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03

May

OIC’s Greatest Hits: Different Eyes on the World

by Your friends at OIC on May 3, 2021

5 Everyday Ways That Cultures Show Their Differences

People in every culture celebrate, greet each other, share stories and good food together, fall in love, honor their ancestors, play music and sports, name babies, and more. But the customs—the do’s and taboos—surrounding these universal activities are a remarkable reveal into how varied and ingenious different cultures can be.

Culture reveals itself even in mundane ways from what communities show on their road signs to how people cook their onions or describe a downpour.  At OIC, we say no one way is the “correct” way. And here, in our latest collection of “Greatest Hits,” our bloggers prove it with their observations and insights on everyday cultural differences. May they inspire you to look at the world with new eyes.

 

1. Oh Deer! Road Signs in Different Cultures

Sheron Long contends that warning signs along the world’s roads show more about different cultures and geographies than you might think!

 

2. Do You Know Your Onions?

Today, most world cuisines are built on a base of onions. Joyce McGreevy examines how onions have rooted themselves across so many different cultures, sometimes in surprising ways. Find insight and a free recipe download, too.

 

3. Same Animal + Different Cultures = Surprise!

Just how many lives does a cat have? It depends on the culture, 9 in the USA but 7 in Mexico. Bruce Goldstone has more enlightenment on how animal symbols and sayings vary across cultures.

 

4. Grand Openings

Joyce McGreevy leads a cross-cultural tour of doors and windows around the world, revealing their differences and unlocking their stories ready for the telling.

 

5. Culture Smart: Is the Rain in Spain the Same?

The same rain may fall on different cultures in the world, but people describe it in different and colorful ways. One thing, however, remains the same—it’s always wet!

 

Want to explore more about different cultures? Check out our Blog Topics & Archive section for all our enriching and inspiring culture posts.

 

Photo credits: faces, Gerd Altman/Pixabay;  deer sign, Simon Gurney/iStock; onions, Joyce McGreevy; falling cat, Deshy/iStock; round door, Joyce McGreevy; umbrellas, Gregor Kervina/Hemera. 
 

Cultural Diversity/Cultural Do's & Taboos/Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Cultural Symbols

26

Apr

OIC’s Greatest Hits: Bridging Cultures

by Your friends at OIC on April 26, 2021

5 Insights on Connecting Across Cultures

Cultures leave unique marks on the world and collectively offer unparalleled richness and variety. While cultural heritage is acquired by birth and influenced by those closest to you as you grow up, people who later cross bridges into other cultures find their lives enriched by the connections. Their horizon is wider, the respect for people is greater, and life is a more fortunate mix of experiences.  So say the OIC bloggers in their many stories of connecting across cultures.

Looking back on these stories and in appreciation of our bloggers’ insights, we’ve selected five posts for this edition of our “Greatest Hits.” They’re stories that moved our understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and we hope they’ll do the same for you.

 

Crossing Cultures/Cultural Encounters/Cultural Heritage & Traditions

16

Apr

OIC’s Greatest Hits: Travel That Left Its Mark

by Your friends at OIC on April 16, 2021

5 Life-Changing Travel Adventures

Travel expands horizons, literally and figuratively. And invariably, some trips leave a lasting imprint. In the last nine years, our OIC bloggers have vividly recounted impactful journeys, capturing their feelings and the significance of their travels. Happy to share, they say, because their life-changing travel adventures left such a mark on their lives.

Looking back on OIC’s unique and rewarding travel stories and in appreciation of our bloggers, we’ve selected five posts for this collection of “Greatest Hits.” They’re the stories that left a mark on us as well.

 

Cultural Encounters/Worldwide Sites

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