Author: civandic

The other day, I experienced a critical cultural incident. I was walking around Paris and didn’t know how to reach a certain point. I saw a street worker, approached him, and asked in what I thought was a very friendly way how to get there. However, I did not start with “Hello, how are you doing?” Thus, the man looked at me appalled and responded: “Well, a very good morning to you too.” Once I noticed my faux pas, I apologized, and then the ensuing conversation went very well. Reflecting on what happened, it is clear that it was a critical cultural incident. In the culture I grew up in, you never really ask a stranger how they are doing, for such a question would be perceived as weird or intrusive. Furthermore, you can ask a direct question without much introduction if you phrase it appropriately, for example: “Would you mind telling me, please, how to get to X?” But I noticed that in France, you always have to start with something like “good morning,” “good afternoon,” etc.

My name is Fr. Christian Ivandic, and I am excited to spend six weeks in Paris, France. I have already interacted with other cultures, particularly the French one. I grew up in the Palatinate, Germany, a region close to the French border and with strong cultural influences from France, and I have already spent two summers in Paris studying French. I have also spent several years in different countries: over 8 in Italy, 3 in Mexico, and 3 in the US. I am sure these experiences will greatly help me to take greater advantage of my stay this summer in Paris. 

Nevertheless, the IDI helped me to see that I tend to notice the similarities between cultures rather than their differences, which is not necessarily a sign of high intercultural intelligence. Thus, although my primary goal in Paris is to perfect my French, which will significantly help me in my future research and professional environment, I also want to consciously work on my intercultural skills.