Bilinguismo en Colombia

COLOMBIA BILINGÜE En tiempos de la globalización, el país necesita desarrollar la capacidad de sus ciudadanos para manejar al menos una lengua extranjera. En este contexto, el Ministerio de Educación Nacional formula el Programa Nacional de Bilingüismo 2004-2019, que incluye los nuevos Estándares de competencia comunicativa en lengua extranjera: inglés. Con el Marco Común Europeo como referente nacional e internacional, el Programa se propone elevar la competencia comunicativa en inglés en todo el sistema educativo y fortalecer la competitividad nacional. En esta tarea juegan un papel decisivo los docentes y las instituciones educativas, públicas y privadas, y todos los niveles que hacen parte del sistema: desde el Preescolar hasta el Superior. El Ministerio ha tomado la iniciativa desde su ámbito. Sin embargo, es necesario el compromiso de diversos sectores, entre ellos los de comercio, cultura y comunicaciones, que estén dispuestos a enfrentar con nosotros el nuevo desafío de Colombia. ¿Por qué es estratégico que los colombianos manejen una segunda lengua? Aunque el inglés es el idioma universal, las dinámicas del mundo actual evidencian la importancia de conocer otros idiomas como alemán, francés, italiano o chino, gracias al incremento de nuestras relaciones económicas con la Unión Europea o al posicionamiento de China en la economía mundial. Nuestra economía está cada vez más integrada con los mercados internacionales. Un segundo idioma es el vehículo necesario para poder aprovechar sustancialmente las ventajas que nos ofrecen, por ejemplo el Tratado de Libre Comercio, las nuevas oportunidades de negocio o las de estudio fuera de Colombia. Tanto las empresas colombianas como las empresas internacionales que se localicen en el país, aumentarán la demanda por profesionales bilingües en la medida en que su interacción con proveedores y clientes internacionales así los demande. Claramente, los profesionales que logren demostrar habilidad en el manejo de los idiomas tienen una ventaja en comparación con aquellos que no puedan atender estas necesidades. Quienes cuenten con esas habilidades, también observarán que el mercado las reconocerá económicamente. Los empresarios también deben invertir en mejorar su habilidad de comunicarse en más de una lengua. Además de tener ventajas para negociar con proveedores y clientes, quienes tienen la meta de conquistar mercados en el exterior enfrentan el reto de conocer la cultura de los nichos de mercado que pretenden conquistar. Para lograrlo es ideal el manejo de una segunda o tercera lengua. Colombia tiene grandes ventajas comparativas en el sector servicios. Nuestros profesionales en áreas como ingeniería, arquitectura, estadística y matemáticas son altamente demandados, pero solo una fuerza laboral altamente competente en idiomas podrá poner estas habilidades en el mercado exportador. El bilingüismo debe ocupar un lugar preponderante en la agenda interna, para la mejora de la competitividad del país en los próximos años. No olvidemos que países como India se han beneficiado enormemente por tener un número muy importante de profesionales y técnicos completamente bilingües. Esta característica les ha permitido atraer grandes industrias del conocimiento, como el desarrollo del software y la tecnología. El fenómeno de la globalización les ha traído a nuestros países grandes oportunidades pero, al mismo tiempo, grandes desafíos. La inserción de un país en la economía global le genera mayor competencia a los mercados locales. Esta competencia tiene efectos diferentes sobre el mercado laboral de nuestro país. A los profesionales que pueden comunicarse y comprender una segunda lengua les permite movilidad y flexibilidad en el mercado laboral, están mejor preparados para enfrentar una economía global, pueden plantear y desarrollar cualquier iniciativa de negocio, conocer las necesidades de su cliente, ser innovadores, se adaptan fácilmente a los cambios y a as necesidades de su entorno. En cambio, aquellos que no la poseen pueden experimentar serios costos y limitar sus oportunidades. En conclusión, el manejo de una segunda lengua en el mundo globalizado en el que vivimos se convertirá, a mediano o largo plazo, en un requisito obligatorio para que nuestros profesionales puedan acceder a empleos calificados. Por lo tanto, el reto que tenemos es grande; debemos preparar a nuestros profesionales para que puedan enfrentar las exigencias del mundo globalizado, de lo contrario, no estaríamos siendo lo suficientemente competitivos. En la siguiente historia resulta claro que quien habla dos o más idiomas, posee ventajas: Una mañana, un gato estaba parado frente a la entrada de una suculenta ratonera... "Miau, miau, miauuu...", decía. Desde su casa, el ratón le respondía: "Yo sé que estás ahí, gato bandido... Y no voy a salir". Al ver que el ratón no salía, el gato decidió marcharse. ...Pasaron unas horas y el ratón, desde la ratonera, oyó el ladrido de un perro: "Guau, guau, guau"... Pensando que el gato se había marchado por la presencia del perro, el ratón decidió salir de su ratonera. Silbaba y caminaba erguido y contento. Cuál no sería su sorpresa cuando, en un dos por tres, el gato estiró sus dos manos, abrió las garras y lo atrapó. Entonces, el temeroso ratón le dijo: "Gato, ¿qué pasó con el ladrido del perro que oí? ¿Acaso eras tu?". Y el gato, sonriendo, le contestó: "¡Claro que era yo! ¿No ves que hoy en día el que no hable dos idiomas se muere... de hambre?". COLOMBIA bilingüe; altablero No.37

