Unwritten rules, cultural norms, and crossing cultures Cultural Context Unwritten rules, cultural norms, and crossing cultures

Meaning The circumstances in which a specific event occurs. Refers to unwritten rules of behavior.

Examples In an American movie theater, people are expected to line up quietly to buy their tickets. It is considered rude to cut in line. In public transportation, such as on buses and subways, people rarely talk to others they don't know. This is considered to be a way of respecting people's right to privacy. Teens behave differently when they are at home with their families than they do when they are with friends at school.

Unwritten Rules The unwritten rules of the examples are: Unwritten rules about behavior in a movie theater Unwritten rules about behavior in public transportation vehicles Acceptable behavior at home vs. acceptable behavior with friends

Unwritten Rules If you "just know" a rule, it is a cultural norm. This norm guides behavior and lets everyone know what is polite and what is rude.

Cultural Norms Different cultural norms: In school In your home In the community In your country In other countries

Crossing Cultures Stepping out of one culture and into another is called crossing cultures. Not an easy thing to do. You must understand context to get along in a different culture.

Group Exercise In groups of 2 or 3, answer the 6 questions on your worksheet. As you work, think about Cultural Context and how it affects your life.