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10/30/19; Week 7: Response to "Differences in Manners"

Good manners are the first step in behavior that makes a difference in personal relationships. They are a sign of consideration and respect towards humanity. However, we should keep in mind that modal is good or bad according to the custom of each country. 

This week our dear Professor Ivers (BYUI) tells us that some customs that we think are incorrect and even of bad education can be common, and in good for other countries. One of the experiences that Professor Ivers shares are when he was in a Latin country, Mexico, and while he tried to sleep the music of the neighbors was very high that he could not fall asleep. When he asked the homeowner where he was staying, why the music was so loud, the owner did not think it was something weird or bad to enjoy the music of his neighbors. That makes me remember one night when I was married and with two children, one of 10 years old and a two-month-old baby, my neighbor on the side had a party. This party began near 3pm and it was already midnight and the music continued very loud, and neither I and my family could fall asleep. Even if I am from a Latin country, and that I love Latin music, I consider it a lack of consideration on the part of my neighbors to have such strong music and not let us rest. We had to call the police, and of course the next day they didn't speak to us since they felt very unhappy about the action we had taken. Can you believe it?

Habits and customs vary from country to country, I do not believe that there is a universal rule for customs or habits good or bad, since this depends on the culture of each country. And once again I believe that we must be careful, and learn what is done in each culture of a country before issuing a criticism or acting according to our own beliefs.

Due to the diversity of culture that exists in an ESL classroom, I believe it is important to respect and consider the customs of our students, however, I also consider it vital that we as teachers teach our culture with love, patience, and a willing mind.







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