57.Travelling abroad

What do you think of national identity?

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Do you think it's important to have a national identity?

Absolutely. A national identity is what unites all citizens into one nation. It builds a strong bond among all members of the society. So, first of all, it plays a key role in creating and maintaining a democracy and political order in society. What's more, a national identity is the basis of national security. I mean when people feel they belong in a particular society, they feel as a part of this group, they are less likely to break the law or hurt others in any way. Another reason why a national identity matters is that a common identity defines citizens' membership in a country and places them in relation to other persons who are also citizens, or other persons from other countries. Also, a national identity plays a key role in determining whether people view immigration as a threat-those who identify with their country are more negative toward immigration. Finally, having a national identity is key to preserving the cultural heritage of a nation. I mean people are eager to speak their native language, follow their nation's customs and traditions, study the nation's history, and respect everything that represents the values of the nation.

How can people develop their national identity?

Well, national identity is essentially socially constructed and the process of acquisition of this complex system of knowledge, beliefs and feelings takes place over a period of many years spanning both childhood and adolescence. Social identity can arise as a direct result of the presence in people's daily lives of such elements as national symbols, language, the nation's history, national consciousness, and cultural artifacts. To put it simply, people should learn about their nation's flag and national colours. They should study the history of their nation as well as the history of their national consciousness. People can cook their national dishes, speak their native language, listen to traditional music, visit museums and art galleries, watch local films, and follow their nation's traditions and customs. Another important thing that is intrinsically linked to national identity is values. So what people should and can do is adopt beliefs, values, assumptions and expectations which align with those shared by a group of people they belong 10.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of working at an international company?

Oh, I think that one of the main advantages of working for a multinational company is growth and job opportunities from assisting with translation needs during a conference call at the home office to travelling to an out-of-the-country office and assisting with any company needs there. Well, and of course, business trips to international and domestic offices of the company, and a chance to experience other cultures and gain diversity in the workplace. As far as the drawbacks are concerned, I'd name time zones because of the need to prepare work duties for the day in a timely manner for out-of-country co-workers or the need to be available for conference calls and business meetings at all hours of the night. Lastly, I can't help mentioning frequent job conflicts based on cultural differences

How can people benefit from travelling?

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How does travelling abroad affect young people?

Well, travelling is wonderful in many ways, and there are a lot of benefits people can have from it. First of all, travelling lets people disconnect from their regular life, relax and get new experiences. It also helps them open their eyes to how the rest of the world lives and, as a result, gain a broader worldview. While travelling, people get to know different places, get accustomed to different cultures, increase their general knowledge and make friends from all over the globe. All these things and experiences make them inspired and happy and create memories for a lifetime.

What makes one country different from the other?

Oh, I guess its territory, population and government, first of all. I would also add its history as well as customs and traditions to this list. Oh, and its laws, climate and nature too. At least this is what makes one country different from the other for me.

Do you agree that reading is the best way to know about culture?

Well, I can't say that it's the best way to immerse in a foreign culture for everyone, but it's definitely one of the best ways for the majority of people I know as reading exposes us to the culture giving us a chance to learn about etiquette, values, festivals and religion. What is more, books written by locals give us a glimpse into the mind and life of the people from that culture helping us to learn a lot about their mentality. Oh, and one more important thing. Culture consists of patterns, both explicit and implicit, and books often conceal the culture's quirks in the details. So yeah, reading is definitely not the worst way to know about a new culture, I guess.

How do people get information about other countries?

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What is the best way to learn a foreign culture?

Well, I don't think there is just one way to learn a foreign culture. I'd rather say that it's a combination of ways that helps people immerse themselves in another culture and learn as much as possible about it. The way the majority of people usually opt for is travelling or moving to the country with the culture they want to experience in order to live among people who represent that culture and learn about things such as their values, cuisine, and fashion. But I think that people who can't afford to travel still have a great chance to get acquainted with the culture they are interested in by reading travel books, travel journals and guides to get information about etiquette, gender roles, festivals, and religion. If people don't like reading, they can look up YouTube videos dedicated to a specific culture or aspects of a culture, or get a pen or email pal to ask them all those questions they need answers to.