Provisional Summary of the
Brainstorming Session on Culture
March 11, 1997
The chairperson welcomed all the participants and encouraged them to express their views on culture openly. She opened the discussion with the topics on culture which had been discussed in the previous day's workshop. Participants had covered different issues making up their own cultural backgrounds, and had considered the ways in which approaching the subject from a business, academic, or political background would have affected their talks. The chairperson mentioned the question of the definition of culture itself. Participants had concurred that culture is a set of commonalities shared by groups of people. To understand each others' culture is the first step in understanding individuals. The first major problem is language. It is difficult to find a common language to use, especially for Asian cultures. It is difficult to use English since there are so many inconsistencies and difficulties in the language. The important concern, however, should not be to use the language perfectly, but to use even simple words and grammar to express significant ideas. Another problem discussed related to language was values. Values differ greatly from culture to culture. The chairperson then went on to review the previous day's discussion on the subject of how values affect European culture, and also how this impacts Asia, since there is such a variety of modes of communication. Participants had then covered how they could have an appropriate means of communication despite those differences. The next topic covered had been what kinds of backgrounds, languages, and cultures coexist in individual groups of people. This had been followed by conversations on the problem of integration in Europe. Viewed from the outside, Europe has had an accepted way of communication within. But within the European point of view, there are differences of opinion between different peoples in Europe. The European countries cannot assume an equal basis of discussion, due to language. Individual countries are very sensitive to the necessity of maintaining their own identities. An opinion among the European views was that Europeans tend to focus on the shortcomings of each country, whereas the Asian tendency was to focus on the successes of each country. Participants from each Asian country tended to believe that they are coexisting well. However, they mentioned that the balance of power between countries is a problem. Asia is not to be considered one unit, due to its very large and extremely small populations. Each country sees itself as an individual. Asia would appear to be more diversified compared to Europe, which is more of a unit. Among the consequences of the diversification of Asia and the unification of Europe is the problem of how to deal with individual differences. Individually, there is the fear of losing one's own culture. The question was how to cooperate with each other, but without sacrificing their own cultures. Interdependence was defined previously in many ways. Exchanges between many different groups were on the individual level. The next step in communication of good will was to exchange information with each other. The first step was to set up the exchange of an information network. The network of exchange must be set up not only for information exchange, but also on the personal level. As a conclusion of that workshop session, participants had felt that a symposium like this was one important means of collaboration on these subjects. That was the reason why these talks were so important.
An Asian participant said that he disagreed with the idea that Asia was diversified in most areas. He agreed that Europe was undergoing integration, but felt that the dominating process in Asia is one of community building. Southeast Asia is very diverse in many ways, but ASEAN has been able to build a community based on commonalities, not focusing on differences. There is no single system of education, law, or culture in Asia, but in spite of all these differences, Asia is able to build a system together. His second point was on values. He asked about the different support of common values. There was a study published on Asia, regarding whether it shares common values, personal values and societal values. The study found that Europe's and America's values were more diverse than those of East Asia, in contrast to what had been said on the previous day. It was asked if there was a similar study on Europe. The study said that there were many similarities between European countries. His third point was the difference between Americans and Europeans. The participant said that Americans want to hold to their values, and that they saw liberty as their driving spirit. European thought is not to cling to their individual views.
An Asian participant stated that when they were talking about the WTO previously, more information was needed to comment effectively. The study was interesting, but he would like to know more on the historic and religious aspects.
An Asian participant continued that there were many differences stated by Hitchcock in the WTO report which covered the pursuit of harmony and public order in Asia. Americans see that liberty is important, but that it is feared in Asia, since it could promote public disorder. Although Americans would work to sacrifice themselves for their family, Asians were not as civic minded.
The chairperson pointed out that culture cannot be represented by statistics. When people get this information they focus on the differences, which are not what is important similarities and opportunities should be emphasized.
A European participant said that she had heard that cultures are very diverse within Asia, but that they are also this way within Europe.
The chairperson wished to ask the participant's comments on the culture workshop from yesterday.
A European participant said it would be useful to differentiate between whether the focus and value was cultural or economic. Also, she wanted to know how the European countries define values.
A European participant said that it is very important to be sensitive when making statements on culture. There are too many studies that end up making the problem worse by their blanket statements. Problems often start by failing to postpone judgment. The deeper you go into the individual's mind, the deeper the differences. Trying to understand each position is the best way to go through the educational system. He said that it would be a good idea to include exchanges for all ages for learning how to restructure the educational system. Further, language options in Europe should offer Asian language classes from the very start of youth education. The system for language education needs to be changed. There are no quick fixes, and it will take a generation to make the necessary changes.
An Asian participant said that there should be a university in Asia for Europeans.
A European participant stated that almost all students would like to study in another country but preparations are done by the students on an individual basis. In the future there should be seminars that would give information to those who would also hope to be going, giving individuals a chance to exchange ideas, information and views.
