2. Table of Contents
Definition of Culture &
Cultural awareness
Local culture &
examples of cultural
differences in malaysia
The importance of
cultural awareness
How to be culturally
aware @ examples of
cultural awareness
01
02
03
04
Culture shock
(definition, causes &
examples)
05
4. ~Definition of Culture~
Culture is the characteristics and
knowledge of a particular group of
people, encompassing language, religion,
cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
5. Culture Awareness
Definition: Recognition of the nuances
of one's own and other cultures.
Developing sensitivity and understanding of another ethnic group. This
usually involves internal changes in terms of attitudes and values.
Awareness and sensitivity also refer to the qualities of openness and
flexibility that people develop in relation to others. Cultural awareness must
be supplemented with cultural knowledge (Adams, 1995).
6. Local culture & examples of
cultural differences in
malaysia
02
7. Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. The main ethnic groups
are the native Malays as well as large populations of
Chinese, and Indians. When visiting the country it is clear
that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way
of life. The most important festivals of each group are public
holidays.
The Local Culture (Malaysia)
8. Culture Differences
Definition: Cultural differences are the various beliefs, behaviors, languages, practices and expressions
considered unique to members of a specific ethnicity, race or national origin.
Examples:
- Meeting and Greeting
Malay Chinese Indian
Malay women may not
shake hands with men.
Women can of course
shake hands with women.
Men may also not shake
hands with women and may
bow instead while placing
their hand on their heart.
The Chinese handshake is
light and may be rather
prolonged. Men and women
may shake hands, although
the woman must extend her
hand first. Many older
Chinese lower their eyes
during the greeting as a
sign of respect.
Indians shake hands with
members of the same sex.
When being introduced to
someone of the opposite
sex, nodding the head and
smiling is usually sufficient.
Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020, January 1) Malaysia - Language, Culture,
Customs and Etiquette. Retrieved from https://commisceo-
global.com/resources/country-guides/malaysian-guide
9. How to be culturally aware @
examples of cultural
awareness
03
10. 1) Think beyond of race and ethnicity
e.g. : more than the colour of a person's skin or the
way they dress influences their culture
2) Learn by asking
e.g. : do not be hesitant to inquire
11. 3) Learn by
asking
e.g. : find local groups or
places that work with a
cultural group you're
interested in and pay
them a visit
4) Pay attention
to nonverbal
behaviors
e.g. : the meaning of body
language might vary
depending on cultural
standards
13. Workplace Classroom
1. It improves communication and
collaboration between colleagues
2. It helps you understand and appreciate your
own culture
3. It stops you making quick judgement calls on
others' behaviour
Students Gain a Better
Understanding of Lessons and
People
Students Become More Open-
Minded
Students Are Better Prepared for a
Diverse Workplace
15. Definition
★ People who are transplanted into a society
that is different from their own experience
culture shock, which is defined as emotions
of doubt, bewilderment, or worry.
16. Causes Examples
Unfamiliar ‘rules’ for social
interaction
➔ greetings between people
➔ facial expressions
➔ body language
➔ spoken language
➔ general attitudes
➔ dining schedules
17. Causes Examples
Strange environment and climate
➔ the cleanliness of their
lodgings
➔ the design and adequacy of
the toilets
➔ the operability of appliances
like clothes washers and
heating systems
➔ the level of noise
➔ the quality and availability of
food and water
➔ the type of dress
➔ the climate, altitude, and
weather
18. Causes Examples
Different attitudes and expectations
➔ whether appointments start on
time or on a more flexible
schedule
➔ whether the people they encounter
exhibit a cheery, positive attitude
or a negative one
➔ whether stores, banks, museums
and other places are open at
hours that coincide with the
traveler’s needs or not
➔ whether local people appear to be
helpful to foreigners or distrustful
of them
There is a tremendous amount of unique countries in the world. ... It is because Malaysia is very special among unique countries in the world. Malaysia special because of the diversity of races, religions, and cultures. As a result of the diversity, Malaysian produce a very unique element that other countries don't have.
Cultural difference involves the integrated and maintained system of socially acquired values, beliefs, and rules of conduct which impact the range of accepted behaviors distinguishable from one societal group to another .
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include:
