Question

Naina, a senior research fellow, believes that the beliefs, ideas, values and practices of her native culture are correct, and can be used as the standards to assess other cultural groups in her research. She is :

• A. a linguist
• B. a detractor
• C. an ethnocentric
• D. a polyglot

Answer 1

Answer:

C. an ethnocentric

What is Ethnocentrism?

1. Judging other cultures using one's own culture as the standard: Ethnocentrism involves evaluating other cultures, customs, and beliefs based on the values, norms, and standards of one's own culture.

2. Assuming one's own culture is superior: Ethnocentrism often involves the assumption that one's own culture is better, more advanced, or more civilized than others.

Characteristics of Ethnocentrism

1. Cultural bias: Ethnocentrism leads to biased perceptions and interpretations of other cultures.

2. Lack of cultural relativism: Ethnocentrism fails to consider the cultural context and unique characteristics of other cultures.

3. Tendency to stereotype: Ethnocentrism often involves stereotyping and making generalizations about other cultures.

Consequences of Ethnocentrism

1. Misunderstandings and miscommunications: Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications between people from different cultures.

2. Cultural insensitivity: Ethnocentrism can result in cultural insensitivity and disrespect for other cultures.

3. Barriers to cross-cultural understanding: Ethnocentrism can create barriers to genuine cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Example: Naina's Case

In the case of Naina, she is demonstrating ethnocentrism by:

1. Assuming her native culture is the standard for evaluating other cultures.

2. Using her own cultural values and beliefs to assess other cultural groups.

This approach can lead to biased research findings and a lack of genuine understanding of the cultures she is studying.