Political Correctness +++ Woke Culture +++ Being PC +++ Absolutely Intercultural 280 +++

Hello and welcome to show 280 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today, we are going to talk about the culture of “Political Correctness”. Since the 1980s many people in public life have used politically correct language either to avoid discrimination and to treat others respectfully or because they are worried about being judged by more politically correct people. The original idea of the concept was to try to make the world less racist, less homophobic, less sexist, in short into a better place. But will this cultural change really ever achieve worldwide equality of genders and races? Or will the PC language only change the way we speak but not the way we really think or behave? Many critics see pc language as censorship and draw parallels to George Orwell’s utopian idea of “Newspeak” in his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, where the totalitarian regime decides to reduce the language to the point that ideas which are not desirable can no longer be expressed.

From our guests, we will hear how they see and experience this new culture of political correctness, which is now gaining more and more influence on our vocabulary, our minds, and our lives.

absolutely filtered

In our first story, “absolutely filtered”, we will listen to Faisal from Iraq who is currently studying in Germany. Faisal tells us that political correctness in Europe makes him feel a little uncomfortable in communication. He compares the PC and woke languages to having a filter on everyone’s mouth.

absolutely responsible

In our second story, “absolutely responsible”, we will listen to Waqar from Pakistan who owns a plastic free shop in Germany – “Unpacked Remagen“. With his business, tries to introduce his customers to environmental awareness, such as climate change. For Waqar, political correctness concerns more than just the language we use. It is about taking responsibility and real action.

absolutely open-minded

In our last story “absolutely open-minded”, we will listen to Niklas from Germany. For Niklas, being politically correct depends on the situation he is in. At work, he will be politically correct. However, when hanging out with his friends, Niklas can allow himself to make some politically incorrect jokes to bond with them.

What about you? What do you think about political correctness? Does it come to you easily to be politically correct in every aspect of your life? And do you think with the help PC language we can really reduce discrimination and reach equality? Or do you struggle with the new language as if it censored and restricted your expression? Get in touch with us, and feel free to share your unique story with us here on this podcast.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too.   

By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment. 

Our next show will be coming to you on 2 December.

Until then – rethink your own political correctness –

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

Assistant Editors: Kim Kyeongjin, Faisal  Faisal

 

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Green Culture +++ Second-hand Shopping +++ Being eco-friendly +++ Absolutely Intercultural 279 +++

Hello dear listeners and welcome to show 279 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today, we are going to talk about the “Green Culture”, about being eco-friendly, about the culture of environmental sustainability – or whatever words you use to describe this phenomenon. Today, we are shedding some light on the Green Culture that is getting more and more popular all over the world. From our guests, we will learn that the green culture has many different practices and approaches, from saving water to reflecting on your wardrobe. We will also hear what motivates people to join the green movement, whether it is a love for animals or for the planet or simply a wish to save some money.

absolutely eco-friendly

In our first story, “absolutely eco-friendly”, we will listen to Hannah from Canada who is currently living and working in Germany. Hannah tells us a story about how she gave up trying to be the “cool” kid and decided to change her clothing habits by creating a “timeless wardrobe”.

absolutely vintage

In our second story, “absolutely vintage”, we will listen to Erda from Albania. Shopping at second-hand stores has always been her hobby. In Germany, Erda, to her surprise, realized this hobby doesn’t only help her to find authentic vintage outfits but at the same time makes her a part of the Green Culture in Germany.

absolutely underprivileged

In our last story “absolutely underprivileged”, we will listen to Mathumitha from India who has recently arrived in Germany for her semester abroad. Mathumitha shares with us how differently green practices can be interpreted in different parts of the world.

What about you? Are you or your friends a part of this Green Culture? In fact, we would love to hear from people who reject the whole idea! Get in touch, feel free to share your unique story with us here on this podcast.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too.   

By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment. 

Our next show will be coming to you on 4 November.

Until then – find your unique way to the green culture – or not!

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

Assistant Editors: Kim Kyeongjin, Faisal  Faisal

 

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Multicultural Individuals +++ What makes you multicultual? +++ Absolutely Intercultural 278 +++

Hello and welcome to show 278 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Our topic today is “Multicultural Individuals”. Have you ever asked yourself if you are multicultural? And if so, what makes you a multicultural individual? Is it because you were raised in a multicultural context? Or because you learned foreign languages and now are multilingual? Perhaps you travelled around the world and visited 5, 10, or 20 different countries? Multiculturalism seems to be very complex, and to be a multicultural individual can be quite challenging, but also quite fascinating.
From our guests, we learn that for some individuals the path to multiculturalism starts in early in childhood if you are exposed to different languages, traditions, and religions.

absolutely adaptable

In our first story, “absolutely adaptable”, we will listen to Esjona from Albania who is currently living and working in Germany. Esjona shares with us that she feels like a chameleon that walks between the Albanian and the German cultures and changes her skin color according to her surroundings.

absolutely natural

In our second story, “absolutely natural”, we will hear from Agnes, who is half German and half Brazilian. She was born and raised in Germany, where she has lived for her whole life. Nevertheless, Agnes feels more than just German and has a deep connection with the Brazilian culture.

absolutely challenged

In our last story “absolutely challenged”, we will listen to Vitor from Brazil who has recently come to Germany to pursue his international career. Vitor shares with us that on his path to multiculturalism, he had to deal with many challenges – such as homesickness.

