Cross-Cultural Connection: A Conversation With Cari Uland
Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know Cari and Dan Uland as they have connected with our church family. In our conversations, I’ve learned that Cari grew up as the daughter of Baptist missionaries in Israel. Her graduating class from the American International School had 31 students representing eleven different countries. I recently took the time to ask Cari about her experiences, and to share what she’s learned about connecting with others from different cultures. Here’s what she said:
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
What do you feel is the best way to build a foundation when relating to people from other cultures?
First, we should be observant. People have a tendency to make assumptions about other cultures. Instead, we should learn by observing the differences between our cultures. Some of the observations we might make include:
How do they speak? Do we share a common language, or need an interpreter? Even if we share a common language, differing dialects and linguistic styles may be present. Listening to understand and communicating with language differences in mind can help overcome barriers.
Non-verbal communication is very important. Certain mannerisms that may be acceptable in your culture may not be understood, or may even be offensive, in another culture.
Observing how people dress is also important. Other cultures have different standards for modesty. Take care not to dress offensively. One example of this is that often churches or religious sites will require covered shoulders.
Observe interactions between men and women to better understand relational dynamics. One example in particular is with regard to making eye contact.
The second step is to interpret the observations we’ve made. Interpreting can help us further understand a culture. One such understanding we can gain in addition to language, mannerisms, and personal interactions is the difference between individualistic culture (focuses on the needs of the individual) vs. community culture (focuses on the needs of the community).
Applying what we’ve learned when interacting with members of different cultures is our third step in bridging the cultural gap. Becoming a “cultural interpreter” helps us to make a better connection with people. We can then follow through when getting to know people by asking questions about how they go about their daily lives, celebrations, etc.
What additional considerations should be taken by those who are interested in foreign mission opportunities?
Go with a servant’s heart. Remember, we’re ultimately to be Christ’s servants and representatives.
Have a clear goal in mind of why you are going and what you are planning to do. Is there a specific skill or talent that you are able to share with others? If your plan is to primarily spend time getting to know people, that’s okay; just be honest with yourself about it. Remember and respect that you are a guest in another country. Be clear about your abilities and your limitations when coordinating with the locals regarding the tangible tasks you set out to accomplish.
Final Thoughts:
When I asked Cari to share a scripture for inspiration and encouragement for Christians as we seek to witness to others, she reflected for a moment and then mentioned this passage in Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV): “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”