The same cultural symbol can have the different meanings to different groups. If

Question

The same cultural symbol can have the different meanings to different groups. If you change a symbol only slightly it may change its meaning dramatically. Crosses in a math problem or on a church steeple or on fire in someone’s yard all have very different meanings. Can you think of other symbols whose meaning changes with the context it is used in?
Gestures are symbols. Gestures that mean one thing in one part of the world may have a completely different meaning in another part of the world. A completely different gesture may be used in a different country to convey the same meaning. Can you give an example where a gesture has more than one meaning or where a meaning needs a different gesture depending on the country?
A brand name or slogan is also a symbol. There are many cases where a name had to be changed or there were embarrassing consequences due to cultural differences. For example, the Chevy Nova meant “doesn't go” in Spanish. Do a little research on cross cultural business blunders and share some of what you find.

Explanation / Answer

1. A swastika in Hindu mythology can have a different meaning than the Swastika which is the symbol of the Nazi.

2. If a glass is emptied in India, it means that the guest has been served well, whereas in China, if the glass has been emptied it has a completely opposite meaning that the guest has not been fully fed, and thus would want his plate to be filled again.

3

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.