What about you? Do you think it is worth going through this trouble to become multicultural. Or, do you think we shoud spend our energy getting to know our own culture better? Feel free to share your unique story with us.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too.   

By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment. 

Our next show will be coming to you on 7th October.

Until then – make up your mind about multiculturalism –

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

 

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Cultural Expectations concerning travel +++ Expectations Vs. Reality +++ Slow Travel +++ Absolutely Intercultural 277 +++

Hello and welcome to show 277 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. In the middle of our travel season in Germany we are going to talk about “Cultural Expectations concerning travel”. In this show, we will hear about different types of travellers or maybe even different cultures of travelling. Whichever type of traveller you are, holidays often take you out of your routines and comfort zone to test your flexibility. The guests we have for today’s episode will share cultural insights that they had not expected. 

absolutely crowded

In our first category, “absolutely crowded” we listen to a conversation between Carlos and Shelbi about their expectations of London. Where do our cultural expectations about places we visit actually come from? From family and friends’ experiences? From Films we have watched? Perhaps even from our Language Learning Books? 

absolutely memorable

In our second category, “absolutely memorable”, we will listen to Shelbi who talks about her real experience in London and how her expectations were changed by reality even from the very start when she checked into her hostel.

absolutely unexpected

In our last story, “absolutely unexpected” we hear from Carlos  about his experiences in London. He shares how discovering something unplanned and unexpected during the trip made him enjoy his time even more. Carlos realized that with all our planning it is good to also leave some time unplanned just in case an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

What about you? Have you ever traveled somewhere where you felt there was a cultural expectation that you have to tick off at least seven “Must-Do’s”? Or do you sometimes prefer to travel without having expectations or a strict plan? Feel free to share your story with us.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too.   

By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment. 

Our next show will be coming to you on 2nd September.

Until then – travel more slowly and –

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

Assistant Editors:  Carlos Fuch, Lars Felder, Shelbi Ankiewicz 

 

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Job Applications +++ Job Interviews +++ Taboos +++ Absolutely Intercultural 276 +++

Hello and welcome to show 276 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today we are going to talk about “Job Applications” in different cultures. Most countries have their own work cultures, you can sometimes tell from the layout of office spaces, behaviour in the workplace and even the application processes may differ. How can the application process for jobs be different in different cultures when the final aim to get the best person for the job seems to be the same? Let’s hear from the experiences of our guests.

absolutely honest

In our first story, “absolutely honest”, Meaghan from Canada talks about why in the past she kept some things about her personal life hidden during job interviews and how she has just had her first experience of mentioning her daughter in this situation.

absolutely prepared

In our second story, “absolutely prepared”, we hear from Yarub, a student from Jordan, who explains how his university helped prepare him specifically for the German job market.

absolutely curious

In our last story “absolutely curious”, Ashlin shares with us that at some job interviews in India you should be ready for some very personal questions, even about your religion or caste.

What about you? Have you ever applied for a job or been an interviewee for a job interview? Or, maybe, you have even applied for a job in a different country? Feel free to share your story with us.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too. 


By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment.


Our next show will be coming to you on 5 August.


Until then –prepare yourself well for job applications and –
Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell!

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

Assistant Editors:  Carlos Fuch, Lars Felder, Shelbi Ankiewicz 

 

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Adulthood +++ Independence +++ Responsibilities +++ Absolutely Intercultural 275 +++

Hello and welcome to show 275 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today we are going to talk about “Adulthood”. Is adulthood about our age and the national law in the country we live in, or is it about our maturity – our social or financial status? Is it just a number on your passport or our level of responsibilities? Does it have anything to do with the fact that we perhaps still live with our parents? I am sure that each and every one of you has your own unique answer- as do our guests today.

absolutely unfair

In our first category, “absolutely unfair”, Leo from Germany is sharing how disrespectfully he was sometimes treated by other people because he was just a kid. Leo could not wait to become a legal adult, in Germany this is at the age of 18 years old, and finally, be taken seriously by people around him. 

absolutely misjudged

In our second category, “absolutely judged”, we hear from Huriye, a caring mother from Turkey who was judged by a dentist in Norway for accompanying her 16-year-old daughter to the dentist’s appointment. Poor Huriye looked like a helicopter mother in the doctor’s eyes because she treated her daughter like a child. 

absolutely independent

In our last category, “absolutely independent”, Eleonora from Bulgaria tells us how proud she is of making independent adult decisions on her own, for example studying in a foreign country. Her parents had taught her how to be independent since she was a child and they allowed Eleonora to find her own way in life, like a true adult.

What about you? What does it mean to be an adult in your culture? At what age do you become an adult in your culture? Feel free to share your story with us.

Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up interview with you in one of our next shows. On our web page, absolutely-intercultural.com, you can get more information about this show and previous episodes, and you can leave comments. And if you enjoyed the show, please like us on Facebook too.   

