The Joy of Understanding Differences: Global Penpal Etiquette and Cultural Differences

The World is Wide and Cultures are Diverse

When exchanging letters with friends living on the other side of the earth through Lettie, there are moments of surprise.

"Why is the reply so late?" "Isn't this question rude?" "Isn't the expression too direct?"

All of this comes from cultural differences. It's not 'wrong' but 'different'. The process of understanding these differences is the real charm of global penpalling.

Interesting Cultural Difference Cases

1. Time Perception

• Latin America, Southern Europe: There's a 'Mañana (tomorrow)' spirit. They are tolerant of being a little late for appointments or delayed replies. It's a culture that enjoys leisure.
• Northern Europe, Germany, Japan: Time commitments are taken very seriously. Being late can be considered rude.

2. Communication Style

• USA, Western countries: They prefer to express directly and honestly. Clearly stating one's opinion is a virtue.
• Asia, Middle East: They use many indirect and roundabout expressions. They consider the other person's face and value harmony.

3. Privacy & Topics

• Europe: Asking personal information like age, marital status, occupation from the beginning can be considered rude. It's better to start with light topics like weather, hobbies, travel.
• Korea, Asia: Asking age may be a natural process for organizing how to address someone, but it can be confusing for Western friends.

Essential Etiquette for Global Penpalling

Here are etiquettes to follow to communicate without misunderstanding with friends from different cultures.

1. Have an Open Mind

Remember that your standards are not the answer. Rather than thinking "We don't do that in our country?", you need an attitude of accepting "Oh, that's how it is in your country!"

2. Be Careful with Religion and Politics Topics

Until you become close, it's better to avoid sensitive topics like religion or politics. Differences between each other can turn into conflicts.

3. Be Considerate of Time Differences

Remember that there's a time difference with the other person's country. The time I sent the letter might be the middle of the night for the other person. Even if a reply doesn't come right away, wait patiently.

4. Ask Questions and Listen

If there's something you don't know about the other person's culture, ask honestly.

"How do you celebrate New Year in your country?" "What's the polite way to say this in such situations?"

No one dislikes a friend who respects and is curious about their culture.

Differences Make Us Grow

By experiencing cultural differences, we broaden our perspective of the world. We realize that different thoughts and different ways of life exist, and we grow into global citizens who embrace diversity.

Lettie is not just a penpal app. It's a huge melting pot where diverse cultures meet and mix.

Meet diverse cultures from around the world on Lettie now. The moment you understand differences, the world becomes more interesting and beautiful.

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Create a world without prejudice, friendship without boundaries with Lettie.