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Journal Post #10 (6-5-18)

Letter to self, “What are my goals?”

An academic goal of mine during my Study Abroad experience is to improve my second language, Spanish. I want to be aware of my surroundings and the culture of Costa Rica, as well as actively participate in daily life. I strongly believe that understanding the country’s primary language is crucial to accomplish full immersion personally and socially. There will be plenty of free time in Costa Rica so recording my thoughts on the beach coast in a journal is bound to happen. To improve my Spanish knowledge, I plan to keep a personal journal only using Spanish. This will challenge me to expand my speech by translating in-depth thoughts from English to Spanish. Furthermore, I would prefer to engage with the people of Costa Rica from my host family to vendors in markets, as well as Spanish-speaking peers. Is it in my best intention to put embarrassment aside and try to communicate in public settings such as restaurants and daily life. Writing and speaking are my easiest learned skills; however, I do struggle with understanding Spanish through reading at times. To improve the reading portion of the Spanish language, I plan to pay close attention to street signs, billboards, menus, newspapers, etc. I will have my personal journal, as well as my grades from class to prove my academic development.

A global awareness goal of mine is to strengthen my knowledge of the Costa Rican culture. I am not traveling out of the United States to remain in the mindset of American life. Costa Rica is basically an equal opposite to the United States through collectivism, value of time and high-context communication. I want to truly embrace the difference in culture by immersing myself into Costa Rica. I plan to experience the country’s arts through local events such as art exhibitions, theatre performance and concerts. Hopefully, I will find fellow study abroad students to share these experiences with. Moreover, to fully gain perspective on the culture, I must engage with the locals. The people of Costa Rica make up the culture! I want to learn about their history in Costa Rica and family stories. Another aspect of the culture is the official state religion, Catholicism. I am a non-denominational Christian but plan to attend Catholic church services to fully immerse myself in the general life of a Costa Rican. The way Catholics demonstrate their honor to God is fascinating, and I believe the concept of religion plays a major role in the Culture of Costa Rica. Evidence of my global awareness development could be provided through physical material such as tickets to events.

The likelihood of personal development from studying abroad is extremely high in my opinion. To gain a worth wild experience a person needs to have encountered situations that influence personal growth. For starters, I am an individual that slowly opens up to people. However, because I am going to be in a new country, extroversion is necessary for my wellbeing. I want to let my natural curiosity drive me to experience new things, but I do not want to be alone. I believe human relationships are the essence of happiness. It is in my best interest to become comfortable communicating with unfamiliar faces to develop strong relationships with community members and peers. Moreover, I plan to blossom that extroversion through exploring the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature and towns, trying foods and participating in activities. I want to encounter situations that terrify as well as excite me such as bungee jumping or zip lining. This trip is the time to experience life, not hide from shyness. Evidence of my extroversion can be found through pictures, brochures, and postcards of experiences I have embraced.

Cultural Post #10 (6-4-18)

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

There’s much to do in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. My desired travel destination is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The village is made up of “reggae music, funky bamboo bars, and a wild nightlife.” The land is recommended by travelers due to the seclusion of remote bungalows and empty stretches of sand. A less touristy retreat is at Playa Negra’s black-sand beach near the northwest end of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Activities include surfing, venturing the rainforests, and trying the downtown cuisine. There are also bike and walking paths through tropical farms and gardens. Other activities are as follows: “horseback tours of the area, snorkeling, diving, mountain biking, kayaking or boogie boarding.”

Tourist portions of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca include street vendor, stylish eateries, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars with reggaetón. “It can get downright hedonistic, attracting revelers wanting to marinate in ganja and guaro.” However, stray away from tourist attractions and you’ll reach local families to savor a spicy Caribbean stew with. Along with rainforests and cacao farms, the sound of birds and frogs fill the air.

Puerto Viejo offers many tours for visitors to experience the culture further. One in particular tour that intrigued me was Woloba Walking Tour. “Wolaba Walking Tours allows you to have an authentic opportunity to feel, taste, smell, and discover the Costarican Caribbean. The tours combine food tasting and the excursions - allowing you to get to know the local life through our people, our food, our traditions and our heritage. Wolaba Walking Tours invite you and your family to come learn about and experience our culture and you will fall in love with the best of Puerto Viejo.” Through these tours, one can learn fundamentals of local food, experience unique Caribbean-style drinks, observe local plants and animals.

Logistics:

The survey by Ministry of Health showed that 80% of local inhabitants are indigenous Bri Bri and 30-40% of remaining local population are the African Caribbean who descended from Jamaican workers over a century ago. The rest of the population is Tico.

Myths:

“There is so much crime down there.

This is one the myths that I get the biggest kick out of. How anyone could think that Puerto Viejo is more dangerous than places like Quepos, Jaco or even Tamarindo is beyond me. Hell, we won't even discuss comparing it to San Jose. Yes, there is a drug element. But what city does not have that. Unless you choose otherwise, you can use the only thing that Nancy Reagan was famous for and "Just Say No". It has always worked for my years of living here. I think the other reason there is a perception that crime is worse is because of the African Caribbean population. Petty theft is a real problem, but violent crimes against tourists are not the norm.”

“They are all god damn pot smoking, "tree hugging" hippies down there.

Yes, there are many "bohemian types". Their presence over the years has been invaluable to keeping the place real laid back and always interesting. If you look at almost any place that is desirable to live in US, Canada and many parts of Europe (i.e. San Francisco and NYC versus Oklahoma or Arkansas) you will see they have a huge alternative culture that many people find comfort in living with. As for the tree huggers: thank (whatever you believe in) that they are here. There are still many first growth trees to appreciate.”

Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca takes roughly five hours by bus from San Jose. The visit is cost-free and open 24/7. If your goal is to chill, party and eat than the long trip is worth it.

