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Culture and the Michigan Fish Test

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Stop! Before you read any further, and we explain the Michigan Fish Test, take a look at the picture for a few seconds.

Now look away and describe what you have just seen...

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New Zealand teachers to improve knowledge of Maori culture

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New Zealand Education Minster, Pita Sharples, has launched a new initiative ‘Tataiako’ that aims to help teachers to improve their understanding of Maori culture.

The resource, which acts as a set of guidelines, enables teachers to reflect on their past cultural sensitivity, to assess their existing knowledge,  and also to take responsibility for improving their cultural awareness for the future.

The important aspect of this particular programme is that it looks to establish a long-term reflexive attitude within the teaching commuity. The stress is not to enforce rules or test teachers, but instead to encourage them to contemplate upon their own experiences and behaviour throughout their careers.

New Zealand is popular with tourists from all over the world and is famous for accommodating and welcoming their needs. However, as with every country, it is vital that it considers the cultural integration of its own citizens before true pluralism can be achieved. It is not about a short-term activity-based integration or homogenizing of migrant communities, it is about the existing people of New Zealand having respect for the cultures of their own islands.

“Engaging in respectful working relationships with Maori students and their families” (quoted from: New Zealand news platform ‘Stuff’) is a key point taken from the new guidelines. It extends from the classroom discussion and integrity of cultural awareness to broader social integration of different communities within New Zealand (school) life. A further three guidelines outline “sincerity and respect towards Maori beliefs, language and culture”, taking responsibility for the learning of Maori students and the deliberate recognition of Maori student’s heritage as the core competancies for teachers to work for.

The main need is to understand the importance of identity to Maori students and their communities. Without understanding the unique perspectives of these children and young adults, you cannot fully engage in understanding how school and learning can and will come across to them.

Statistical evidence over the past decade has shown that students from a Maori background are falling behind those children from other ethnic groups. Improving cultural awareness will not only improve the continuity of Maori childrens’ lives, but will also make it easier for communication to exist between schools and Maori communities on the issue of education.

Finally, from the development of more culturally aware and skillful teachers should come the formulation a of more respectful, united and happy student population.

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Milkman shows ultimate Cross-Cultural Customer Service

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This is a great story in the way in which even the smalled business outlet can boost their reputation and demand by taking the time to understand the cultural needs of their customers.

Let's look at how a sole milkman has become a success story for cross cultural customer service

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Do you have to be ‘Cultured’ to Understand other Cultures?

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Life in Britain is becoming more multi-cultural.

We hear this view from the media, the government and experts all the time. But what does this ‘culture’ for which we are diversifying actually mean?

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A Brief Introduction to Bahai

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Did you know that the Bahai faith is the youngest independent religion of the word?

Yes it's true!

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A Brief Introduction to Buddhism

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Did you know that Buddhism, in its natural form, is not a religion?

Rather it is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development.

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A Brief Introduction to Christianity

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Christianity, at the moment, is the largest world religion.

It has over 2 billion followers, who classify themselves under 34,000 different denominations.

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A Brief Introduction to Islam

A Brief Introduction to Islam

Did you know that the word 'Islam' means submission to Allah’s will?

A 'Muslim' is one who submits to Allah’s will and, as a result, is at peace.

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A Brief Introduction to Jainism

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Welcome to our quick intro to the religion of Jainism.

In it you'll learn some of the basics around the religion.

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A Brief Introduction to Judaism

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Want to learn the basics about Judaism?

Welcome to our quick intro to the religion of the Jews!

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A Brief Introduction to Rastafarianism

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Want to learn more about the religion of the Rastas?

Well, you're in the right place!

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A Brief Introduction to Shinto

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Want to learn about the religion of Shinto?

Well, we're going to give you a great into to everything you need to know!

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A Brief Introduction to Sikhism

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Looking for information on the religion of Sikhism?

Then that's exactly what we've got for you!

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A Brief Introduction to Zoroastrianism

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Did you know that Zoroastrianism is one the oldest religions in the world?

If you're looking for more facts and a quick intro to the religion of Zoroaster, then you're in the right place!

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How do Cultural Differences Impact Job Interviews?

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At this moment in time, the increase in cross border human traffic has meant that companies are no longer dealing with a homogenous native community from which they recruit their staff.

Companies are now facing cross cultural challenges in how they recruit, manage and develop a multi-cultural staff base.

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Why is Cultural Awareness so Vital in the Multicultural Workplace?

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"Understand the differences; act on the commonalities." - Andrew Masondo, African National Congress

The nature of our workplaces has changed.

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Awesome Online Database of Cultural Differences

Awesome Online Database of Cultural Differences

Culture-Geeks Will Love This!

I’ve recently come across a totally awesome database – it’s a treasure trove of statistical information about cultures, societies, language, places and environments; something I thought I had to share with my fellow culture vultures.

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Why Norway's Cultural Training for Immigrants is a Poor Example

Why Norway's Cultural Training for Immigrants is a Poor Example

As part of an effort to help immigrants settle into life in Norway, cultural awareness courses have been made compulsory.

Watching some of the footage of the content in a short video piece on The Guardian website left me cringing - it really exposed a rather shallow approach to cultural understanding in many senses.

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Love Skittles

Love Skittles

Was Trump Jnr's Skittles meme a stupid, irrational argument based on nothing but fear, ignorance and racist politics?

So Trump Jnr, son of the man who plans to make America great again, has come out and likened Syrian refugees to poisoned Skittles.

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How Diversity and Social Cohesion are Being Privatized by Politicians

How Diversity and Social Cohesion are Being Privatized by Politicians

With the final nails being beaten into the coffin of multiculturalism and politicians seemingly unable to grapple with its complexities, will we see the private sector taking ownership?

I think most people would agree that 2016 was full-on in terms of major events that are shaping our world. Some shook the world and will continue to do so in the coming years.   

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