I love cultures! There is something so beautiful and eye opening to be introduced to countries around the world and the people who live there.
Here are a few things that studying other countries and cultures can do for a person:
- helps fuel curiosity
- changes our perspective
- introduces possibilities for self culture
- broadens our view of where we fit into the world
Curiosity
Studying other countries and cultures fuels curiosity. As we learn about things so far removed from our everyday knowledge base, we naturally ask: What else is there out in this big, wide world? and What else do I not know?
Besides that, every single area can inspire curiosity. For example, studying language can bring up these sorts of questions: Why is our language so different than theirs? Why are some words so similar?
All of this fuels curiosity and inspires learners to seek out all there is to know in the world. And that, my friends, is one of the primary jobs of a mentor and educator, to motivate that kind of learner.
Perspective
Studying other countries and cultures changes our perspective. In the very nature of discovering something foreign, we are introduced to things we have never experienced or thought about before. And this can shift our perspective on the things we already know.
Put in other words, it is easy to take our “normal” for granted. Learning about other people’s “normal” helps us examine our own in a new light.
Possibilities for Self Culture
Studying other countries and cultures introduces possibilities for self culture. As mentioned above, it is easy to think that what is all around us is the way it is everywhere. Being introduced to other ways of being and thinking is so enlightening! All of a sudden, we realize that we don’t have to do things only one way. Each of us can choose the best that we find, all around us, and create a self-culture that helps us grow and become into what we are meant to be!
This one is exciting to me. Even studying the cultures of the past has opened my eyes to new ways of being. It has prompted me to really decide what I want to incorporate into my life – not by habit but by intentional choice.
I guess another way to say this is that it increases self awareness as we realize that not all people act or think the same way we do. And with that self awareness comes with it the invitation to rise up and do things in a better way.
Broadens our View
Studying other countries and cultures broadens our view of where we fit into the world. As we notice the similarities and the differences, we see the beauty in humanity all over the world.
We learn to appreciate each other and what we each have to offer. For behind the differences in thinking and way of being is humanity. No one part of the world has a corner on truth. It is all over in this beautiful world.
And recognizing those things helps us even to appreciate the people next door.
So study and learn and discover!
So with all that to think about, I leave you with the invitation to start somewhere!
If you are inclined, enjoy the art, language and more from the rich culture of France this month. This packet’s inspiration comes from a brainstorm session between me and my son. We were brainstorming all the things he would like to do to start learning about France. We ended up including language, food, paintings, music, story, and map exploration. It is all so fun!
You can find this packet on my resources page. And a portion of the proceeds goes towards literacy and leadership in Uganda, Africa.
Happy Learning!