Page 54 - Reading Between the Sign Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters

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Selected Topics in

Intercultural Communication

Collectivism and Individualism
Imagine the following scene: A group of white-coated psychia-
trists in the country of Individuania circle around a seated, dazed
patient. They are shaking their heads sadly and mumbling their
observations to one another, “Patient passively submits to every-
one else’s wishes.” “He stubbornly refuses to make known his
preferences, desires, or opinions and acts as though he has no
right to his own feelings.” “Patient will only refer to the views of
his family—obviously has not differentiated himself from the bio-
logical breeding unit.” “A very serious case. We must keep him for
further observation and recommend therapy in order to activate
his underdeveloped sense of autonomy.”
Now picture a group of psychiatrists in the country of
Collectivestan. They are murmuring about their puzzled patient:
“This woman is adamant and vociferous in her demands about
her needs.” “She refuses to recognize her obligations to her family
or to any other group.” “She dares to question our authority and
refuses to accept our consensus.” “Quite a serious case. She poses
a threat to society and must remain in this protected environ-
ment.”

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