we declined the food in order to obey the rule. It was an awkward and uncomfortable situation, and I could tell we had seriously offended the family. To this day I still cringe when I think about how inconsiderate we were, and I regret making the wrong choice. If we had broken the rule it wouldn’t have had any lasting implications, but by refusing the family’s kind gesture it probably did. Graciously accepting the food would have shown respect to their culture AND given the family a more favorable view of the Church.  

The Japanese Business Card

Several years ago, I worked at a software company. Because I worked with Japanese people and traveled to Japan, I learned about and practiced the Japanese ritual of exchanging business cards. Basically, the protocol is to accept a business card with both hands, study the card with great interest, and then carefully place the card in a planner or briefcase. My American co-workers and I thought it was a funny custom, but nevertheless, we exchanged our cards properly with our Japanese friends out of respect. They were always pleased that we participated in this practice even though it wasn't a part of our American culture. 

Seeing the Church Through a Global Lens

I love attending church in other countries! The church is the same no matter where I go even though the culture may be unlike mine. I still feel unity and love from the members despite our differences in language and culture.

Last year, a photo exhibit at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City demonstrated the diversity of cultures amongst church members throughout the world. Concerning the exhibit, Photographer Leslie Nilsson stated: “Seeing the Church through a global lens brings a greater understanding of how the gospel transcends cultural and language barriers but also brings members together.” I believe the gospel truly does bring us all together by providing a “unity of faith”(Ephesians 4:3-6).