TIPS FOR COMUNICATING WITH CULTURAL AWARENESS BY SNEHA KHILAY.

WHY IS GOOD CULTURAL AWARENESS IMPORTANT ?

 CULTURAL AWARENESS

An essential skill in the provision of culturally appropriate services, cultural awareness entails an understanding of how a person's culture may inform their values, behaviour, beliefs and basic assumptions.

Cultural awareness recognises that we are all shaped by our cultural background, which influences how we interpret the world around us, perceive ourselves and relate to other people. You don't need to be an expert in every culture or have all the answers to be culturally aware; rather, cultural awareness helps you to explore cultural issues with your care recipients more sensitively.

Information about specific cultural practices will help to increase your cultural knowledge by providing an overview of cultural characteristics and issues. However, it is always important to identify individual needs and preferences and remember that no individual can be reduced to a set of cultural norms.

Within any culture, peoples' values, behaviour and beliefs can vary enormously. Differences may occur due to time of arrival in Australia, length of settlement, socio-economic background, level of education, rural or urban residence, identification with cultural and religious background, and different life experiences - including the experience of migration.

Cultural awareness entails an understanding of the migration process itself. Migration is a key influence on a person's life, with differing effects due to the different experiences of pre-migration, migration and resettlement.

While some migrants undergo a relatively easy transition, most migrants will undergo some - if not many - challenges in adjusting to life in a new country.

Some of the many post-migration stressors include: the stress of separation from homeland, family members, friends and support networks; racial discrimination; changes in lifestyle and socio-economic status; culture shock; language barriers; and the ongoing trauma of pre-migration experiences, which may have included war and political instability, physical and psychological abuse, and travelling as a refugee or living in a refugee camp.

Key Considerations

• Be aware of your own cultural influences.
• Be aware of judging other people's behaviour and beliefs according to the standards of your own culture.
• Be aware of making assumptions about cultural influences and applying generalisations to individuals.
• Understand that the behaviour and beliefs of people within each culture can vary considerably.
• Understand that the extent to which people adopt practices of their new country and retain those from their cultural background can vary within communities, even within families.
• Understand that not all people identify with their cultural or religious background.
• Understand that culture itself is a fluid entity, undergoing transformations as a result of globalisation, migration and the diaspora influence.
• Increase your knowledge about different cultural practices and issues through cultural background information sessions and/or resources and cultural awareness training.
• Understand the importance of appropriate communication.

CULTURAL AWARENESS

This is a good article about what is Cultural Awareness by Stephanie Quappe and Giovanna Cantatore.

What is Cultural Awareness, anyway? How do I build it?

“A fish only discovers its need for water when it is no longer in it.

Our own culture is like water for the fish. It sustains us.

We live and breathe through it.”

by Stephanie Quappe and Giovanna Cantatore

Cultural Awareness is the foundation of communication and it involves the ability of standing back from ourselves and becoming aware of our cultural values, beliefs and perceptions. Why do we do things in that way? How do we see the world? Why do we react in that particular way?

Cultural awareness becomes central when we have to interact with people from other cultures. People see, interpret and evaluate things in a different ways. What is considered an appropriate behavior in one culture is frequently inappropriate in another one. Misunderstandings arise when I use my meanings to make sense of your reality.

As an Italian it is almost automatic to perceive US Americans as people who always work, talk about business over lunch and drink their coffee running in the street instead of enjoying it in a bar. What does it mean? Italians are lazy and American hyperactive? No, it means that the meaning that people give to certain activities, like having lunch or dinner could be different according to certain cultures. In Italy, where relationships are highly valued, lunch, dinner or the simple pauses for coffee have a social connotation: people get together to talk and relax, and to get to know each other better. In the USA, where time is money, lunches can be part of closing a deal where people discuss the outcomes and sign a contract over coffee.

