As a Korean American, born to immigrant parents, I am familiar with the cultural and generational conflicts that can plague individuals in their partnerships and families. Because language is an organizer of cultural experience, mending the break-down in communication that so often occurs between and among Asians and non-Asians demands a greater awareness of the cultural platform from which people express themselves.
One of the most salient features across all Asian cultures is the high priority that is placed on cultivating and building harmonious relationships, as well as preserving the hierarchy that so often defines the relationship. In contrast, Western values of individuation, assertiveness and self-reliance provides a more comfortable platform for self-expression. One can easily see how communication between two people coming from such divergent perspectives can be easily miscomprehended and engender unwanted tension. In considering the variety of communication styles that exist across cultures, entering a dialogue with cultural sensitivity and awareness can not only greatly enhance how effectively you communicate, but also put into proper perspective the expectations you might have as a result of that communication.