Sources:

https://travel.usnews.com/Costa_Rica/Things_To_Do/Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_62599/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/caribbean-coast/puerto-viejo-de-talamanca

https://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/about.php

https://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/city.asp?cID=176

https://www.govisitcostarica.com/listings/listingDetails.asp?coid=3581

Journal Post #9 (5-31-18)

MSA 135, 137-40, 141; WUWC

Activity: observing gestures and understanding their meanings

American perception of gestures versus what host country perception

https://www.godutchrealty.com/costa-rica-real-estate-blog/how-to-prevent-culture-shock/19-cool-hand-gestures-you-can-use-safely-in-costa-rica/ (cite to find Costa Rica Gestures)

US interpretation: “OK”

Costa Rica interpretation: “I like it”

US interpretation: someone praying or begging, as in “I implore you”

Costa Rica interpretation: If you’re begging someone to help or do something for you.

US interpretation: “I don’t know,” even without the shrug of the shoulders that sometimes accompanies this gesture.

Costa Rica interpretation: “So what, it doesn’t matter, who cares.”

US interpretation: “all right!” or “Good job”

Costa Rica interpretation: “I like it”

US interpretation: crossed fingers for good luck

Costa Rica interpretation: invoke good fortune

Another way of interpreting this gesture: “ Where crossing your fingers upfront for luck is a way to ask God for protection, crossing your fingers behind your back when you tell a lie could mean you're asking for God's forgiveness.”

Activity: EYE CONTACT

My preference

Chatting with friends: eye contact varies/ no pressure

talking with a professor: occasionally look away or down

Interviewing for a job: keep firm eye contact whole time

Giving a presentation: eyes towards audience general direction

Placing an order with a waiter: look at the menu or at the waiter

Talking to your father: look down or away

Host Country preference:

Chatting with friends:

talking with a professor:

Interviewing for a job:

Giving a presentation:

Placing an order with a waiter:

Talking to your father:

Activity: PERSONAL DISTANCE

My preference

Chatting with friends:

talking with a professor:

Interviewing for a job:

Giving a presentation:

Placing an order with a waiter:

Talking to your father:

Host Country preference:

Chatting with friends:

talking with a professor:

Interviewing for a job:

Giving a presentation:

Placing an order with a waiter:

Talking to your father:

Activity: TOUCHING BEHAVIOR

My preference

Chatting with friends:

talking with a professor:

Interviewing for a job:

Giving a presentation:

Placing an order with a waiter:

Talking to your father:

Host Country preference:

Chatting with friends:

talking with a professor:

Interviewing for a job:

Giving a presentation:

Placing an order with a waiter:

Talking to your father:

Activity: NONVERBALS USED IN HOST COUNTRY

Meeting someone of same sex and age for the first time:

A man greeting his wife at home:

Two professional women meeting for lunch:

Two adult male friends meeting at a bar:

A brother greeting his sister at the airport:

A child greeting his father as he arrives home from work:

A young woman meeting her boyfriend in a park:

Two women seeing each other at a high school reunion:

Culture Post #9 (5-31-18)

Costa Rica Key Event in History

Costa Rica Military 1948

December 1st, 1948 Costa Rica’s military was disbanded by President Jose Figueres Ferrer after winning the civil war. The civil war was the bloodiest 44 days in Costa Rican history with over 2,000 deaths. Figueres’ rebel party stood against President Otilio Ulate claiming Ulate won by fraudulent means. “After Figueres had taken over the presidency, he abolished the army.” Currently, the Costa Rican government remains democratic with free elections. The military abolition was added to the Costa Rican Constitution in 1949. Figueres also promised progressive social reforms and enacted in the “country’s new 1949 constitution, including banning the Communist Party, granting full citizenship to blacks, introducing women’s suffrage, establishing presidential term limits, and nationalizing banks. And on 7 November 1949, Figueres amended the Constitution to abolish a standing army–including his own.”

Who Protects the Country?

Costa Rica holds an alliance with other countries, such as the United States, incase of war. Furthermore, Costa Rica has special forces to “enforce the law, patrol borders and decrease drug-trafficking”. In 1996, the Ministry of Public Security established the Public Force, which operates the forces mentioned previously. Also, the Civilian Guard helps to control public order and keep visitors safe. Local officers assist in maintaining peace by enforcing law and order.

Military Money Put Elsewhere!

Costa Rica no longer needed to place money into a military guns and supplies but rather invest in other crucial aspects of the country. “During the ceremony where he announced the abolishment of the military, José Figueres Ferrer also dedicated the former military barracks to a future committed to culture, symbolized by the handing the keys to the minister of education.” The police force, education, environment protection, public health and cultural preservation have all been advanced through financial support.

What has happened since the military abolition

highest literacy rates (96%)

one of the highest life expectancy levels in the Western Hemisphere

has been ranked 1st in the Happy Planet Index

aiming to become carbon neutral by 2021.

Journal Post #8 (5-24-18)

MSA 128 & 130

High Context versus Low Context

1. A friend emails you about going to a party and you reply, “things are busy with my exams, but I would like to go.” You know that you won’t be going and you trust your friend knows this from the email (HIGH CONTEXT)

2. Your professor asks, “Do you have time to meet after class?” You interpret this to be a request to come after class, rather than a question about whether or not you are available. (HIGH CONTEXT)

3. Your professor asks, “Do you have time to meet after class?” You interpret this to a be a question, and you respond yes or no based on whether or not you are available. (LOW CONTEXT)

4. When you disagree with someone, you use questions to suggest that you have a different opinion. (HIGH CONTEXT)

5. You feel good when you are honest with your co-workers and tell them that you are upset about something they did. (LOW CONTEXT)

6. You feel it is all right to say “I disagree” to your professor in class. (LOW CONTEXT)

7. If you have a problem with someone, you won’t go to them and say that you are upset. Rather, you will ask another friend to help work out the problem. (HIGH CONTEXT)

8. If you want something, you feel it is best to come out and ask for it. (LOW CONTEXT)

9. You feel that hinting at something is an effective way of getting what you want. (HIGH CONTEXT).

10. In a job interview, you begin by summarizing the accomplishments on your resumes. (LOW CONTEXT).

Reflection Questions:

1. The amount of low context responses I personally had to situations determine where my form of communication lies. I am a very direct person and prefer to have affective responses unless with a close friend; however, more often than not low-context will be used.

