How can I Learn About Different Cultures?

The world is a colorful landscape of different languages, skin colors, and different cultures. It's important to develop an appreciation for different cultures in order to become a well-rounded person who is sensitive to the unique qualities of others. One way to develop this appreciation is to try to learn about other cultures around the world.

There are several ways to become knowledgeable about different cultures. One way is to read books written by authors from a particular culture. Reading works by authors who have a close relationship with a particular culture allows people to gain an authentic glimpse into the food, music, language, religion, and way of a life of a particular group of people.

For example, when a teacher wishes to expose her students to a different culture, she will often read them stories based on a culture's folklore. To learn about various tribes of Native Americans, she may read students books like The Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin or The Windigo's Return: A North Woods Story by Douglas Wood and Greg Couch. She may invite Native American storytellers to visit the classroom so students can listen to authentic tales from that particular culture.

Another way to learn about different cultures is to try to learn a foreign language. A variety of language-learning books, software, and audio programs is available at the public library or bookstores. A person can choose a language she has always wanted to learn and locate learning programs to help her master the language.

If she feels especially ambitious, she can enroll in a foreign language class in order to learn in a more formal setting. Making contact with people who are native speakers of the language allows her to gain firsthand knowledge of a particular culture as she struggles to learn the language. She can strive to visit areas of the city where she can establish social interactions with people who are native speakers of the language she is trying to master.

A person can learn about different cultures if she samples authentic food from a specific cultural group. Seek out restaurants that feature authentic food from a variety of countries. Whether a person wants to learn more about regions in Japan, the Middle East, Africa, or any other world culture, becoming familiar with its food is a giant step in the right direction. Food is an important part of different cultures and allows people to gain insight into a particular cultural group's way of life.

People who love to meet people in far-flung areas of the world may not be able to travel in person, but they can always sign up for a pen pal. The Internet has made it possible for people to correspond with others from different countries just by logging on to the world wide web. Various websites offer pen pal services, offering to connect individuals with pen friends located around the world. Corresponding with people from other countries through email or snail mail is another useful way to become familiar with different cultures.