Managing Differences

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https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/samoa/samoa-adventure-145753
Imagine this, hearing the waves crashing on the beach in the background, the birds singing in the huge blue wide-open sky. Massive palm trees line the beach with an endlessly green landscape in the background. Bright beautiful flowers peak out through the green and an ice-cold tropical cocktail sits in your hand. While it may be true that this is the scene in Samoa what this image doesn’t portray is the culture of the islands. Many people, when traveling to countries with other cultures, don’t consider how to immerse themselves in the culture of the country. If you are wanting to travel to Samoa, I would suggest that you learn a few words or phrases in Samoan, and non-verbal gestures to communicate properly. I would also suggest doing some research on the native religion and worldviews of the Samoan Culture. This blog will be discussing these obstacles in more detail.

Before traveling to Samoa begin learning the language for example, how to say hello (Talofa), can you help me (E mafai ona e fesoasoani mai?), and thank you (fa’afetai) in Samoan. While Samoans do speak English learning a few phrases in the native language shows respect and appreciation for the culture. Resources like Samoa Secrets on YouTube and even google translate can be helpful when trying to learn Samoan and how to pronounce words and phrases. It is also important to know what topics are taboo and what is an appropriate casual conversation. Taboo topics can cause tension in the conversation and will lead to bad interactions. The nonverbal gestures that go along with the language are also just as important. In Samoan culture, it is incorrect to make eye contact instead, eye contact should be done in short glances. Also, it is important to never speak to someone standing up while they are sitting down. If the person you choose to speak to is sitting be sure to sit at eye level with them to have a conversation.

Samoans’ religious beliefs are a very important part of the culture. Villages in Samoa often have prayer time that is marked by either a bell ringing or a public announcement. If you are visiting a Samoan village during prayer time, be respectful and quiet. You can partake in prayer time if you are religious, or you can quietly meditate or take in the beautiful landscape. Disrespecting this prayer time will cause immense tension between you and the locals which will lead to a bad experience. Samoans also believe that humans and nature are one. They respect the landscape and believe that it is a living soul. If you are traveling to Samoa, be sure to savor and appreciate the land animals, and plants the way the natives do.

https://www.vacationstravel.com/new-samoa-acommodation/
Preparing for a vacation to Samoa can start months or even years before the vacation. The more knowledge you gain about the culture you are visiting the more rewarding that vacation will be. If a long-term visit is planned remember that the same preparation can help one adjust to the everyday life of the culture. These steps can also be used to prepare for travel to other cultures. Respecting others and their cultures can be instilled into everyday life and used in interactions in the workplace or even just casual conversation. Understanding that there are different world views and religions can help unite people and even build better relationships in personal lives.

 If travel to Samoa is not an option but one is still looking for a similar experience, Hawaii can be an alternative. Hawaiian culture is not the same as Samoan culture however there are some similarities. Both cultures also deeply value respect and religion. Samoan and Hawaiian are both Polynesian cultures that share a number of religious views and also similar languages. Both of these destinations are beautiful visually and culturally.

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