Intent vs. Perception: Crossing Cultures & Self-Broadcasting

​Language "Barrier" 

Language is powerful.
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It is used as a cultural identifier, as well as a simple tool for cultural exchange. We talk frequently about "language barriers" and "broken language" when one person in the conversation isn't speaking their native tongue. But if the speaker's intent matches the listener's perception, the communication breakdown is negligible.

My students are shy. Very shy. "Malu, malu kuching!" which translates to "Shy, shy cat!" 
"But sir, my English is broken!" They say... in perfect English. But time and time again I explain to them that as long as I understand their point, the grammar will come later.

Yes, language exams exist. Yes, those scores hold weight in my students' educational futures. Yes, I intend to help my students improve their grammar in the most intricate ways. 
But no, language does not exist for the purpose of those exams. No, I will not correct my students into a corner, making them afraid to speak. And no, language learning is not a sign of intelligence, but a useful tool to open doors of opportunity. 

Does the speaker's intent match the listener's perception? Communication is key. 

I argue, that language barriers do not exist. But rather that all communication is a street. The amount of time spent building that street from nothing, to a one way, to two lanes, to a heavily trafficked highway will create more effective communication. You can make it through the jungle without a road (Just ask the Kuching City Hashers club that I've recently joined!), and you can communicate cross-culturally without the language, but paving the road for free-flowing movement allows for greater exchange. Fluency can be achieved, but if you're hiking through the jungle, at least you're moving forward.

Public Interaction & Local Perception

I am foreign, and in this small town, my race broadcasts it.

Malaysia is a country that defines itself with race. An individual's race can be found printed on their government ID card and will be included in many self-introductions upon meeting someone new. There are even particular laws in place to divide economic and educational opportunities among the people based on ethnic background. (Developed as a way to ensure and promote a specific percentage of opportunities for those of Malay decent, but can be a highly controversial subject.) In a country where race is increasingly prevalent and which is heavily trafficked by wealthy, white-skinned backpackers, the initial perception of westerners isn't always positive. And sometimes, it's a little TOO positive. 

- Thanks to a media saturated by western models and celebrities, I am often met with strangers wanting my photo, telling me I'm handsome, and comparing my face to that of every western celebrity they can remember. (Flattering at first. Frustrating over time.)

- However, among whispers of 'orang putih' or 'white man,' I am often assumed to be a backpacker/tourist and am met with assumptions of wealth and cultural exploitation. 

Through the vast majority of my first month here, I have felt largely welcomed and have been met with enormous friendliness and excitement to participate in cultural exchange. Trading preferences in music, food, and weather being hot topics of discussion!  

But I often wonder, where is the line between cultural exchange and cultural exploitation? And which am I perceived to be performing? 
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There is a balance at which you stay your true self and share your customs, but also adapt to the customs of which you are immersed. Become a part of the new culture by seeing more than a statue/temple/traditional dress/etc., but with an understanding and appreciation of why these cultural identifiers exist. And be willing to share thoughtful experiences of your own.

Cultural Exchange & Social Media Perception

Breaking News: Media is often bias and lacks full truths. 

​#Millennials are a generation of young people who prioritize personal experience, growth, and happiness over other life values. This often manifests itself in pursuit of higher (and even higher) education and travel. And with social media, we can paint pictures of our lives and broadcast for all to share. 

To be clear, I LOVE social media. It's a wonderful platform for discussion, sharing life experiences, staying in contact with others, and finding a good laugh (or cry. Sad puppy videos?.. gets me every time.) Snapchat is where I thrive. Facebook is my guilty pleasure. And I LOOOVEE Instagram filters. (Just because it didn't look like that in real life, doesn't mean aesthetic pleasure isn't still real. Make it look awesome if you can.)

But it's important to remember that social media tells only part of every story. It's easy to idolize those who travel or immerse themselves in other cultures. Let's face it, those are highly valuable life experiences (says the millennial). Social media rocks. But let's not forget that often times the intent is to win a sort of 'virtual pissing contest.' We all want to be perceived as interesting, attractive, and intelligent. But there's always more to the story. People live normal lives.

Some days are difficult and frustrating and nobody is advertising their sweat stains, gained weight, negative interactions, cockroach nest, or casual Wednesday spent in their boxers watching American Horror Story over a cup of coffee.  Not every day is jam-packed of new cultural beauty, and not every flower blooms. But I definitely intend to share the ones that do.

Why do you do what you do?

What do you do? Why do you do what you do?
The 'why' matters more than the 'what.'

There is no wrong answers to these questions, but they're still important to ask. 

Why am I in a country where I have a very narrow 'language road'?
Why might I be perceived to be teetering the line between cultural exchange and cultural exploitation?
Why am I broadcasting myself on social media the way that I am?
Why does/doesn't my intent match others' perception of me?
Why does/doesn't my perception of others match their intent towards me?
​Why do I do what I do?

These are questions that I have never been forced to ask myself, as I've always lived within a culture that aligned with my own. That makes me fortunate, and I am thankful. Everyday, many Americans are forced to participate in a culture run by a majority that doesn't align with the lives they lead. Intent and perception are far more likely to agree when you are able to identify with those around you with little effort. 
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Here's to cultural exchange, self-discovery, and answering questions left unanswered. 

Pictures!

One of the students at my school in traditional Bidayuh attire. Bidayuh is the local tribe most of my students hail from and one of the many languages they speak.

A beautiful building located next to Fairy Cave, a popular attraction near my home in Bau.

Me and one of the students at my school in traditional 'Orang Asli' attire. These are the native peoples of Sarawak

The road to my school after a flood that swept our town. Saw some students rowing a boat around the volleyball court.

Me and 3 other ETAs after our first Hash (mentioned above) After running through a lengthy jungle trail, we share beer with the rest of the Hash crew. Great experience!