Model Exam Notes 2024-25 PDF

Unit 3 Intercultural Relationships Lesson 1 - What is ‘Visible and Invisible Culture’? Introduction Culture is the beliefs and values shared by a group of people. Reflecting on the concept of culture both within and outside of the UAE allows us to provide the building blocks to e...

Unit 3 Intercultural Relationships Lesson 1 - What is ‘Visible and Invisible Culture’? Introduction Culture is the beliefs and values shared by a group of people. Reflecting on the concept of culture both within and outside of the UAE allows us to provide the building blocks to explore the different approaches to understanding cultures. What is culture? Each and every one of us is a unique individual. Personality, age, ability, physical features are just a few of the factors that differentiate us one from another. Culture is the beliefs and values shared by a group of people. Cultural groups share common characteristics, but there are individual differences within groups too. Visible Culture The aspects of culture that we can observe. Visible culture or the part of culture that we can see, such as things we do in our daily life, the way we greet each other, our styles of dress or eating habits. These are the aspects that generally characterise a culture, as they are easy to see and often differ from country to country, or sometimes even from one community to the next. Invisible Culture The aspects of culture that influence how people behave such as values and beliefs. Watching people chatting to each other can tell us a lot about listening styles in a culture. These are examples of invisible culture as they are not immediately obvious to the naked eye, but can only be understood by observing how people behave to know how they think, what they feel or believe is good or bad. Relationship between Visible and Invisible culture Although some features can appear above or below the waterline, there is a direct relationship between visible and invisible culture. Generally, visible behaviours are influenced and even caused by beneath -the-surface values. For example, what we say or do in the presence of others is actually the result of our idea of how we should behave in public.  Lesson -2 - What are the Different Approaches to Understanding Cultures? Introduction In today’s rapidly changing world, we interact regularly with more nations than ever before. As a result, some experts have gone as far as saying that “the world has become flat” in the sense that globalisation has created a world where multinational companies, groups, and individuals can all collaborate and compete on the same level. Cultural diversity is differences among people because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds, language, dress and traditions. The Benefits of Learning about Cultures We realise that it can be difficult to fully know and identify everything about our own culture let alone someone else’s. In a multicultural society like the UAE, having an awareness and understanding of different cultures is fundamental in daily life and the workplace. Culture can differ between communities in our cities, or between regions in our country. Approaches to Understanding Cultures The Etiquette & Custom Approach - As global citizens, we need to understand the people around us. Knowing how people expect us to behave can be of great help both in business and personal relationships, because everyone involved feels more comfortable and connected, and we can avoid misunderstandings. The terms ‘etic’ and ‘emic’ have been used to describe two distinct approaches for understanding social behaviours and cultures. ‘Emic and Etic ‘Approaches to Understanding Cultures The ‘Emic’ Approach aims to identify culture specific features which are not comparable (a particular culture) across all cultures. The best way to understand a culture is to study behaviour from inside thereby integrating the system to see things from “the native’s point of view”. The ‘Etic’ Approach The ‘Etic’ approach involves comparing different cultures. Behaviour is studied from the perspective of an outsider in an attempt to identify universal aspects and standards of human behaviour that go beyond cultural differences and to produce theories that can be applied across cultures. Lesson – 3 -What are the Challenges to Intercultural Communication? Introduction Challenges or Opportunities It is essential to know the barriers to intercultural communication in order to avoid and overcome potential problems. Multicultural societies, like the UAE, are heterogeneous by nature and we can either see the differences between the people who make up such societies as barriers to communication or view this diversity as an opportunity to enhance and facilitate communication between cultures. Challenges to Intercultural Communication Culture shock and verbal communication are two important barriers we are likely to encounter when interacting in an intercultural environment. Culture shock – when people find themselves in a completely different culture, they often experience culture shock. It is a highly emotional experience which can lead to feelings of confusion and the inability to think clearly. Basically, culture shock is the stress felt when moving from a familiar environment to a completely unfamiliar one. People experiencing culture shock find it difficult to understand and interpret the behaviours they observe around them. The use of Silence Silence is an important communication tool in high context cultures as it can convey strong meaning and mutual understanding. On the other hand, long silence can be perceived as uncomfortable or awkward in other cultures, like in the western world. Overcoming Culture Shock - Sociocultural Adjustment It is the ability to fit in and interact effectively and appropriately in the new culture. The process of adjusting successfully can be accelerated by the quality or quantity of relations with the local people and how long we stay in the new environment. A greater understanding of this phenomenon can help make the transition into the new culture less traumatic and more pleasant. “We recognise and appreciate cultural and human diversity, which we consider a key engine for sustainable development and a means for deepening the culture of openness, dialogue, communication and coexistence, and the denunciation of intolerance, extremism and intellectual isolation.  