Culture Differences Concerning Time
By Angélica Conde
Time can differ significantly between different cultures. For example, being late for an appointment is accepted in some countries but not in others. In the Japanese train system, for example, “on time” refers to expected delays of less than one minute, while in many other countries, up to fifteen minutes leeway is still considered “on-time”. Then. I'll talk a little bit about my country.
Chronemics is the study of the use of time, and the way that time is perceived and valued by individuals and cultures, These time perceptions include things like punctuality, willingness to wait, approaches to face-to-face interactions, and reactions to time pressure
Monochronic culture:
People can do things one at a time, where time is segmented into precise, small units, and where time is scheduled, arranged and managed. In such a culture, time is viewed as a tangible commodity that can be spent, saved, or wasted, and a paramount value is placed on regimented schedules, tasks, and “getting the job done”. examples are the United States, Germany, and Switzerland.
Polychronic culture:
People can do several things at once and a more fluid approach is taken to scheduling time. Such cultures tend to be less focused on the precise accounting of each and every moment, and much more steeped in tradition and relationships rather than in tasks. Polychronic cultures have a much less formal perception of time and are not ruled by precise calendars and schedules. Many Latin American, African, Asian, and Arab cultures fall into this category, especially countries like Mexico, Pakistan, India, rural China, the Philippines, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
I was born in a Latin American country, Peru. I consider that our culture is polychrome culture.
When people set an appointment or make plans, they usually ask Peruvian time or normal time? hahaha
Honestly speaking it's a fact of my culture I don't like. I don't like to wait for someone in an appointment for example, but it is something I try to be tolerant with because there are many people in my environment who, for example, say, I was late because there was a lot of traffic, my baby got sick, I had a personal problem, etc. And some situations are understandable.
You can also hear the famous "I'm coming" when they didn't even leave their house. Or when asked "Are you coming ?" and they say "Yes, in a while I'll go" and they never come, but it's what people do to avoid damaging other people's feelings, they tend to lie.
"According to Latin American views, they were being polite. They were worried about human relationships. And you're thinking, “How does that have anything to do with human relationships?” Well, Latin Americans are generally very sensitive about possibly hurting feelings".
Last month I decided to have a small gathering for my birthday and my family has its different customs. My husband's family is very punctual and aware of planning and managing time, but my family is super unpunctual, if they are told to arrive at 7 they arrive at 8 hahaha. I was asking them "Are you coming?" 🤣Guess their answer... "I'm coming".
Another thing that is seen a lot is procrastination and regret for not making wise use of time.
I've heard from many of my students and friends who prefer to take time off and relax first and then go back to work when sometimes it doesn't work and there isn't enough time left.
However, there are situations in which the time must be used as a set without any change. For example, in class schedules, you arrive on time or late, even if you have the best excuse, There are only two options on time or late. Teachers make wise use of time because there is planning involved, you cannot take extra time because either the teachers have another class or the students have it.
I am going to share something that I once heard one of my former teachers say.
This can be applicable for any situation, be it a class, a meeting, etc.
Starting and ending on time is a show of respect and preparation for the audience, so you show that it was not something improvised but very well planned.
References:
Cultural Differences in Concerning TIME -Dr. John J. Ivers
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