2. Misunderstanding occurs all the time in the interpretation of high versus low because literal context and hinting at something requires enough knowledge of the person being spoken to. Even while making a joke to a friend, there can be confusion depending on the tone of voice at times. It’s easier to tell the difference of high versus low context while in a business setting since the environment isn’t as personal to make such confusion. Rather than with a friend, being serious and direct occurs but also doesn’t at times. It’s important to clarify those conversations when confusion does occur in order to maintain positive communication.

3. Costa Rica does have a high emphasis on using high context due to the general comfortable, close relationship the culture has. It will be a challenging I fear at times since I won’t be fully apart of the culture at first; however, I am sure to adjust into the high-context communication as I am immersed into Costa Rica with time, as well as talking with my host family.

Culture Post #8 (5-24-18)

Costa Rica Government Structure:

Official name: Republic of Costa Rica

Capital: San Jose

Independent since: September 15, 1821 from Spain

Constitution: November 7, 1949

Suffrage: 18 years of age

Cite: http://costarica-information.com/about-costa-rica/politics-and-government

· Democratic, free and independent republic

· Government represented by three supreme powers

o Executive, Legislative and Judicial

· Supreme Election Tribunal in charge of “organizing, directing and supervising all acts concerning suffrage”

· Executive Power: President of Republic, two Vice presidents and Cabinet of Government chosen by President.

o President is both Head of Government, as well as the Head of State

· Legislative Power: unicameral

o 57 deputies forming the Legislative Assembly are elected democratically with the President of the Republic and Vice presidents

· Judicial Power: Supreme Justice Court

o Contains 22 magistrates

· Administratively: 7 provinces to 83 cantons to 463 districts

o Cantons ruled by Mayor and Municipal Council, both are elected.

Cite: http://costaricaembassy.be/en/costa_rica/government/

Current President:

Laura Chinchilla Miranda

· First female president of Costa Rica

· 1994-1996 Deputy Minister of Public Security

· 1996-1998 Minister of Public Safety

· Committees involved with: “Project Advisory Committee of Civil Society and Public Safety, the Central American Dialogue Foundation Arias for Peace and Human Progress, and the Foundation for Peace and Democracy (FUNPADEM).”

· Goals as President: “With Laura Chinchilla as president, you can expect to see a strong fight against drugs and police corruption, and a push for woman's equal rights and more national security. Following in Arias' shoes, Costa Rica may become more involved with free trade throughout the world as well.”

Cite: http://costarica-information.com/about-costa-rica/politics-and-government/costa-ricas-current-president-1/

Current legislation/political debate:

Pro-gay marriage presidential win, Costa Rica halted religious conservatism

“A resurgent Christian evangelical movement proved unable to translate strong social conservatism into a win.”

Cite: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/pro-gay-marriage-presidential-win-costa-rica-halted-religious-conservatism-n862331

Culture Post #7 (5-17-18)

Costa Rican Cuisine!

Flan De Coco (Coconut flan)

Flan: an egg custard-type dessert, baked in a caramel-sauce-lined pan

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup white sugar

1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (12 fluid ounces) can evaporated milk

½ cup milk

6 eggs

½ cup fresh shredded coconut

How dessert is prepared:

Prep (10m) Cook (1hr) Ready In (9h 10m)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Place 1 cup of the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook gently, without stirring, but shaking occasionally until the sugar has melted. Continue cooking until the sugar has completely melted, and turned golden brown. Pour into a large, glass baking dish. Spread the caramel evenly over the bottom of the dish, then set aside to cool for 15 minutes before proceeding.

Once the caramel has hardened, pour the condensed milk, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and coconut into a blender. Blend for 3 minutes until smooth. Pour into baking dish over the caramel.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes until set. When done, remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the dish to separate the flan from the sides. Refrigerate overnight.

When to eat dish:

This dish is generally served as an occasional dessert to have after dinner.

History of food:

The existence of flan arose during the Roman Empire. Romans were the first to domesticate chickens and thus had a surplus of eggs. Using techniques from Greeks, the Romans created a multitude of egg-based recipes. Romans used honey rather than today’s caramel, which was brought up from Spaniards. Flan was introduced to a great deal of Europe as Romans conquered majority of it. The Spanish were introduced to flan and were the first to use a caramel sauce topping. Spaniards then carried their recipe to new lands in 1518 with the famous conquistador Hernan Cortes landing in Mexico. People of Mexico developed all sorts of flan flavorings: coffee, chocolate, rum, and coconut. This dessert traveled to the mouths of the rest of Latin America.

Reaction to food:

light and sweet to eat! Surprised by how much flavor is held in such a small dish. The caramel sauce really topped off the smooth dessert. At first, I was taken off guard by the appearance as it looked like a cross mix between pudding and jello; however, flan is most definitely an original and delectable dish deserving of a name of its own.