Misinterpretations occur primarily when we lack awareness of our own behavioral rules and project them on others. In absence of better knowledge we tend to assume, instead of finding out what a behavior means to the person involved, e.g. a straight look into your face is regarded as disrespectful in Japan.

Becoming aware of our cultural dynamics is a difficult task because culture is not conscious to us. Since we are born we have learned to see and do things at an unconscious level. Our experiences, our values and our cultural background lead us to see and do things in a certain way. Sometimes we have to step outside of our cultural boundaries in order to realize the impact that our culture has on our behavior. It is very helpful to gather feedback from foreign colleagues on our behavior to get more clarity on our cultural traits.

Projected similarities could lead to misinterpretation as well. When we assume that people are similar to us, we might incur the risk that they are not. If we project similarities where there are not, we might act inappropriately. It is safer to assume differences until similarity is proven.

Degrees of Cultural Awareness

There are several levels of cultural awareness that reflect how people grow to perceive cultural differences.

My way is the only way - At the first level, people are aware of their way of doing things, and their way is the only way. At this stage, they ignore the impact of cultural differences. (Parochial stage)

I know their way, but my way is better - At the second level, people are aware of other ways of doing things, but still consider their way as the best one. In this stage, cultural differences are perceived as source of problems and people tend to ignore them or reduce their significance. (Ethnocentric stage)

My Way and Their Way - At this level people are aware of their own way of doing things and others’ ways of doing things, and they chose the best way according to the situation. At this stage people realize that cultural differences can lead both to problems and benefits and are willing to use cultural diversity to create new solutions and alternatives. (Synergistic stage)

Our Way - This fourth and final stage brings people from different cultural background together for the creation of a culture of shared meanings. People dialogue repeatedly with others, create new meanings, new rules to meet the needs of a particular situation. (Participatory Third culture stage)

Increasing cultural awareness means to see both the positive and negative aspects of cultural differences. Cultural diversity could be a source of problems, in particular when the organization needs people to think or act in a similar way. Diversity increases the level of complexity and confusion and makes agreement difficult to reach. On the other hand, cultural diversity becomes an advantage when the organization expands its solutions and its sense of identity, and begins to take different approaches to problem solving. Diversity in this case creates valuable new skills and behaviors.

In becoming culturally aware, people realize that:

We are not all the same

Similarities and differences are both important

There are multiple ways to reach the same goal and to live life

The best way depends on the cultural contingency. Each situation is different and may require a different solution.

How Do I Manage Cultural Diversity?

We are generally aware that the first step in managing diversity is recognize it and learning not to fear it.

Since everyone is the product of their own culture, we need to increase both self-awareness and cross-cultural awareness. There is no book of instructions to deal with cultural diversity, no recipe to follow. But certain attitudes help to bridge cultures.

Admit that you don’t know. Knowing that we don’t know everything, that a situation does not make sense, that our assumptions may be wrong is part of the process of becoming culturally aware. Assume differences, not similarities.

Suspend judgments. Collect as much information as possible so you can describe the situation accurately before evaluating it.

Empathy. In order to understand another person, we need to try standing in his/her shoes. Through empathy we learn of how other people would like to be treated by us.

Systematically check your assumptions. Ask your colleagues for feedback and constantly check your assumptions to make sure that you clearly understand the situation.

Become comfortable with ambiguity. The more complicated and uncertain life is, the more we tend to seek control. Assume that other people are as resourceful as we are and that their way will add to what we know. “If we always do, what we’ve always done, we will always get, what we always got.”

Celebrate diversity. As a company find ways of sharing the cultures of your diverse workforce, i.e., in 2002 Deutsche Bank carried out multiple initiatives around the theme of “tolerance: diversity, identity, recognition” which they called “Initiative Plus 2002.” They encouraged employee projects and organized an annual colloquium of global experts.

this is about students that are in other countries... they find oportunities in there,the video is also about the cultural awarness day and it's interesting that there is a day to culture. see the video in this link in youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y5aqk4OVPo

  

C Y B E R C U L T U R E

Cyberculture is a term that is emerging for the use of computer networks, but... What is computer networks? A computer network is a collection of computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate communications among users and allows users to share resources. After knowing what computer networks is, we can continue talking about cyberculture.

