Unit 7: Cultural Diversity, International Business Etiquette, and Travel

Vocabulary flashcards covering cross-cultural communication, workplace diversity, anti-prejudice initiatives, and international travel from Unit 7.

to open one's eyes

To reveal a different reality or broaden one's perception of another way of life.

a hierarchical culture

A cultural structure organized into distinct levels of rank, status, or authority.

expatriate

A person who is living or working in a foreign country outside of their native homeland.

to revere titles

To formally honor, respect, and address individuals by their professional or academic designations, such as Professor, Doctor, or Engineer.

to lose face

To suffer a loss of respect, dignity, or prestige in front of others, such as by having to admit that an initial idea was wrong.

a calm demeanor

A peaceful, composed outward behavior and appearance, regarded as essential in business interactions.

to politely turn down an offer

To courteously decline an initial gesture of hospitality, food, or drink in accordance with local customs.

culture shock

The psychological disorientation, confusion, and stress experienced when moving to and living within an unfamiliar foreign culture.

to hire someone in one's own image

The tendency of managers or leaders to recruit individuals who closely match their own background, personality, and worldview.

to foster a harmonious workplace

To cultivate and maintain a balanced, peaceful working environment supported by fair and open communication.

vibrant work culture

A dynamic, energetic organizational environment where employees feel engaged and motivated to make a difference.

bias in recruitment

Systematic unfairness, prejudice, or favoritism that influences the hiring and candidate selection process.

ethnic background

An individual's cultural, racial, national, or linguistic origin and ancestry.

to be wired for prejudice as a human being

Possessing an innate biological or evolutionary tendency to categorize people and harbor biases due to a keen eye for differences.

to argue a different point of view

To present an opposing or alternative perspective in order to offer contrast to prevailing opinions.

diversity training

Specialized courses or workshops designed to increase cultural sensitivity, recognize unconscious bias, and promote equality.

prejudice-reduction initiatives

Targeted programs and practices introduced in educational settings to expose learners to varied cultures and reduce bias.

to unravel

To investigate, untangle, and analyze complex, layered issues such as centuries of historical injustice and racial bias.

to not blind oneself to something

To consciously acknowledge and face reality, such as recognizing one's own privilege, rather than ignoring it.

cultural heritage

The legacy of customs, traditions, values, and practices handed down from previous generations within a society.

to break one's genetic mould

To step beyond inherited or cultural predispositions and discover shared commonalities with people from other backgrounds.

to be reconciled with something

To settle differences and restore peace, harmony, or connection with one's cultural identity or heritage.

study abroad programme

An organized educational scheme enabling students to reside and study in a foreign country to immerse themselves in another culture.

to escape from everyday routine

To break free from predictable daily habits and monotonous schedules by experiencing novel environments and relationships.

to reinvent oneself

To fundamentally transform one's identity, habits, or life course, often facilitated by moving abroad or mastering a new language.

to leave one's comfort zone

To venture beyond familiar, safe, and predictable situations to achieve personal growth and adapt to unfamiliar cultures.

to surpass oneself

To exceed one's own perceived limits, capabilities, and past achievements.

to overcome language barriers

To bridge communication difficulties between speakers of different languages using verbal perseverance and non-verbal cues.

to study the culture of one's destination beforehand

To research and understand local customs, social norms, and etiquette prior to arrival in order to reduce culture shock.

to discover one's own power

To realize one's inner strength, self-reliance, and capability through independent decision-making and solitary travel.