Name : Anjar Widiyanti

NIM : 1703046002

Subject : Cross Cultural Understanding

Beauty in Diversity

Language is something that cannot be separated from culture. Someone who studies
languages should also learn about the culture that exists in the area or country. This aims to
avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. Cross-cultural understanding is really
needed by everyone. Students are expected to not only be good at listening, speaking, reading
and writing skills. They also need to be able to understand the state of society, the
environment, and the culture that is applied in the country. because sometimes what is a bad
habit in our country is something that can not be applied in other countries, or even vice
versa. Therefore it is important for language learners to understand cross-culture. Cross-
cultural understanding only refers to the basic ability of people to recognize, interpret, and
react correctly to people, incidents or situations that are open to misunderstanding due to
cultural differences.

Cultural differences are a sure thing to happen between various regions. Culture is a
series of habits carried out by a group of people and is a hereditary heritage from ancestors.
Therefore, the culture in each region is different according to the conditions of the
community and the habits handed down by previous people. We cannot blame culture, all we
can do is correct the wrong culture and respect the culture of others who are not the same as
us. The existence of cultural differences makes the world more colorful. Cultural differences
can make humans have broad insights by learning from one another about things they do not
yet understand. The difference will be beautiful if everyone respects and values each other's
culture.

Cultural differences can lead the conflict and trigger disputes. To avoid a fight,
everyone must have an awareness that each region has different cultural patterns and
lifestyles. We should respect and appreciate every difference that exists. And the most
important thing is not to denounce the culture of others and assume that our culture is the
most correct. John F. Kennedy ever said, “if we cannot now end our differences, at least we
can help make the world safe for diversity”.

We can learn that everything will be beautiful and fine when we also do good and
want to understand it. For example when we become an English as a foreign language (EFL)
teacher in an institution whose students consist of various countries with their various
cultures. As teachers we must be able to take a middle attitude and cultivate good language so
that our students are not offended and feel discriminated against. Then we must not favor and
blame one of the students in the class. We also must instill character education in them so that
they learn from each other and understand the culture of others so that they will not put down
their friends who are different from themselves. Teachers can also give group assignments to
students so that they interact with one another. It also can foster a sense of brotherhood and
intimacy of all students. When good relations are established between students, then no one
will humiliate and denounce their cultural differences.