Resources:

https://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/food-recipe-guide/desserts.asp

https://costaricatravelblog.com/how-to-make-flan-de-coco/

http://www.what-is-flan.com/carecipes/59-costa-rican-flan-recipe.html

https://www.cheesecake.com/Blog/post/the-unique-history-of-flan-a-world-traveled-dessert.aspx

http://costarica-information.com/about-costa-rica/food

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/108362/flan-de-coco-coconut-flan/

#costa rica #dessert #flan #recipe

Culture Post #6 (5-10-18)

Maikol Yordan de Viaje Perdido

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyXqIMjL884&t=752s

Maikol Yordan Traveling Lost (1h 41min)

Comedy starring Mario Chacón

18 December 2014 Costa Rica

Directed by Miguel Alejandro Gomez

Summary: A Costa Rican farmer’s land is threatened to be lost due to debt. He takes a journey to Europe in hopes of raising enough money to save his farm and family. Throughout his travels, the farmer discovers “new acquaintances, lost relatives and himself.” Furthermore, Maikol Yordan faces numerous variations from his culture in Costa Rica to his current state in Europe. The difference in culture dimensions does not faze the farmer, despite his inability to assimilate into European culture.

Cultural Dimensions from the film include:

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/costa_rica.htm

Power Distance: emphasis on equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed

Masculinity: less differentiation between genders than other Latin countries; more openly nurturing of a society

Individualism: Collectivist rather than individualist; loyalty to relationships over-rides most societal rules. Strong relationships with mutual responsibility for fellow group members.

Control of Time: polychronic behavior of time worked around relationships rather than deadlines

Context Communication: high context since conversations rely more on contextual cues and interacting based on previous experiences.

Non-confrontational: Costa Ricans tend to be extremely polite and may even avoid saying “no” if concerned to offend and substitute with a “maybe”.

Culturally Influence Actions of Maikol Yordan:

Getting up from his seat on transportation systems whenever a woman would enter the plane or train to offer the spot over.

The close relationship with relatives from cheering on little kids and kissing his grandmother.

When he went to Europe, he was super touchy with people and cutting the personal space barrier of European’s on numerous occasions.

Does not rush through his day to reach destinations but stops to conversate with people.

#costa rican film #Comedy #Cultural dimensions #Spanish-speaking movie

Journal Post #6 (5-10-18)

WUWC 1.4 Whose Fault? Why Values Matter

Reflection: There is a great differentiation between cultures and the following categories present such differences. No culture fits one specific category but these provide common and general reference. It is important to recognize those cultural differences though since an individual’s ethics are influenced by their culture.

Universalism: Try to apply same rules to everyone in like situations. Fairness is to not make exceptions for family or friends. Lay personal feelings aside to look at issues objectively.

Particularism: Behavior depends on situation. Treat family and friends best as possible and let the rest of population talk care of itself, form of in-group protection.

“When universalists come into contact with particularist cultures they may tend to see the societies as corrupt, untrustworthy, overly emotional, and, perhaps because so much depends upon personal relationships and "who one knows", and perceive the society as closed and cliquish. Particularists coming into contact with universalist cultures often feel their people are impersonal, cold, rigid, rule-obsessed, and unfriendly. This is obviously most intense in legal or governmental settings, but ideas about what is just and appropriate permeate cultures and often play a role in interpersonal relationships. Where these fundamentally differ, the cross-cultural results may not be positive”

Monochronic: (clock time) People adjust to demands of time -- schedules, deadlines, etc. People do one thing at a time and finish before starting another.

Polychronic: (social time) Time is adjusted to suit needs of people. More time is always available. Not necessary to finish one thing before starting another. Human interaction is priority.

“For a study abroad student to avoid constant frustration, it is essential for them to have some idea about how a culture is likely to view time. If what you define as "chronic lateness" is perceived in the host culture as "reasonably on time," it is clear that you will need to adjust your expectations of how long things will take to accomplish. It would also be advisable that you prepare to ease up a bit, if you are a monochronic type, on obsessing over maintaining strict schedules in cultures with a more relaxed approach towards timetables and punctuality. On the other hand, you might be a polychronic person even though you have grown up in US-American culture where the majority is not. In that case, going to, say, Argentina or Mexico would be relatively easy and suit your personal preferences, while going to Germany, France, or England might be somewhat more of a challenge”

High Context: relationships depend on trust/ identity rooted in group/ verbal message is indirect or implicit and use nonverbal elements/ communal space/ time is not scheduled/ learning accurately is valued

Low Context: relationships begin and end quickly/ identity rooted in accomplishments/ verbal message is direct or explicit and conversation carried through words rather than nonverbal elements/ private space/ Time is scheduled/ Learning quickly is valued

Folktale

La Llorona is a young woman who wanders alongside rivers weeping as she searches for her child. This folktale has several different versions, but all stories revolve around a woman who had a child without her family’s blessing, as well as before marriage.

One version entails: La Llorona was an Indian maiden in love with a Spanish conquistador. Her father was against their wishes to be married. However, La Llorona became pregnant and gave birth to a love child. Outraged, the father kills her child by throwing the baby into a waterfall, where it drifts away.

It is known to hear along rivers the cries of remorse from La Llorona in search of her child. Children today are also warned not to go out at night or else La Llorona may snatch them away for she wishes to have a child of her own.

#Culture Context #folktale

Journal Post #5 ( 5-3-18)

My Culture’s Dimension: Where American Culture Stands on Various Scales

Storti

Concept of Self: Individualistic

Personal versus Societal Responsibility: Universalistic

Concept of Time: Monochronic

Time and Other People: One thing at a time

Locus of Control: Internal

Degree of Directness: Direct

Role of Context: Low Context

Hofstede (the U.S ranking out of 15 countries)

Power Distance: 9

Individualism: 1

Masculinity: 7

Uncertainty Avoidance: 11

Long-term Orientation:11

Indulgence v. Restrain: 5

Maximizing Study Abroad (p. 68-70) “American Views”

Individualism: if you don’t take care of it yourself, nobody else will

Equality: We are all equal under the law (I personally disagree considering historic difference and need for equity rather than equality, as learned in sociology but I digress)

Monochronic Time: It is important to make the most of your time. Don’t waste it.

Meritocracy: Actions speak louder than words.

