Culture Diversity in German Speaking Countries Verbal and
non-verbal communications
By: Chelsea GobourneCulture Diversity in German Speaking
Countries
Verbal and non-verbal communications1GermanyGesturesWhen you are
pointing at an object you use you little finger.As a child when
counting the thumb is considered to be the number one.In public
there is little to no touching people. (Like America)To greet
someone Germans either give each other a kiss on the left and right
cheek or give a firm handshake. Vocal qualities (volume, pitch, or
tone) show authority if someone is loud.2
3AustriaPromote DiversityThe U.N wants the Austrian Government
to take the ways of life for minority groups into consideration.The
U.N feels that the best way for Austria to mainstream cultural
diversity and heritage is to incorporate minority cultures and
histories in the school system. The Romani language (spoken in
Central and Eastern Europe) has been incorporated in some schools
(way of promoting diversity).Bilingual education is rare in
Austria. For students to be taught these languages depends solely
on their teacher(s).Cultural identity or rights arent a main focus
for German countries such as Austria. Culture/heritage is mostly
taught in America.
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5SwitzerlandLanguage & LiteratureSwiss German dialects
represent high social prestige among Swiss Germans (Regardless of
education level or social class, Swiss Germans are considered to be
different from Germans).The Italian region is bilingual, French is
spoken. In German literature there is an absence of
fatalism.Literature is based off of exploration and observation in
the lives of humans on a daily basis. Authors such as Elsschot
start their novels describing ordinary people in ordinary
situations but then gradually include mystery and weird
coincidences that are parallel to the world/reality.
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7Quiz QuestionsWhat are the two ways Germans greet one
another?Besides German and Italian, what other language is spoken
in the Italian region?8Quiz AnswersFirm handshake or kiss on both
cheeksFrench9Sourceshttp://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Switzerland.htmlhttp://www.pespmc1.vub.ac.be./BelgCul2.htmlhttp://www.andrews.edu/~tidewell/bsad560/NonVerbal.htmlhttp://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1104/s00428/expert-urges-austria-to-promote-cultural...http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/16/germans-sensitive-names-children-teasedhttp://caroltownend.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-german-edition.htmlhttp://bobbyobama.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/5-non-verbal-communication/
