Journal 5: Worldview Dimensions

In understanding nonverbal norms between Costa Rica and the United States I have felt that these activities have helped in recognizing the differences between each country.

The United States in general, we don’t have a lot of tolerance for lengthy periods of time during which not much is said. That means that someone, somewhere is constantly talking. Whether that be before meetings amongst coworkers or in an elevator with someone from class. We try and do a majority of talking to avoid silence. Silence is often seen as uncomfortable and is avoided at all cost. This can be related to the fact that some countries are lead to believe that the US is so friendly. Whether or not we are, I believe the question is: Is that related to the fact that our nonverbal norms tell us silence is uncomfortable? In Costa Rica, talking is somewhat similar to that of the United States. Silence may not be necessarily seen as uncomfortable therefore they constantly talk but as a big way of communicating. Costa Ricans, similar to people of the US are talkative people. They are constantly talking and making small talk with you but when there is silence there is no sense of uncomfortableness. I think it is important to note that there may be a higher level of tolerance between an adult and another adult than between a child and an adult. Similar to other countries, Costa Rica, requires young people to respect their elders. If you are spoken to then you may answer and continue the conversation respectfully. Unlike the US where you are able to talk to your grandparents like how you talk to your parents or even casually. This knowledge will allow for further preparation when going to Costa Rica in order to maintain comfort.

In addition, our Maximizing Study Abroad book suggests keeping a journal to record these encounters. I have tried to keep a journal during my day to day life in the US and found that to be hard and tedious. However, I believe that keeping a journal when studying abroad may be useful in trying to remember everything I did during my 3 and a half to 4 months there. It will also allow for me to remember embarrassing, funny, or sad moments throughout my trip. Those embarrassing moments may include a nonverbal communication norm that I was unfamiliar with before the encounter and then when I look back on it I can later laugh. The journal may also act as a record of situations that I may encounter during my time in Costa Rica and I can write myself some notes to remind myself of what a normal Costa Rican would do in that situation. I could write down types of encounters such as: greeting someone new, meeting my professor, meeting my host family, or even asking for something of a waiter. I could then across from each encounter write down a common types of nonverbal greeting for Costa Rica. Many of the nonverbal greeting would be a kiss on the check, or a handshake, or a simple nod of the head.

All of the nonverbal norms for communicating in Costa Rica will allow for a greater immersion of the country before I even arrive in Juan Santamaria Airport.