Cyberculture is also the study of various social phenomena associated with the Internet and other new forms of network communication, such as online communities, online multi-player gaming, and email usage.

There are several studies about cyberculture. these explain the identity of this way of life.

these are some characteristics that define its idetity:

Cyberculture, like culture in general, relies on establishing identity and credibility. However, in the absence of direct physical interaction, it could be argued that the process for such establishment is more difficult.

How does cyberculture rely on and establish identity and credibility? This relationship is two way, with identity and credibility being both used to define community in cyberspace and to be created within and by online communities.

In some senses, online credibility is established in much the same way that it is established in the off line world, however, since there are two separate worlds, it is not surprising that there are both differences in the mechanisms found in each and interactions of the markers found in each.

URBAN TRIBES

It is a term that has taken great host in the last decades, but what is it?

Urban cultures are a group of people with hobbies, clothing (fashion), likes, culture and usually some kind of affinity to certain music, they are groups where everyone belongs and lives for the same culture.

It is really interesting to see how in the XXI century our socierty is subdividing little by little until it becomes a single individual, we start in the planet earth, which is then transformed into continents, then countries, etc… All this subdivision produces the urban cultures that are “herds” where tribus-urbanasmany people with similar likes come together to feel fully accepted in a group.

This kind of behavior has became common in our youth, but many “characters” are taking urban cultures as if they were just about music.

Usually we, the young people, start subdividing depending on the style of music we listen: rock, metal, reggaeton, punk, electronic music and countless genres more.

The music undoubtedly has much to do with our current behavior and through it we can create some judgments about why a certain person dresses that way, how he or she acts and possibly how does he or she thinks.

THE MOST KNOWN URBAN TRIBES


THE EMOS

A person considered "emo", outside the field of music, are people whose way of clothing make them look sad and bitter. it reflects their "emotional problems". There are "emos" who among other shady practices, cut their skin as a synonym of discontent with the world around them and fantasize about suicide.

EMO Clothing and fashion

Use piercings, tattoos and, unlike the "Gothic", often break up the monotony of dark clothing through a garment or accessory fluo.

* Converse or Vans Shoes
* divers-fitting hooded
* skin-tight shirts with feminine prints
* Jeans, black tube
* Riata of taches
* Pink Stars on belts or backpacks
* Hair sideways covering the right eye
* Piercing left eyebrow and left lower lip
Colors: pink and black mainly
* Some 'Emo' eye makeup is dark gothic style



THE PUNKS

The term "punk" has a derogatory meaning which often varies, applying to objects (meaning "trash" or people (meaning "lazy", "despicable" or, alternatively, "garbage" and "scum. " Used in an ironic as a description of critical substrate or dissatisfaction that contains music. When used as a label itself, the "punks"(or "punks" distance themselves from the alignment of roles and social stereotypes. Due to the nature of this meaning, often punk has been associated with attitudes of self-neglect, has been used as a means of expressing feelings of uneasiness and hate, and has also accommodate neurotic or self-destructive behaviors.

THEIR THOUGHTS

* can be summarized as "DIY" Do It Yourself "

* To reject the dogmas, and not seek a single truth. Challenge and contradict everything that surrounds it.
* Do not act according to the fashion and media manipulation as well as being anti-consumerism.
* Think for yourself.

The punk, although in some nuances started being a little aggressive, is consolidated by their current features in a form of social consciousness, philosophical and idealistic and not at all stylist.


THE GOTHICS

Gothic: Of or pertaining to a literary style of fiction prevalent in the late 18th and early 19th centuries which emphasized the grotesque, mysterious, and desolate: a gothic novel. [This is the relevant definition in the dictionary. Think of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the works of Edgar Allen Poe.]

The literature reflected their penchant for the mystical, spiritual and metaphysical.
Their music has melancholy sounds like Gregorian chants, choirs, etc.,
The Gothics have dreams and prospects of the spirit, of contrasts, guarantees about the death, "was born to know how to die and life is like the reverse side of eternity. " Divine materialistic age where there are the wildest earthly pleasures with the purest aspirations of the heart.

For guys, some common Goth looks are:

A fishnet shirt and vinyl or leather pants with some sort of boots and other various accessories.

A white shirt (sometimes with the collar folded up to cover the neck), black pants, a black vest, boots or dress shoes.

Some of the guys will wear makeup, skirts, corsets or heels. It's not really meant to be cross-dressing because they are not actually trying to look like women. Gothic tends to be a very androgynous thing, where some of the straight guys like to look or dress feminine, either to challenge social gender barriers, to show that they have an open mind, or as just a fashion thing.