Lesson 4 – What values are needed for intercultural understanding and communication? Introduction What are values? Values are the inner judgements or beliefs that determine how a person behaves. The term ‘value’ designates something of great importance to us. We can use this word in different ways; for example, we can use it to describe the worth or usefulness of some thing or someone. We refer to principles or standards of behaviour which are important in life. “Nations prosper by respecting and appreciating themselves, immortalising their national figures and by committing to values of solidarity and participation.” Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Values Definition Commitment Being dedicated to a cause Freedom The power to act, speak or think without external restraints. Cooperation Process of working together Tolerance Able or willing to accept the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with. Loyalty Faithfulness to another person or group Morality A strong sense of right and wrong Responsibility Being accountable for one’s actions. Respect Consideration and regard for others’ rights, values and beliefs. Honesty A high regard for sincerity and truthfulness. Equity Fairness, balance, equality. Values and Intercultural communication: We must possess a set of fundamental values, or principles, to foster inter-cultural understanding and communication. Self-Awareness – Recognising the importance of self-criticism and self-awareness is the first step to effective intercultural communication. Before we can even begin to understand others, we must first learn to understand ourselves, our values and the way that we communicate. Openness – Living in the UAE offers you a priceless opportunity for learning from the different cultures and people who surround you. You need to be open to what other people’ ideas are. In our modern world, great emphasis is given to the value of making our views known, but not as much value is placed on observing and listening. Respect and Tolerance – Acceptance, coexistence and understanding are strongly felt values in the UAE. They are authentic qualities of Emirati society and an integral part of this culture. As the UAE is a home away from home for many, showing respect for human dignity and individual worth is fundamental for the wellbeing of this society. This includes showing respect for the heritage and culture of others. Compassion – The UAE has become an international model in giving, and humanitarian and development work, as the generosity of the nation has reached out to all parts of the world and their people, without discrimination. Values needed for intercultural understanding and communication: Values essential for intercultural understanding and communication include respect, empathy, open-mindedness, and tolerance. Respect allows individuals to honor diverse traditions, beliefs, and customs, fostering mutual appreciation. Empathy helps in understanding perspectives and emotions from another's cultural lens. Open-mindedness encourages the acceptance of differences without judgment, promoting dialogue and learning. Tolerance ensures peaceful coexistence, even amidst conflicting views or practices. Unit 4 Being a Responsible Adult 1 Lesson 1 – What are the key Qualities of a Responsible Adult? The quality of personal power: Personal power has a positive effect on all of us. It gives us the ability to consciously control the environment around us, in a positive way, by helping us keep our thoughts and emotions in check. It is a state of mind that is based on positive personal values, competencies, and being confident in whom we want to be. Attributes of personal power: Self-development – continuous monitoring and adapting outlooks and expectations of the world around us to improve who we are and want to be. Connections – building positive relationships that are enriching and not destructive. Solutions not problems – No complaining, and instead focusing on solutions to the frustrations and problems. Time management – evaluating the best way to spend our time wisely by prioritising things and activities in our lives. Equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities. Fairness: Being just or unbiased, without favouritism or discrimination, in your treatment and behaviour towards others. Be responsible – accepting that there are consequences for our actions, whether positive or negative. There is no shame in making mistakes or failing. Sometimes the best teachers in our daily lives are our mistakes… they are great learning experiences that can help us understand what we can do better the next time around. Time management impact the success of goal implementation: Effective time management is essential for achieving goals as it helps prioritize tasks, reduce stress, and boost productivity. By focusing on high-priority activities, individuals minimize procrastination and avoid being overwhelmed. Breaking goals into smaller, manageable tasks with timelines fosters progress and efficient resource allocation, reducing wasted effort. Time management also allows flexibility to handle unexpected challenges without losing sight of objectives. It’s not just about completing tasks but working smarter, enabling balance and motivation. Managing time effectively ensures steady progress and enhances the likelihood of achieving goals efficiently. Non-Confrontionalism: The most important aspect of being non-confrontational is to let the other person know that what you want most is to find a solution, and not just complain.  