Activity: Feel the need to be doing something productive instead of relaxing

Change, Progress, Risk Taking: Important to reinvent yourself

Informality: “Come as you are”/ Make yourself at home; you’re family here

Personal Efficacy: You are responsible for your successes or failures

Directness: “I can’t guess what you are thinking”/ being direct is equated to telling the truth

Dimensions of American Culture by Marcia Carteret

http://www.dimensionsofculture.com/2010/10/eight-dimensions-of-american-culture/

Time and its control: a constant “battle” for Americans as they focus on the concept of saving or wasting their precious time. Examples of time savers include the invention of day-timers, fast food/ drive-thru, and the term multi-tasking in the English language.

Task vs. Relationship: building rapport with people tends to be overlooked as Americans are extremely task-oriented and become engrossed into achieving their goals.

Comfort with Change: The idea of change is associated with progress, development, and growth. American tend to be optimistic and put their trust in a better future. “…identity and inspiration are projected forward in time.”

Personal Control Over Destiny: There is trust in an individual having control over his or her destiny rather than how other cultures may reason situations with outside sources. The concept of fate or karma isn’t generally believed due to the belief of self-responsibility for one’s own success of failure.

Self-Sufficiency: Succeed without helps from others comes with self-determination, self-reliance, and self-confidence. There is not a perceived value of interdependency.

#dimensions of culture #america

Culture Post #5 (5-2-18)

Costa Rican News

Territorio de Zaguates (Posted 3-22-18)

http://people.com/crime/real-life-isle-of-dogs-costa-rica-territorio-de-zaguates-animal-poisoning/ & https://www.chron.com/life/article/Costa-Rica-s-Territorio-de-Zaguates-is-home-to-7241757.php#photo-9785505

Animal shelter

For starters, I realize this specific news article is not from the past week but I thought it was important to include into my blog post since it hit an emotional chord while reading. The Territorio de Zaguates or “Land of the Strays” is located in the mountains of Santa Barbara in Costa Rica’s as a dog sanctuary, which cares for approximately 1000 unique strays. The establishment is a volunteer-run “No-Kill” shelter, which Costa Rica is the first “No-Kill nation” in the Americas; the government banned euthanasia in 2003. Further, the latest news reported that there had been over 60 mysterious deaths over the past few months, and it is believed to have been done by “heartless” trespassers in disagreement with shelter’s cause. There is a need to install security cameras and lighting poles for surveillance. It is reported that someone poisoned 16 dogs on March 3rd, which killed nine dogs.

Food Culture (Posted 4-26-18)

https://thecostaricanews.com/tico-marketsfood-culture-and-traditions/

Markets

Visiting Costa Rica’s food markets is the best way to experience the “essence” of their people and culture. Markets are meant for interacting with the community and being immersed in the native customs of the country. The culture of Costa Rica is not hard to miss as every street and corner is filled with colorful aspects of tradition displayed. There is not only vegetation but hand-made crafts. However, not all markets are alike since different parts of the country contain their own diverse, cultural characteristics. Markets include Central Market of San Jose, Cartago Municipal Market, Green Fair of Aranjuez, Heredia Municipal Market, and Borbon Food Market. The Green Fair of Aranjuez was most intriguing to me due to their advocacy for “creative thinking, fair trade, ecological cultural, and education for sustainable life”. The market is a serene location to take morning walks, do yoga, listen to music and walk their dogs. Consumers may come simply for nature and to buy breakfast.

Labor Unions ((Posted 5-2-18)

http://todaycostarica.com/may-1-traditional-march-of-the-workers-in-san-jose-photos/

May 1st Traditional “March of the Workers”

Posted by Today News, May first is the annual “marcha de los trabajadores”. Workers from all over Costa Rica come to San Jose to project their beliefs of working conditions. Most of the country’s unions participate in defending health, education, as well as speak out against the proposed tax reform. The march was full of colorful life and music as workers marched down Second Avenue to the Legislative Assembly; unions wanted legislators to recognize them.

Environment (Posted 4-27-18)

https://news.co.cr/costa-rica-and-ecuador-sign-agreement-to-strengthen-conservation-efforts-in-isla-del-coco-and-galapagos/72615/

Conservation Efforts in Isla del Coco and Galapagos

Costa Rica and Ecuador signed an agreement to strengthen the conservation of marine species and birds, as well as protection of national park ecosystems. The agreement involves each country’s efforts of: “investigation to generate knowledge on the marine biodiversity in the Marine Protected Areas, constant coastal monitoring, management of exotic species, planning and evaluation of Wildlife Protected Areas, climate change, restoration of ecosystems, sustainable tourism, etc.”. A recent effect of the agreement was between scientists of the Galapagos and Coco Islands installing underwater video systems to collect data on abundance and diversity of species. Scientists have already discovered this past week that certain sharks and sea turtles use the Coco’s range as a route between both of the protected areas.

#costa rica news

Culture Post #4 (4-26-18)

Francisco Amighetti

Where Talent Sparked

Liceo de Costa Rica was the main high school for boys in San Jose, which is where Amighetti attended. Teachers noticed Amighetti’s artistic abilities and recommended him to the Academy of Fine Arts. He took up the recommendation and studied under Tomas Povedano’s guidance, a famous Spanish painter. While master his painting and drawing abilities, his work received “critical acclaim for the first time” after the publication of his drawings/cartoons in a famous magazine, “Repertorio Americano”.

Revolution Forms

Amighetti abandoned the classical European style after marrying Costa Rican writer Emily Prieto in 1929. There was rebellion against traditional artistic training of classic European styles. He focused on surrealism and abstract expressionism, as well as transitioned into the artform of xylography, woodcutting. He did this amongst a small group of Costa Rican artist to produce the first ever portfolio of woodcuts in 1934. Not to mention throughout the 1930s, Amighetti attended multiple contests, and nearly always won first place.