The chairperson agreed that there need to be more opportunities to educate students about possibilities for such exchanges to Europe.
A European participant said that widely available information on other cultures impacts those cultures. His Asian students would bring their own cultures with them and hamper the perception of their studies of Europe because of this. They did not see their own culture when they were interacting within it, until they went to another culture and returned. However, one must leave and come back to realize this to understand another culture, you must be removed from your own culture. The motivation of man is his culture and he is reliant on people, environment, and religion. Man belongs to a group, and his group makes him an individual. The importance of values are very clearly related to the culture of individuals. Culture is best understood by observing poor cultures or lower classes, which are marked by the experiences and education of the people. There are many schools in France that provide education in different Asian languages, but there are not enough; the situation is the same in Europe. If we want to speak on value, we must keep in mind culture. Due to the diversity and number of cultures in Asia and Europe, it is difficult to provide shared education spanning such a distance.
An Asian participant said that in his experience, culture plays a major role in understanding other people. In an article he read, he looked at how to merge two cultures. For example, the United States is dominating Japan, but deep down Japanese are still very traditional. So he would like to create a new culture. Also he saw Asia as quite chaotic, and Europe as a culture that sticks to principle.
A European participant said that European educational systems are compatible. However, this is not the case in Asia where educational systems are not very compatible from country to country.
A European participant stated that investment in people must be viewed according to current priorities. Sending students abroad is not to be viewed as an export but an import.
A European participant said that the educational exchange program called ERASMUS within Europe is a great system, and something like it should be carried out between Europe and Asia also. He read an article that said there should be more of a universal movement in the area of education as opposed to individual efforts in pursuit of private concerns.
An Asian participant said that ERASMUS is a great program and he would like to send students on similar exchanges. Basically to expand the program to Asia would be the only way to do what is being called for.
An Asian participant said that culture has a direct impact on politics and every aspect of life. There have been many misunderstandings on what is viewed as history and culture. For example, why are there not activities for younger children since they are able to learn new things so easily? The focus should be shifted to the youth.
A European participant said that in addressing educational programs the problem arises as to how to promote these programs. They need more information on individual institutions. They would like to set up more programs, but the problem is money.
An Asian participant stated that teaching foreigners in the English language is defeating in the long run. Students are expected to express themselves in English, not in Japanese, when studying in Japan. This presents a major problem regarding the whole purpose for studying in Japan. In order to make universities effective they should exchange professors. Also there are many youth exchange programs, they are not set up systematically to work together. Government programs are draining much money due to the lack of coordination of these exchanges. Finally, because private companies are more effective on a multilateral basis as well as more efficient, they would be an effective source for coordinating exchanges.
A European participant said that there should not be more work on bringing more Europeans out of their countries. The first idea was to send more people from Asia for study. The problem is, however, that more people would go to America. Another problem is that it is difficult for people to come to Asia. There is a need to support the exchange programs focusing on youth not only through government funds, but through private funds as well.
An Asian participant felt that the people in France generally were not accepting of him on his last visit. It is difficult to educate the masses to accept individuals as well as to travel in European countries.
An Asian participant said that youth play a very important role in exchanges, but the organizations are not as eager as need be to provide youth exchanges. There needs to be a focus also on bringing young entrepreneurs to Europe to arrange business meetings short-term exchanges that are relative to the realities of life.
The chairperson was skeptical as to whether this short-term package would work.
An Asian participant stated that opening and maintaining dialogue is important, but developing ideas is also essential.
An Asian participant referred to the idea for a joint credit transfer program between universities. Also university programs focused on Europe are starting this year. The focus is relative, but the public at large must be made aware, and prejudices and stereotypes should be illuminated. If there can be some action by the mass media on this process, it should be carried out.
An Asian participant said that education in Japan that is limited to a single school building is not helpful. The Japanese are open to the importance of new ideas and exchanges, but Japan must also place a high value on its own culture.
A European participant said that youth exchange in Europe is viewed as important, but that it is nearly impossible for institutions to support private initiatives to provide program sharing.
A European participant said that there is support for graduate studies in exchange programs, but only within a couple of countries. Further, it is necessary to learn in the field and not only in the class room. He commented that culture is a living force, and that those in the field of anthropology do not often look at cultures in this way, or view the newer aspects of culture. It is important to observe the future to see the course culture will take.
A European participant said that language exchange needs to be introduced in mid-level education. There are a number of exchange programs, but they need to compliment each other better.
A European participant said that the exchange programs cannot be funded by governments and, therefore, should be funded by private enterprises.
A European participant stated that the cost factor in Asian countries is a reason for the lack of programs that are available.
A European participant said that many will choose Japanese because of the ease of getting a visa, and also that it is easier to learn a tonal language more difficult languages are not so attractive. When you acquire only a language, you get less than if you study just a culture.
An Asian participant said that arts are important, but are often overlooked and are promoted only by private organizations. Music and visual art can bring people together and can unify nations.
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