"Language Influences Our View of Reality"
The phrase “language influences our view of reality” means that our experiences, the way we communicate, how we communicate to others and receive communication from others affect how we live, affect how we see the world and affect our personal reality. 

I speak two languages, Indonesian and English, fluently and one language, French, semi-fluently. English and Indonesian has influenced my view of reality in the idea that my language has changed my perceptions of people. When it comes to Indonesians, the Indonesian language takes on a more respectful stance. When it comes to Americans, the English languages enforces a casual stance.

It's extremely useful to understand the non-verbal language of a culture because it could be completely left-field for other cultures. Some things could seem unexpected but in all actuality, is really important in determining the signage of the culture.

For example, in Brazil, the "ok"- gesture that one makes with their fingers is disrespectful. In fact, in Brazil, it's equivalent to the middle finger. Where in America, the fingers shaped and gesturing "ok" is completely fine. But if Americans were to travel and headed to Brazil and did that shape with their hands to a Brazilian, it may be misinterpreted as a sign of disrespect. 

I have had a misunderstanding in my own culture as well. For Indonesians, it is very rude to hand over things to people with their left hand. However, in America, we don't think twice about that. Because I had lived in the States for a long time, I was not conscious of this being a disrespect to others. So when I visited Indonesia, I was handing out plates during a family get together. I started with my left hand and was scolded by my grandmother. I hadn't realized that my family members were offended that I didn't use my right hand. I apologized and further explained that in America, this was not the case. But had someone else of a different language did that in my culture, they would not be able to explain what the actual intention was.

Obstacles to Reading Nonverbals
One huge obstacle to accurately reading the nonverbal messages of others is whether or not they are accurately giving nonverbal messages. The provider may know a nonverbal as one thing and the receiver may know that same nonverbal as another thing.

Among Us
Out of the problems and issues presented in the intercultural experiences of the authors, I found the story of adopted child with the White parents most challenging to address if I was the one having that experience.  If I were the parents, I would most certainly give her a name from her real origin rather than a random Asian country. I would also inform her about her culture and heritage as she grows older and provide her an opportunity to be around people of her same culture.


"Changing the world is within the reach of every one of us. Once we understand our capabilities, we cannot avoid our responsibilities.” - Lustig & Koester (2006)
Simply put, as a competent intercultural communication, my capabilities and responsibilities are to use the skills and opportunities I have to speak for those who cannot.