Costa Rican Life

His fellow artists did not feel okay to stay in Costa Rica due to the lack of recognition; however, Amighetti stayed and continued to work on oil and water paintings along with sculpting. The well-rounded artist also released his first literary work of poems, which he is less known for. In 1940, Amighetti taught students drawing at a public school in Costa Rica. Furthermore, his teachings carried on into 1944 as he was the professor of Art History at the University of Costa Rica.

International

In the 1950s, Amighetti continued to master his skills of painting, drawing, and printmaking in Costa Rica; however, he did travel to Europe, Asia and America. There were numerous art exhibitions held in major cities around the world to present his artistry since opportunities were scarce in Costa Rica. This is when he gained international recognition. Today his name is still not widely known due to the seclusion of Costa Rica; however, within Costa Rica he is recognized as one of the greatest artist.

Finale

Francisco Amighetti continued to pursue art all 92 years of his life. From 1907 to 1998, he produced more than 500 pieces of art, and dedicated 24 years of his life to engravings.

Resources:

http://www.annexgalleries.com/artists/biography/48/Amighetti/Francisco

https://www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/famous-artists/francisco-amighetti.asp

http://acamcostarica.com/francisco-amighetti/

http://www.letterpressproject.co.uk/inspiring-older-readers/2016-05-15/why-had-i-never-heard-of-francisco-amighetti

https://prezi.com/-l0nobfyznud/costa-rican-artist-francisco-amighetti/

#Francisco Amighetti #Famous Person #Artist #Costa Rica

Journal Post #4 (4-26-18)

What is Culture? (Worldview Dimensions)

Worldviews: “abstract notions about the way the world is” (typically operate on an unconscious level; often people forget that others may view the world differently)

Eight Questions and the Related Worldviews (Culture)

1. Who Am I? Individualism/ Collectivism

o Individualist: People identify themselves typically by how they differ from those around them

o Collectivist: Explain themselves on a basis of their relationship with others

o Summary: This difference may contribute to the way we view ourselves and relationships with others. Tension may arise when conflict occurs while there’s a difference in how communities handle situations: either look out for individual or collective group’s needs. Understand communities unconsciously vary in handling situations of conflict to prevent frustration of difference in behavior.

2. How Do People Establish Their Position in Society? Ascription/Achievement

o Ascription: notion that something is given to a person and does not require the person to have done something for it.

o Achievement: One’s position in society is determined by one’s efforts.

o Summary: Depending on the culture, these forms of status can be seen as negative or positive. In the American culture, inheriting money/prestige is not considered to be of something worth recognition. American strive for the concept of “earned status”, to have worked for their position.

3. How Should Society Be Organized? Egalitarian/Hierarchical

o Egalitarian: each person is of the same worth and values as any others (every person is just as important as every other person)

o Hierarchical: there is a natural and proper differentiation across people (person’s position of authority determines the person’s relative worth)

o Summary: Behavior and forms of respect can be grounded in the organization of the society, egalitarian or hierarchical. For example, American’s prefer to recognize everyone as an equal by calling community members of authority, such as professors, by their first names. A member of Thailand may feel extremely uncomfortable doing that due to their hierarchical society’s formality. However, American’s also contain hierarchical traits in society such as sports; the Unites States will cheer for an underdog equally but “relish in individual achievements”

4. What Is the Basic Nature of Humans? Good/Evil

o Good: Humans are inherently good and are trustworthy. They will choose good if given the option between good and bad.

o Evil: Humans cannot be trusted and will take advantage of others when given the option. Society must take precautionary measures.

o Summary: According to religious beliefs, the society may believe that humans are born good or evil. Moreover, based on these beliefs on whether or not people can be trusted/have good intentions, the community will treat each other accordingly.

5. What Is Our Relationship with Nature? Mastery/Adaptive

o Mastery: we can and sensibly should control the world around us/ conquer the wilderness by owning land, water, and animals.

o Adaptive: humans less as owners and more as cohabitants of this world. Everything should be respected equally and humans should adapt to environment rather than conquer.

o Summary: A culture either strives for self-benefit through dominance over nature or the society strives to live amongst the nature already presented without alterations.

6. What Is the Primary Purpose of Language? Social Lubricant/Information

o Social Lubricant: Focus on the impact that even indirect messages can have on relationships and on one’s self-image and public image.

o Information: see communication as a neutral container that a person uses as a tool to convey her or his thoughts.

o Summary: Cultures defined by social lubricant feel that the immediate social implications of communication are more important than the accuracy of information. The power of social lubricant is powerful and can be dangerous in potential saying or doing the wrong thing. It’s important to keep that interest of the relationship in mind while information cultures prefer directness and accuracy in speech.

7. Where Does Meaning Primarily Lie? High Context/Low Context

o High Context: rely more on contextual cues such as background information, the social setting, relative status of those interacting, and previous experiences.

o Low Context: relationship or setting does not matter. Verbal communication, clear and informative, matters.

o Summary: High context is a conversation between close friends while low context is between business associates. High context conversation may not make sense to outsiders over hearing the conversation since they would not have the background information needed to understand the conversation. Low context is explicit without needed substance.

8. How Does Time Function? Polychronic/Monochronic

o Polychronic: Doing many things at once (circular fashion)

o Monochronic: Doing one thing at a time (linear fashion)

o Summary: Appointment times and deadlines are important to monochromic cultures while polychronic cultures view maintenance of relationships as more important. For example, when a meeting is set a polychronic system wouldn’t stress about how long it takes to starts the meeting. They view the start time as a guideline, not as a rigid deadline.

#culture #cultural differences #Worldview dimensions

Culture Post #3 (4-18-18)

Music of Costa Rica

Reggaeton!

