Learning Culture through Purposeful Observation-Sample

Undoubtedly you find yourself talking with local people everyday.  These conversations may not be long, but they are all opportunities for culture learning.  Just as we encourage you to "use what you have" and use every opportunity during your day to be purposefully observing and learning culture, we'd also encourage you make the most of every conversation.

It may be helpful to create a culture learning journal and keep notes of interesting things you hear in conversations. Jot down what you hear as you pay attention in the conversations with people you are already talking to (at church, with a neighbor, in the market…)

You can take your conversational observations to a higher level by beginning to ask purposeful questions.  Learn to ask open-ended questions, those which are answered with more complex answers than simply yes or no.  Open-ended questions don't have a right or wrong answer and generally will prompt the speaker to share more freely and openly. 

Once you've asked a question, practice being a good observer when the person is talking.  Listen carefully with your ears and your eyes.

If you are ready to learn more, check out the next CIT Next ethnography course Contextualization and Culture Study.