Cultural Description

The environment in which I was raised is a very important aspect of my life. Being born and raised in India, I thought I had a thorough understanding of the daily rituals and values practiced. But when I took this class I learned another side of my culture that made me more knowledgeable. Topics that I will discuss to describe the Indian culture include four main orientations from each of the Kluckhohn/Hofstede models and different communication styles from verbal to nonverbal. I will explain these concepts using vivid examples and comparison with the “mainstream” US culture.

As Kluckhohn herself noted, "Human behavior mirrors at all times an intricate blend of the universal and the variable". What she meant by that is that all people, because they are homo sapiens, will share common universals of behavior. But, equally characteristic of homo sapiens, is the variety that exists among behaviors. In trying to discern the differences from the similarities, she came up with a model that helps us do this. First, according to the human orientation, India has a mixture of good and evil. There are both evil people and good people, and you have to check people out to find out which they are. People can be changed with the right guidance. For example, Indians are taught to be very family-oriented which brings out the good in them. Growing up, I was surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins who were in my life on a regular basis. I spent most weekends with them, went on vacations with them, and knew them as well as I knew those in my own home. I didn't appreciate this as a child, but now I can surely see the importance in having more family in our lives and how our history can go back so many years.

Secondly, India tends to live in harmony with nature. Hinduism has several theories on respecting nature. Cows are sacred as they are provided for the nurture of humankind. Trees, symbols of abundance, and rivers (especially the Ganges) are also worshipped. In this wide variety of beliefs and attitudes, humans, animals, plants, gods and the earth are all subject to cosmic laws and the place of humankind in the universe is variable. Thirdly, in terms of time association, India is more past oriented. Compared to the US, India focuses on traditions and long-term commitments. Because of this belief that the timing of existence is unfortunate as times were better in the past, India leans on past traditions for inspiration and comfort. In some parts of India there is arranged marriage still going on. According to the article we read in class called “Arranging a Marriage in India, Selena Nanda talks about the customs of an arranged marriage and how it’s an ongoing tradition. Finally, in regards to social relations, India is a hierarchical society. Whether in north India or south India, Hindu or Muslim, urban or village, virtually all things, people, and social groups are ranked according to various essential qualities.

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