The top song listened to in Costa Rica today is Bella by Wofline, which is a Spanish speaking artist with the genre of Reggaeton. (https://www.shazam.com/charts/top-100/costa-rica). However, there are also American artists such as Drake and Ed Sheeran who made the top ten list. Obviously, from these findings, Costa Rica is not strict to one type of music but also enjoy music from around the world.

Moreover, reggaeton is not to be associated solemnly to reggae, but it is a mixture of genres: hip hop, Latin American and Caribbean. Lyrics are generally sung in the form of rap and in Spanish.

Reggaeton history

(http://cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/r/Reggaeton.htm)

Reggaeton became the uprising dance music of the 1990s for Latin American youth, which then spread to North America, European, Asian, etc. listeners. Hispanic youth from Panama and Puerto Rico consider proudly to call this genre their own and this influence spread to Latino communities in the United States. Popularity was skyrocketing!

Reggaeton’s origination did evolve from Jamaica’s reggae and transformed into the Panama Spanish-speaking culture. Puerto Rico separately was creating their own form of reggaeton with “underground” hip hop styles.

Lyrics

The lyrics of this genre are on the hip hip side and have caused quite the controversy with explicit lyrics and exploitation of women. However, some supporters of the music would explain that clean lyric, non-violent songs of this genre do exist.

Common themes of lyrics include dancing, love stories, partying, and problems in life. However, there is also kid-friendly music for “Reggaeton Ninos”. An example would be the famous song Gasolina, which is considered acceptable to youth.

Artists Include

(Warning: These artists are not school appropriate)

Daddy Yankee

Plan B

Don Omar

Nicky Jam

Zion y Lennox

Wisin y Yandel

Ivy Queen

Cultural Blending Pot

Reggaeton is not only for one location or group of artists but has been collaborating with non-Spanish speaking artists such as Snoop Dogg featured on Daddy Yankee’s album Barrio Fino En Directo. Also, producer Hector “El Bambino” produced a song with Jay-Z as a collaboration on the album “Los Rompe Discotekas” (THe Club Bangers). Today, reggaeton and hip hop are mixing musicians across the world to make a blend of sounds, and I find that super exciting! This shows a form of recognition and appreciation of different cultures/sounds.

#reggaeton

What’s Up With Culture Exercises (4-18-18)

Section 1.3.1 - Cultural Distinctions

Universal: ways in which all people in all groups are the same

Cultural: what a particular group of people have in common with each other and how they are different from every other group

Personal: ways in which each one of us is different from everyone else, including those in our group

Sleeping with a bedroom window open (P)

Running from a dangerous animal (U)

Considering snakes to be “evil” (C )

Men opening doors for women (C )

Respecting older people (C )

Liking spicy food (P)

Preferring playing soccer to reading (P)

Eating regularly (U)

Eating with knife, fork, and spoon (C )

Being wary of strangers (C )

Calling a waiter with a hissing sound (C )

Regretting being the cause of an accident (U)

Feeling sad at the death of your mother (U)

Wearing white mourning robes for 30 days after death of mother (C )

Not liking to wear mourning clothes for 30 days after death of mother (P)

Section 1.3.2 - In the Mind of the Beholder

Part One:

Person shows up late: Should apologize or provide explanation

Someone kicks a dog: Should be punished for kicking dog

People belch after meal: Cover mouth and apologize for rudeness

Someone makes OK gesture: Proceed with action

Woman carries heavy weight and man none: share the load

Male guest helps hostess with dishes: Should receive a thankyou

A young girl/boy kiss on park bench: Find somewhere private

During exam, a student cheats: Grade should be negatively affected

Part Two:

Expected to arrive late: no apology needed

Kick dog: ...still don’t need to kick an ill dog but defend self if necessary

Belch after meal: Cook would feel appreciated

OK Gesture: (obscene: immediate apology)

Women carry heavy load: unbothered, general standard

Male helps hostess clean: may view man as either pathetic or strange

Boy/girl kiss on park bench: they may be yelled at by bystanders

Cheating on Exam: expected to happen but probably still punishable

Section 1.3.3 - Sharing the Rewards

$20,000 to distribute between these four people:

Person A 25% of work: $5,000

Person B 40% of work: $8,000

Person C 25% of work: $5,000

Person D 10% of work: $2,000

I reached my financial decision by distributing money according to workload.

However! The discussion response concluded in a collectivist culture all individuals of the group should be paid equally $5,000. “People in collectivist cultures seek the good of the group over the good of themselves, not because they are indifferent to their own welfare, but because they feel the surest way to guarantee personal survival is to make sure the group thrives and prospers”

Section 1.3.4 - Individualist or Collectivist

Individualist: identifies primarily with self, with the needs of the individual being satisfied before those of the group.

Collectivist: One’s identity is, in large part, a function of one’s membership and role in a group, e.g., the family or work team.

People answer the phone by giving the name of organization: C

People give cocktail parties: I

Inter-group rivalry is strong: C

Employee-of-the-year awards are offered: I

People adhere to tradition: C

People are promoted based on production and results: I

Contracts in business are used frequently: I

There is a need for autonomy: I

People change jobs frequently: I

People believe that conflict clears the air: I

There is a need for affiliation: C

Short-term relationships are common: I

It’s okay to stand out: I

Face-saving is important: C

It’s common for mothers to ask their preschoolers what they want to wear each day: I

Self-help books are popular: I

Decisions are made by consensus: C

The language has one word for mother’s brother, another for father’s brother: C

marriages are arranged: C

People have potluck dinners: C

Section 1.3.5 - Score Yourself!!

I am more of an individualist than a collectivist based on the responses I provided.

Journal Post #3 (4-18-18)

Cultural, Personal, or Universal Activity (pp. 53)

Cultural: refers to what a group of people have in common with each other and how they are different from other groups

Personal: refers to ways in which each person is different from everyone else, including those in the same group

Universal: refers to ways in which all people in all groups are basically the same.

Activity:

Eating with chopsticks (C.)

