Influences and Circles We Live By

The second chapter focuses on the impact culture has on its representatives. Through inherited values and knowledge, we cherish certain traditions, customs, and beliefs, and we accept these as the foundation of our identity. There is a difference here between horizontal and vertical influences. The former involves the times in which we live (things we witness ourselves, relating to our contemporaries) whereas the latter are rooted in the past, thus connecting us with history (our ancestors, for example). As for those affecting us horizontally, the present chapter will remind us that we do not put all of these in the same circles or categories, hence the strength of their influence can vary greatly. The chapter then concludes with activities to stimulate discussion on the topics covered and provides the voices of intercultural teachers and communicators, plus a summary.