The difference Between Indonesian and Amercian Culture Research Paper

The difference Between Indonesian and Amercian Culture - Research Paper Example In this way, they vary in social, religious, and language functions that contribute in the virtues and traits that people adhere to. The Indonesian and American culture have different characteristics as discussed below (Wanning). Indonesian Culture The Indonesian culture is basically focused on their ethnic customs and a bit of foreign practices. Their official language is called Indonesian or in their terms â€Å"Bahasa Indonesian† which was formed through the Malay dialect. There are other regional dialects that the people of Indonesian use like Minangkabau or Javanese, which are spoken at home, or social places. However, the official language â€Å"Indonesian† is acceptable in schools, official functions, and at workplaces (Forshee 47). Indonesians appreciate the value of communal effort by coming together in groups, village, or island to complete tasks. They mainly define themselves in terms of ethnic setting, family, and birth place. Indonesian family structure is largely traditional in nature while members of the family adhere to strict roles and interdependence eon each other. Hierarchical relationships are vital to ensure that respect is given to individuals with status, power, position, and even age. This is common in the village administration and office where the senior person has the right to generate ideas and decisions. The superiors are refereed by â€Å"bapak† or â€Å"ibu† which is a title that means leader, father, or madam (Forshee 44). Indonesian strive to maintain group unity and therefore, the idea of â€Å"face† is crucial. It is apparent that the people try enormously to avoid causing shame â€Å"malu† especially in public places. In this way, they watch how they speak and interact by avoiding behaviors of ridicule or shouting at another person. In the same manner, they ensure that one does not blame another in public. For instance, they phrase words in a way that the other individual would not be offended even when being turned down. It is actually true that the words â€Å"yes† and â€Å"no† have more than twelve meanings for each of them that are used politely (â€Å"The Latest! Cultural Clues†¦.†). Greetings within the Indonesian community take a formal notion and this is appreciated as a way of showing respect. Handshakes is the form of greeting and followed by the term â€Å"Selamat,† while most Indonesians often give a slight bow, or place the hands on the heart after the hand shake. When a visitor is introduced a group of people, one must greet the eldest person first and use their titles to show respect. When it comes to giving gifts the process will be determined by the ethnicity of the receiver. For instance, is a person is of Chinese Indonesian descent, it is good to initially refuse a gift before taking it. This is an indication that the receiver is not a greedy person and therefore acceptable in the community. This community also advocates that items like scissors and knives cannot be given as gifts because it signifies trying to split a relationship. For Indonesian Muslims alcohol is forbidden and all gifts must be â€Å"halal.† Items that are not halal are things that include alcoholic components and those with pork byproducts like gelatin. Gifts must be given to the receiver using the right hand only to indicate respect and should not be unwrapped immediately (â€Å"The Latest! Cultural Clues†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). Dining i s done in a relaxed and organized manner in Indonesian culture. Food is set in the middle and visitors have to wait for an invitation before beginning to eat. Dressing among Indonesians is conservative especially among the women. Women put on clothes that must cover everywhere including the ankles and neck. In business