Lesson 2 - What are the key differences between ‘Right’ and ‘Obligations’? What are Rights? A right is a privilege or a liberty to have or to do something. Rights allow an individual to understand what is and what is not sanctioned and permissible. Rights are protected by the law, or a governing body, through which they were granted. There are universal values and principles that are applicable to everyone regardless of gender, status, cultural group, religious affiliation, or nationality. What are Obligations? An obligation is a moral, social, or legal responsibility to do something. Obligations exist in a variety of ways, such as obligations to your family, community, religion, or uploading certain laws of a country. As a responsible adult, you need recognise that in order to benefit from having rights, you need to carry out your obligations to yourself and to others. Key difference between Rights and Obligations The most important distinction between a right and obligation is that right refer to something we enjoy or gain. Rights are individual privileges. Obligations refer to what we are expected to do morally, socially or legally. Obligations are our responsibilities and duties as members and citizens of society. Rights Obligations Are claims to have or do something. Are moral, social, or legal duties to do something. Are for oneself. Are mostly for others. Are what an individual receives from a society. Are what an individual does for a society. Rights and obligations have a symbiotic relationship with one another. Below are some examples of that relationship: Asma has the right to privacy which it is the law’s responsibility to protect. John has the right to healthy food at school. It is the school’s duty to provide John with healthy food alternatives. Mariam has the right to take photographs of the city. It is her obligation to make sure not to take photographs of people or certain places without their permission. Lesson 3 – What is meant by the terms ‘Openness’ and ‘Social inclusion’? Responsible adults are open to new ideas and experiences. They are considerate of the differences of others. They possess the willingness to share their knowledge or information with others. They are open to receive and give positive, constructive criticism. Openness is a gateway to accepting and being receptive of new perspectives and a willingness to assimilate new ideas into your way of viewing the world. Open-mindedness is a person’s willingness to consider a new idea or perspective without bias or judgement. An open-minded person is also an emotionally mature person. They possess a sense of rational curiosity of how and why other people think, believe, or practice in a practical manner other than their own. Close-mindedness – It occurs when an individual is resistant or has a restricted mind-set that leads them to be unwilling to consider that there may be an alternative way of behaving, thinking, or doing things. This type of person is often referred to as a ‘close- minded’ individual. This kind of behaviour can stem from fear, insecurity, or even a misguided sense of superiority. Dealing with close-minded people – When you encounter a person who is close-minded, you may discover it hard to interact with them. You consider their behaviour wrong, and that yours is right. You began to see that the problem is with them and not you. We must try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective, and from there we can empathise with them. As we improve the ability to accept others for who they are, with compassion, then the more open-minded we become, and the more likely we are to be able to forgive and ultimately accept. Social inclusion – ensuring that all individuals or groups of people, within a society or community, feel important and valued also ensuring that each individual member or group, within a society or community, is not only included but is made to feel that they and their ideas are important and appreciated. Social exclusion – The unwillingness to include an individual or group within the society in which they reside. Unit 5 – Being a responsible adult (2) Lesson 2 -What is ‘Peer Pressure’? Adult peer pressure may be more subtle, insidious and indirect than the peer pressure faced by young adults. Peer – A person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person. Peer pressure – influence from members of one’s peer group. Positive peer pressure – influence from peers that results in positive outcomes. Negative peer pressure – influence from peers that results in unhealthy or harmful behaviour. Positive peer pressure – not all peer pressure is bad. Sometimes it can be a good influence such as social support from a group of peers. The aim of social support is to influence you in a positive manner. This is called positive peer pressure. Peers encourage one another to strive towards a positive outcome. This type of pressure may help you to reflect on your actions and modify your behaviour to enrich your life. Negative peer pressure – It is when someone who is a friend or part of a group you belong to makes you feel that you have to so something to be accepted. Six ways to handle peer pressure: Understand who you are. Be cautious with whom you spend time with. Stay away from those who pressure you. Set boundaries Be prepared Have a way out.  Lesson 3 – What is meant by ‘National Consciousness’? Social consciousness – A consciousness or an awareness shared by individuals within a group, community, or society. Collective consciousness – a shared awareness or common understanding amongst a group or community; group consciousness; community consciousness. Cultural consciousness – shared values, thoughts, or ethical behaviours which unite various people with a society or culture; cultural awareness. National identity – The act of belonging and identifying with a state or nation. National consciousness – The level of awareness of the issues and events within a nation in which we are either a resident or citizen, and an awareness of how these affect not just us but everyone within that society or community. Nationalism – A sense of national consciousness that is meant to inspire loyalty and devotion to a nation, to validate or defend narrow and extreme ideologies and beliefs about a community, race or nation. Patriotism – it is the devotion and support for a nation, whether your own or one that you are a resident in.