Key Themes and Illustrative Examples

This chapter brings together the main themes and observations from the three groups of those we spoke to and also draws on illustrative vignettes and brings them together in an Appendix that we suggest can be used by others for reflection and developmental purposes. In relation to Languages, the chapter focuses on the importance of being able to speak and operate in the country’s first language, the key role of contexts, and the myth of there being one language everyone needs to learn. With regard to cultures the chapter focuses on how cultures are integrally intermeshed with languages; on institutional cultures; and on definitions and perceptions of how cultures are ever changing. In terms of personalities we focus on key traits that individuals either said were key or indicated were key through the data; traits of having an open mind; of having a get up and go type attitude; of being relentless and determined; and of being forgiving of mistakes and situations that might be different or unusual to begin with. We draw on examples from our data in the form of vignettes and use this in suggested materials (with suggestions for their utilization) for others to use in developmental sessions and for reflection. These are in Appendix.