Running head: SPANISH LANGUAGE 3 Spanish Language Student’s name: Institution’s name: Spanish speakers all over the world tend to observe some formalities in their treatment with each other. Spanish language emphasis the importance of respect of cultures of Spanish speaking countries in the following ways; firstly, Spanish language normally provides forms and non formal address. However, despite the fact that native Spanish speakers have their formal means of communication and treating each other, they give room for other Spanish speaking countries to have freedom to practice what they feel is good for them. They highly esteem the great value and appearance of other people with a sense of honor, dignity and pride. This way, they regard the tradition of other people whether in terms of social life and work very important and unique. It is said that Spaniards normally tend to be more relaxed and flexible where they prefer to wear formally in social gathering which may be contrary to other Spanish speakers (Noble and LaCasa, 2000). Therefore, they extend their respect for other Spanish speakers through accepting their practice whether in formal or informal settings. The respect for other Spanish speakers in other countries is also emphasized through rituals and region which of course varies from one region to another. Despite the fact that most Spaniards are Roman Catholics, they highly esteem other dominations. This is because of the understanding that churches play an important role in influencing family life and community affairs. Most importantly, churches help to give meaning to every culture in the world. Therefore, celebration also varies (Noble and LaCasa, 2000). For instance, in Spain, each local community has to celebrate its patron saint’s day as it is regarded as a very important occasion. However, this may be not the case in other Spanish speakers in other countries. The respect of other Spanish speakers can also be associated with the fact that Hispanic countries celebrate popular holidays internationally such as Christmas, Easter among others. This helps to bring together with other members in other countries. They also help in the learning process to ensure that the language is widely accepted and used freely. Reference Noble, J. and LaCasa, J. (2000). The Hispanic way: Aspects of behavior, attitudes, and customs of the Spanish-speaking world. Chicago, Ill. Passport Books. In relation to assignment 1, there has been a query from a student for further clarity. The first cultural problem you face is understanding what I a foreigner want you to write about! What am I looking for? Is it different to what you think? Is it too vague? Will I fail you? Please do not worry! Singaporeans like strong and specific guidelines but many cultures, particularly other English speaking cultures, operate with few guidelines. Thus, there is no right or wrong way .

1. Running head: SPANISH LANGUAGE
3
Spanish Language
Student’s name:
Institution’s name:
Spanish speakers all over the world tend to observe some
formalities in their treatment with each other. Spanish language
emphasis the importance of respect of cultures of Spanish
speaking countries in the following ways; firstly, Spanish
language normally provides forms and non formal address.
However, despite the fact that native Spanish speakers have
their formal means of communication and treating each other,
they give room for other Spanish speaking countries to have
freedom to practice what they feel is good for them. They
highly esteem the great value and appearance of other people
with a sense of honor, dignity and pride. This way, they regard
the tradition of other people whether in terms of social life and
work very important and unique. It is said that Spaniards
normally tend to be more relaxed and flexible where they prefer
to wear formally in social gathering which may be contrary to
other Spanish speakers (Noble and LaCasa, 2000). Therefore,
they extend their respect for other Spanish speakers through
accepting their practice whether in formal or informal settings.
The respect for other Spanish speakers in other countries is also
emphasized through rituals and region which of course varies
from one region to another. Despite the fact that most Spaniards
are Roman Catholics, they highly esteem other dominations.
This is because of the understanding that churches play an
important role in influencing family life and community affairs.
Most importantly, churches help to give meaning to every
culture in the world. Therefore, celebration also varies (Noble

2. and LaCasa, 2000). For instance, in Spain, each local
community has to celebrate its patron saint’s day as it is
regarded as a very important occasion. However, this may be
not the case in other Spanish speakers in other countries. The
respect of other Spanish speakers can also be associated with
the fact that Hispanic countries celebrate popular holidays
internationally such as Christmas, Easter among others. This
helps to bring together with other members in other countries.
They also help in the learning process to ensure that the
language is widely accepted and used freely.
Reference
Noble, J. and LaCasa, J. (2000). The Hispanic way: Aspects of
behavior, attitudes, and customs
of the Spanish-speaking world. Chicago, Ill. Passport Books.
In relation to assignment 1, there has been a query from a
student for further clarity.
The first cultural problem you face is understanding what I a
foreigner want you to write about!
What am I looking for? Is it different to what you think? Is it
too vague? Will I fail you? Please do not worry!
Singaporeans like strong and specific guidelines but many
cultures, particularly other English speaking cultures, operate
with few guidelines. Thus, there is no right or wrong way to do
this assignment.
You choose a culture, you examine that culture based on criteria
stipulated (you can read the culture theory chapter 3, if you
like, but it is not necessary).
In essence I want you to think what culture is by choosing a
country different to Singapore. You will learn more about

3. yourself as a Singaporean and how you are different and / or
similar to people from a different culture. You examine this
culture by comparing it with your own according to language,
religion, social structure, political / economic philosophy,
education, cultural norms in the society, as specified.
The key factor is to 'Think about your thoughts'. This module is
about developing cultural intelligence. Be objective in terms of
your analysis and subjective with regard to your cognitive and
reflective processes. What does this mean? For example, let's
Choose Chinese culture.
What is the culture of people from the People's Republic of
China? Do you feel similar / different?
Do you feel superior/inferior to Chinese? Why? Are you being
stereotypical? What does this mean?
What does it say about you? Is this a good/bad thing? The key
analytical objective is self-reflection.
So the structure of the assignment is as follows:
1. Choose Culture
2. Examine culture based on certain criteria language religion
etc.
3. Analyse and reflect upon your subjectivity. Are you
objective? Can you get outside your own cultural thought
process.
4. Business implications: There is no requirement for this
assignment as this is what the module is about. Nonetheless, if
you can use your business culture experience, all the better.
Purpose of Assignment 1
This assignment is designed to prepare you for the module by
getting you to think about what culture is in general and how it
may be applied to understanding the business environment of a

4. particular country / region in particular. This assignment may
be done individually or by group.
The topics provide a broad context to the module and will
provide students with insights into the importance of the
relevant topic to the practise of Cross Cultural management.
Cognitive competencies such as discussion, analysis, synthesis,
and evaluation should be to the fore in anticipating and
addressing the key module outcomes.
Assignment 1 Outcomes
The key outcomes of this Assignment 1 are to:
1. Begin to develop an understanding and appreciation of
different international business environments with respect to
cultural difference.
2. Begin to appreciate the importance of cultural intelligence as
a success factor in international business.
3. Begin to develop reflective skills on other cultures and
accordingly on one’s own culture
Assignment Details
Students are expected to write an individual Assignment on
culture in a particular region / country / society. You are
required to explain the nature of its culture; you may select any
aspect of culture, such as language, religion, cultural norms in
the society, or any other cultural dimension you think is
important.
So, in sum Assignment 1 requires that you:
example, India,
Hong Kong, China, Canada, USA, France, Europe, Latin
America, Middle

5. East, etc); Note: you must not choose a country that you are are
from.
of culture, such as language, religion, social structure, political
/ economic philosophy, education, cultural norms in the society,
or any other cultural dimension you think is important.
analysis and subjective with regard to your cognitive and
reflective processes. Are you being stereotypical? What does
this mean? What does it say about you?
Additional:
Be careful with your presentation style: write clearly and
intelligently; and view this assignment as you would a
professional report and treat it with the according respect.
Various sources of information are outlined above.
In summary, the key grading criteria, as outline in table 5
below, are:
and reflective capacity
etc.