Cross-Cultural Dialogues: 74 Brief Encounters with Cultural Difference

by Craig Storti

Culture affects everything we the simplest phrase can be so steeped in cultural context that even seemingly innocent exchanges between people are loaded with cultural differences waiting to expand into misunderstanding and tension. In response, Cross-Cultural 74 Brief Encounters with Cultural Difference offers a collection of 74 brief conversations between an American and people from other cultures, spanning nearly every major region of the world. Each dialogue is categorized as a social, workplace or business interaction and contains at least one breach of cultural norms, which the reader is then challenged to address. Even the most careful reader will be caught off guard by some of the dialogues' hidden subtleties. Storti is meticulous in his analysis of each dialogue, pinpointing not only the moment when the interaction goes wrong, but also identifying the cultural reasons behind each participant's point of view. Whether training others or adding to your own cultural awareness, Cross Cultural Dialogues is an excellent resource, encouraging readers to engage in the world and increase their multicultural understanding.

Genres: The World, Cultural, Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Claire Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely interesting and engaging, but some of the language rubbed me the wrong way and it made a lot of generalizations (however, it did acknowledge from the beginning that generalizations would be made). I learned a lot but it seemed like it was more for business people than people in the dialogue/conflict resolution world.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful to see examples of how culture can trip us up in real-world interactions. The book includes pointers on how to use the dialogues as discussion and group learning opportunities. Very accessible and engaging way to learn about cultural difference.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the concept that simple encounters can be fraught with misunderstanding but limited primarily to a business context fir such conversations.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the text is at times condescending (perhaps assuming average American cultural awareness), the dialogues are quite useful to illustrate or practice cultural awareness.