Photo Credit (Pixeles)
The globe is a fascinating place due to the diverse cultures that inhabit it, each with its own languages, traditions, and norms. Redditor u/yahyahashash posed the question, “What is a discovery you made about a different culture or religion that completely astonished you?” The following are a few.
- “The majority of the population of the Micronesian island of Pingelap is colorblind.” By smelling the fruit, they can determine when it is mature. This realization provided me with a fresh perspective on the manner in which individuals perceive the world and the distinct approaches that different cultures employ to resolve comparable issues.
- “The Japanese government strictly enforces a no-tipping policy.” I was in Japan and was running late for an important engagement, so I opted to take a cab. I still recall the total cost of my fare: 3,481 yen. I hurriedly handed the driver 3,500 yen before rushing out the door as I was in a haste. I had only traveled approximately 10 meters when I heard someone shouting my name. I turned around, and the cabdriver had exited his vehicle to retrieve the 19 yen (approximately 19 cents) that I had forgotten.
A sushi restaurant in Japan is situated adjacent to a chef. - “It is a common practice among Nordic individuals to leave small children outside to nap, even in the winter.” There is a general consensus that exposure to fresh air is beneficial for one’s health, and therefore, children should be encouraged to spend as much time outdoors as feasible. In certain locations, it is possible to observe entire rows of baby carriages with sleeping infants situated outside kindergarten classrooms.
In the winter, an infant is observed sleeping in a stroller. - “In Middle Eastern culture, it is possible for an individual to offer you an item in exchange for a compliment.” For instance, if you were to compliment an individual on their watch, they may remove it and present it to you.
An individual who is clutching a watch in their hand - “In Turkish, there’s a so-called gossip tense, which is a specific kind of past tense that indicates that someone else told you this.”
A couple is seated at a restaurant with a view of Istanbul. - “In Filipino culture, it’s customary to treat your friends to things on your birthday, which is different from other cultures, where you are usually treated to things on your birthday.”
Candles are illuminated on a confection. - “The written language is the same, despite the fact that Mandarin, Cantonese, and other Chinese dialects are mutually unintelligible.” Two Chinese individuals who speak distinct dialects would be unable to comprehend each other’s words; however, they could communicate effectively through calligraphy.
- “The turban is a symbol of complete equality in Sikhism.” The turban was exclusively worn by the affluent upper class prior to the development of Sikhism into the religion it is today. However, the Sikhs wore turbans to demonstrate that all individuals are genuinely affluent in spirit and that it is the responsibility of all individuals, regardless of their wealth, to assist one another. The Sikh turban is now a symbol of equality in humanity and a sign that the individual can be contacted for assistance.
A man in a turban is seated on a transport. - “Foreigners encounter numerous peculiarities in Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages.” Gendered identifiers are absent. Three genders exist: male, female, and māhū (which combines elements of both). Additionally, nouns can function as verbs, and verbs can function as nouns. For instance, the term “hau” can refer to both snow and the manner in which it descends, even if it is used to describe another object that is falling in the same manner. Romance languages are vastly distinct from the language, which is replete with innuendo, poetry, and metaphors.
A cascade that surges against the ocean in Hawaii - “There is almost no criminal activity in South Korea.” A wallet, keys, phone, or any other valuable item can be left on an unattended table in a crowded establishment, and it will not be stolen. Individuals are guided by a profound sense of trust and honesty in their peers.
A café table is adorned with electronic devices. - “In Iceland, the official register of approved names is the sole source of baby names.” To select a different name, parents must first obtain permission from the ‘Naming Committee’. The rule that names must “conform to the Icelandic language” is one of several legal requirements.
A neonatal infant in a hospital setting - “In the Netherlands, it is customary to extend congratulations to all attendees at a birthday celebration.” Say, for instance, that it is John’s birthday celebration. Individuals who arrive at the party will extend their congratulations to all in attendance by uttering the phrase “Congratulations on John’s birthday” or simply “Congratulations” (‘Gefeliciteerd!’).
An outdoor terrace is the site of a birthday celebration, complete with balloons. - “In Nordic countries, it is customary to respond truthfully to inquiries regarding one’s well-being; otherwise, the inquiry is rendered meaningless.” For instance, an individual may respond, “I am depressed due to my job loss” or “I am experiencing discomfort as a result of my back pain.” “It appears to be dishonest to respond with ‘Good.'”
In Stockholm’s ancient town square, individuals are seated on benches. - “While teaching English at a middle school in South Korea, I observed that numerous students of the same gender frequently held hands while walking through the hallways.” Boys and females exchanged handshakes. “They were simply friends, and no homophobic labels were attached to their relationship.”
An vacant classroom. - “The Dutch language contains a term known as ‘gezellig,’ which is not directly translated but can be best described as a tangible and intangible sense of comfort.” It is employed to convey the sentiment of reunion with family or friends and enjoying a pleasant experience.
At an outdoor dinner celebration, friends raise their glasses of wine in toast.