Cultural “Other” Awareness

In my daily life, I usually say hello to my neighbors in the elevator. However, when it comes to strangers, I only smile if we happen to make eye contact. Recently, I heard my classmates talking about hosting a BBQ party and inviting their neighbors. I found this concept very cool; where I live, people rarely do this, though I’ve often thought about trying it myself.


Interestingly, this reminds me of Japanese culture. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on Aisatsu (greetings). Even if people are shy, they often give a small bow in the elevator to show respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, holding intense eye contact in Japan can be seen as aggressive. They prefer soft eye contact to maintain a comfortable social distance. On the other hand, people in Malaysia are much more passionate and warm. They are often very welcoming and might start a conversation with a neighbor or even a stranger quite easily.


When meeting people for the first time, I am quite shy and definitely an introvert. I usually wait for the other person to start the conversation. I feel a connection to Japanese social norms because people there are often very formal and patient, waiting for the right moment to speak. However, I also admire the Malaysian style of being outgoing and friendly.


In the Canada, I have heard that many people do not even lock their doors, which shows a high level of community trust. In Malaysia, however, people are much more passionate and warm, but they are also more cautious about safety. In the past, it was considered quite dangerous to leave doors unlocked in Malaysia, though the situation seems to be improving now.


Watching Conan O’Brien’s videos in Japan shows how loud extroverts can highlight the introverted nature of a culture. It makes me realize that while some cultures value privacy, others value immediate connection.


Whether it is the quiet respect of Japan or the enthusiastic energy of Malaysia, every culture has its own beautiful way of bringing people together.



Comments

  1. LiseMay 11, 2026 at 11:16 PM

    I really loved your conclusion this is written in such a nice way! Good job :)

    ReplyDelete

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