For girls, some common Goth looks are:

A cleavage-enhancing corset top with a long, flowing or tutu-like skirt.

A crushed velvet dress with either boots or heels.

A fishnet shirt with a black bra underneath, a bondage belt (or some other type) and either 1) a short vinyl skirt 2) a long velvet skirt 3) tight leggings or stirrup pants usually made of vinyl or crushed velvet.

Fishnet stockings with a vinyl dress, bondage gear, high heels or heel boots.


RAPPERS

rapper is the term for those fans and supporters of hip hop, either to culture (which are MC and B-Boys) or just hip hop music.
Rap means "to criticize." IT is a style and urban culture that was born in the 70's in Jamaica and through Caribbean immigrants, entered the United States. Rap is nothing more than an expression of disappointment and social criticism, through a particular music, dress and the famous "graffiti. The rappers are obscene friends of the classic American doodle:
"FUCK!"
Sometimes we see children doing this vulgar gesture that is not worth translating.

Rappers justify the use of drugs, alcohol and sex without limits, blaming society as a justification

They also represent the marginal world, but not marginalized, they tell stories that happen every day in the neighborhoods. Stories that enjoy wide popular support and a minority who consider themselves "critics"who try to crush every day.

OUR CULTURE

OUR CULTURE.

Colombia contains five main natural regions namely, the Andes mountain ranges, the Caribbean Sea coastal region, the Pacific Ocean coastal region, the Llanos (plains) and the Amazon rain forest region.

Spanish culture has influenced our culture. It brought in Catholicism, the feudal encomienda system, the African slaves and the system that favored the European-born whites.

Art of Colombia
The Colombian art ranges right from the sculptures and paintings of ancient times to the modern-day films, theatre and various other forms of art. Colombia has produced artists like Alejandro Obregon and Fernando Botero. Gold work, stonework and pottery constituted the pre-Colombian sculpture. The painting in Colombia was characterized by the pre-Columbian, the colonial, the Baroque and the Republican periods. Renaissance and medieval styles were the subjects of the paintings of the early colonial period. The Baroque period starting around 1600 AD bore the paintings featuring emotionalism, large gestures and populism. Mexican murals influenced the 20th century Colombian art. This period witnessed the world famous artists like Omar Rayo.

Literature of Colombia
Colombian literature of the colonial period focused on religion. Most of the expressions involved Spanish influences. Literature of the post-independence period was based on political thoughts and movements. During the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, peasant life came to be depicted in the Columbian literature. Mystery became one of the subjects to write on, in the modern times. Children's literature that includes nursery rhymes and folk tales forms an important part of the literature of Columbia. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of the most significant authors of the 20th century, a Nobel Prize winner is a Colombian.

Music of Colombia
Music is one of the most beautiful expressions of any culture. The Colombian culture contains a variety of music genres. Song and dance accompany the special events of common man's life. Cumbia, one of the genres of Colombian music, is a blend of the African and the Spanish music. Salsa, born in Puerto Rica and Cuba, became popular in Colombia. Champeta, Abozao, Juga, Pilon, Porro, Seis, Socca and Tambora are some of the other music genres of the different parts of Colombia. The Colombian music of the present times includes hip-hop, pop and rock music. Shakira, a prominent name in the music industry, is from Colombia.

Religion in Colombia
The Colombian Constitution has granted freedom of religion to its people. Before 1991, Catholicism was the official religion of Colombia. During the colonial period, the health as well as the education facilities came under the Catholic Church. The culture of Colombia has accepted the freedom of religion and it is apparent in its diversified population.

Colombian Cuisine
The Colombian food shows a reflection of the European style of cooking. Fritanga that includes grilled beef and chicken, ribs and sausage with potatoes, forms a favorite dish of the Colombians. Tubers and meat form the staple food of the Colombians. The climate of Colombia is conducive for the flourish of a variety of crops and fruits. Both fresh and salt water fish are plentiful in Colombia. The popular dishes vary across the different natural regions of Colombia.

Festivals of Colombia
The carnivals held on various occasions form a major part of the festivities of Colombia. Cali Fair, held towards the end of December, The Flowers Fair, characterized by the flowers parade, Rock at the park, inviting the participation of rock bands and the traditionally celebrated Carnival of Blacks and Whites are some of the popular Colombian fiestas.

this is a definition of culture!!! 

                                                 this is a definiton of culture by William Kornblum.