By the way, did you know we are also on iTunes or Apple Podcasts? You can subscribe to us there for free and give us a rating and a comment. 

Our next show will be coming to you on 1st July.

Until then – no matter how old you are, allow yourself to make grown-up decisions and –

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Natalia Obikhod

Assistant Editors:  Carlos Fuch, Lars Felder, Shelbi Ankiewicz 

 

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LGBTQ+ Community +++ Queer Culture +++ Cultural Diversity +++ Absolutely Intercultural 265 +++

Hello and welcome to show 265 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today we talk about the LGBTQ+  or the “queer” culture – the culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals. Unlike the French or the Australian cultures the queer culture is a non-geographically determined culture. We spoke to enthusiastic supporters but also to passionate critics of the movement.

Why is being diverse seen so differently across the globe today? Are the new, more liberal ideas about gender identity a step forward, or are they just another factor which will soon divide our societies?

absolutely unorthodox

In our first category, absolutely unorthodox”, Giorgi, a student from Tbilisi, reminds us that his Christian religion cannot and should not accept homosexuality. He criticizes the emerging LGBTQ+ movements, because they openly support behaviour which the church for the last 2000 years has called a “Great Sin”.

absolutely un-lady-like

In our second category, „absolutely un-lady-like”, Irina, also from Georgia, tells us how a man in the street openly challenged her appearance. She explains how much easier it is for her to show her same-sex affection for her girlfriend in Germany than in countries like Georgia or Portugal.

absolutely equal

Finally, in our last category, “absolutely equal”, Luka, also from Georgia, but studying in Germany right now, demands that queer people should be treated like everybody else. He shows his supportand understanding towards gay people and believes in equal human rights for everybody.

What about you? Are you also struggling with this topic? Do you have any views on what we heard today? Write a comment or mail us, we could do a follow-up with you in one of our next shows.

Our next show will be coming to you on the 3rd of September.

Until then – stay as diverse as you are – and

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell! 

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Esjona Musta 

Assistant Editors: Giorgi Sulaberidze, Alina Vor, Natalia ObikhodNatia Nikvashvili.

 

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Intercultural Stereotypes +++ Gender, Age and Nationality +++ Absolutely Intercultural 262 +++

Hello and welcome to show 262 of our podcast “Absolutely Intercultural”. Today we will talk about cultural stereotypes. We have all experienced situations where people tried to stereotype us, probably without even being aware of it. But what is it that makes a stereotype different from a personal opinion? Are stereotypes always harmful to the culture that is stereotyped or do they help cultures to stick together?

In our show, three students tell us a concrete situation, where they were the objects of stereotyping and how those stereotypes affected their personal lives. 

absolutely blonde

In our first category, “absolutely blonde”, Mona tells us about being stereotyped as a woman by a heating technician who assumed that she, as a young woman, would be “dumb and silly” and have no knowledge of the mechanics of the heater in her apartment.

absolutely unsuitable

In our second category, Lars tells us how he got stereotyped as “absolutely unsuitable” by an elderly gentleman in his seventies, simply because of his outer appearance.

absolutely African

Finally, in our category, “absolutely African”, Andreas remembers a story where even his own friends unintentionally stereotyped him.

Listen to it and share with us one stereotype you have heard recently!

Our next show will be coming to you on 4th June. 

Until then, 

Bleiben Sie absolut interkulturell!

The host of this show is: Dr. Laurent Borgmann

Chief Editor: Giorgi Sulaberidze

Assistant Editors: Alina Vor, Natalia ObikhodNatia NikvashviliEsjona Musta.

 

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International Life +++ A Day in the Life of Kalvin +++ Daily Experiences +++ Absolutely Intercultural 253 +++

Welcome to show 253 of Absolutely Intercultural, A Day in the Life of Kalvin, coming to you from the beautiful Rheinland in Germany. Today’s show is an immersive journey about daily life in Germany, narrated by one of our Australian international students. Have you ever considered living overseas or wondered about what intercultural challenges you would face? Today we hear directly from Kalvin and experience a summer day in Germany firsthand.

Continue reading “International Life +++ A Day in the Life of Kalvin +++ Daily Experiences +++ Absolutely Intercultural 253 +++”

Colombian coffee +++ Fourth of July +++ Absolutely Intercultural 252 +++

US flag

Welcome to show 252 of Absolutely Intercultural, the show about all things intercultural. My name’s Anne Fox and I’m coming to you from a locked down Denmark. But the Covid 19 pandemic is overshadowed somewhat by the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd. These protests have gone global and with American Independence Day coming up I wondered how Americans were feeling about the meaning of the fourth of July right now.

Do you remember Luis from Colombia who we met in Show 250? He was a wedding photographer in Colombia but could not continue in cold and rainy Denmark so he decided to start a coffee importing business and how easy was that?

In this show we are talking to Elisabeth Hansen from Arizona who is now living and working in Australia. Elisabeth answered our call for Americans wanting to talk about what the fourth of July means to them. So, if you have an intercultural story you want to share then just get in touch either here on our webpage or on our Facebook page.

Continue reading “Colombian coffee +++ Fourth of July +++ Absolutely Intercultural 252 +++”