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Tian Hou Gong Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Overcoming Cultural Barriers
“That sounds Greek to me,” “Das kommt mir spanisch vor,” and “C’est du chinois” are common expressions of incomprehension. That’s what I probably thought by myself, after being explained that the bird statue on a Chinese temple was a “feng huang.” But who always has a translation of phoenix available? Often we are not just separated by language barriers, but also by varying background and differing cultural values.
In times of demographic change, transnational cooperation, and global expansion, one key influencing factor stands out: overcoming the fear of the foreign. Especially when navigating in an international environment, we find ourselves among people, who may appear different at first glance and yet with closer attention display commonalities, where not expected.
The book “BU DONG – When Strange Things Become Familiar” addresses the cause of different perception and shows ways to handle emerging communication issues. Thereby it explores the nature of smiling as well as different lifestyles and aims in life.
The book title goes back to the Chinese expression for misunderstanding. Here it serves as a metaphor for removing communication barriers and expanding the own horizon by dealing with cultural diversity. The book discusses at settings, setbacks, and suggestions with international “do’s & don’ts” in a globalized, digital environment.
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