Women walking five steps behind men (C.)

Walking rather than taking the bus (P.)

Feeling sorry after accidently stepping on someone’s foot (U)

Respecting your elders (C. & U.)

Making slurp noises while eating soup or noodles (C.)

Wearing warmer clothing when it is cold (U.)

Being depressed after the death of a loved one (U.)

Sleeping with a light on (P.)

Shaking hands with someone you first meet (C.)

Reflection on Activity: It is important to understand cultural, personal, and universal differences when encountering a new environment so that an individual may transition smoothly. Of course, there will be hiccups, hopefully no one is severely offended, while discovering what’s acceptable in a new society. The exercise allows readers to grasp a sense of understanding that people’s behavior can be rooted culturally rather than personally or vice versa. It takes some experience to figure out which is what; however, communicating with people of a different place will become easier and more effective as the root of behaviors is learned.

Changing Stereotypes into generalizations and hypotheses Activity (pp. 58)

Americans are superficial

Generalization: Other countries may find American speech to be superficial

Hypotheses: Do Americans have short, shallow conversations more than deep longer discussions?

The French are rude

Generalization: Many French tend to react negatively to Americans

Hypothesis: Why is their reaction considered rude to American and what is the cause of such responses? What about the behavior do Americans choose to consider the French as rude?

Spaniards are laid-back

Generalization: As a comparison to northern Europeans, Spaniards are not as anxious or tense.

Hypotheses: What are the qualifications to be considered as laid-back versus uptight, and how are Spaniards and northern Europeans distributed into such categories? What are notable differences between the two groups?

Activity Reflection: While traveling abroad, it is important to now only stray from stereotyping your host country but to be able to defend your own country as well. Negative comments made be made towards America and through the exercise I am able to clarify generalizations and explain that characteristics looked down upon in my host country may actually be viewed as positive by Americans. There is no right or wrong but simply cultural expectations and preferences. Also, reminding that stereotypes do not fit the description of everyone in that group. Stereotyping is a form of assumption that may need to be corrected for an individual’s better understanding of a group.

Among Cultures Ch.1 Reflection Questions

Why Studying intercultural communication is important? It is crucial to understand how to speak and behave properly within a culture other than your own out of respect and basic competence. This enable effective and positive interactions.

Why some communities are percieved as having more culture than others? For the example presented in the reading, the teacher assumed that because of the students skin color, he would know how to answer every question directed towards “lower-class blacks living in Watts”. The teacher assumed that because he was black that he could understand an entire group of people that he was unrelated to otherthan pigment of skin; he assumed that the student was “more cultured”, which was a poor assumption with many other aspects of wrong going into asking that.

If a culture provides a system for making sense, how many of these systems can one person use? Systems contain multiple systems within eachother, created in co-dependence so everything must be ran interdependently. I couldn’t say an exact amount of systems it would take to achieve the ability to “make sense”.

If communication is interdependent, to what extent are we responsible for the outcome of any interaction we are involved? The end result of any interaction is greatly in our control in that we decide how to react. We can be influenced by the actions of another but the conversation and emotion is still in our control. We can choose to be mad or happy about a situation.

What benefits can come out of interactions with those from different cultures? Personal empowerment, productive relationships, and freedom from ignorance!

Journal Entry #2 (4-12-18)

You as a Culturally Diverse Person (pp.44)

Picking one or two of the most important categories from above is extremely difficult considering every section is a defining portion of who I am. Of the eight portions, however, my current focus has been most designated towards my athletism and being a student. These have been my prime focal points for the past school year; the majority of my time is devoted towards their success. I wake up at 7am and go to my three classes for the day, and then I go to practice for three hours and finally make my way to work until 11pm. After work, I spend about 2-3 hours doing homework that I didn’t have time for during the day. I absolutely love my life, but it does become overwhelming as sections of myself become more demanding. I’m constantly battling with time management because I would love to concentrate more on my faith, which I feel should be my main focus.

Part of my identity that isn’t recognized well by others is being a reflective thinker, especially since the majority of these thoughts remain internal; however, my actions are driven by such thoughts. Reflective thinking includes aspects such as: thinking in both abstract and conceptual ways, as well as relating new knowledge to previous experiences/ understanding. My mind tends to be in a constant purpose-driven thought process, which I feel can hinder my ability to talk to people. I believe this relationship block derives from reflective thinking since having serious, critical conversations is much easier than loose, “fun” ones. It’s hard to build relationships at times because of this. I want to get to know people on a deeper level rather than the superficial surface so I tend to ask many questions. Moreover, when I am asked questions, I take longer to respond since I want to give an answer that truly conveys my thoughts properly.

(http://www.hawaii.edu/intlrel/pols382/Reflective%20Thinking%20-%20UH/reflection.html)

Aspects of a reflective thinker include the following: “Self-awareness: thinking of yourself, your experiences and your view of the world / Self-improvement: learning from experiences and wanting to improve some area of your life/ Empowerment: putting you in control of making changes and behaving in a different way”

(https://learn.solent.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=2732&chapterid=1101)

After reflecting upon the added factors that make who I am, I can confidently say that my identity in its entirety cannot be limited by titles and definitions. As an individual, there are parts of myself that conflict with each other so it’s guaranteed that neither I nor anyone can be placed into a particular category. People are magnificent creatures that hold a culture within themselves as they are apart of an external one locationally.

These categories are more than likely to change as I study abroad because of the hyperawareness of separation between my norms and Costa Rica’s. I will become the small percentage in a culture that is extremely different from my own. I will become hyperaware of aspects of my identity that I hadn’t even thought to consider as a part of me since it’s so deeply embedded into the foundation of who I am. Awareness of differences may include nationality, social class, and language for example. I will be separated from who I am in America when studying abroad in Costa Rica, and I am super curious as to what I’ll be left with when there.

#maximizing study abroad

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