Geocultural Literacy, Part 2
On yesterday’s blog, I discussed “geocultural literacy”, based on an article by Tom Edwards. This posting will look at different ways to learn more about another country, in effect increasing our geocultural literacy.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia but have been living and working in Germany for the past 20 years. In a sense, I have spent my life trying to increase my geocultural literacy. I love to travel and learn more about the people and places I visit - this is certainly a good basis for becoming more geoculturally literate. But my search for understanding also has another driving force behind it - whenever possible, I have always tried to blend in, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, and not be seen (at least not at first glance) as a tourist.
Many Americans when travelling abroad often lament about not speaking a second language. Yes, learning foreign languages is certainly something I support, but, similar to learning a musical instrument, it is easier to do as a child than as an adult. There are other ways to learn/understand and become familiar with a country and culture besides learning the language. Here are some of my favorites:
- Follow someone’s example.
This is the number one learning method of children, but it is often forgotten by adults. Watch what others do and do the same thing. Take your shoes off before you enter a Japanese home. Order the same meal the people next to you have. Queue up in a straight line at a London bus stop. - Read travel and fiction books which take place in the country you will visit.
In a previous blog, I discussed my favorite travel books from Bill Bryson. Fiction is also a great way to learn about another country. For example, Donna Leon’s mystery novels take place in Venice. - Watch movies from another country. They might not be showing at your local theater, but you can certainly get them on NetFlix.
- Follow current events.
International news are available on television, on the web and in major newspapers. Ask current events questions when you are travelling. How is the economy? Which political party has a majority? When will the next elections be? What are average tax rates? What is the average price of a house? - Get out the atlas…
or GoogleEarth. How big is the country I will be visiting relative to something I know? What is the capital and where is it? What are the neighboring countries? What are the major rivers? What is the population? - History
What major historical events shaped the country? Wikipedia is a good source here. - Sports
What are the major sports teams and who is winning this year? When are the major sporting events?
A country and its culture have so many facets. Whatever your area of interest is - breeding rabbits, antique silver, brewing beer - find out how people in other countries do it.
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