Evaluate Intercultural Behaviour

Greeting is a way for human to communicate awareness of each other’s presence and show attention to each other. In a small world like ours, travelling around it is no longer a feat as technology progresses yet there are still 1001 ways to greet each other.
The British prefer to say “hello” when they meet with their friends.
French people usually kiss on both cheeks when they meet and leave to show respect and affection between two people in general.

However, cheek kissing is highly uncommon in Asian countries. In Japan, the Japanese would bow when they greet someone. Even within the family, most Japanese would not hug each other because they do not have the habit of expressing their feelings directly.

The Inuit, who live in Canada, rub noses whereas in Tibet they would stick their tongue out at someone to show that they have no evil thoughts.
Let us look at an example closer to home. Muslims greet each other with the salam (an Islamic form of greeting) When the Malays offer the salam, they will touch each other's right hand. The touch is just a light clasp not amounting to a handshake which is then immediately followed by the placing the hand on the heart to signify the greeting is heartfelt.

Just last year, the president of America, Mr Barack Obama was criticised as treasonous for bowing to the Japanese Emperor. Critics claim that Mr Obama is showing deference to the Japanese emperor as the state department protocol decrees that the president bows to no one. However, others feel that the US president is just bowing out of courtesy and respect for the Japanese culture.

Our planet consists of many different countries where different races of people with different customs and manners live in. Each of these countries has their own way of greeting people. The biggest difference is not the content of the greeting but the behaviour and the way they express their greetings. However, regardless of the differences in the way greeting is being expressed, the ultimate aim of showing awareness of presence of each other could be felt.

Application letter Draft 2

58 Woodlands Drive 16

1^st Feb 2010

Ms. Mary Tan
Human Resource Manager
Woodlands Road
#B1-16/18/19 Times Square
Singapore 123456

Dear Ms. Tan,

Application for the post of Part Time Piano Teacher

I am writing to apply for the post of a Part Time Piano Teacher which was advertised on the school’s website.

Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science specialised in Food Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore. For the past 2 years, I had been doing diploma in teaching by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. At the same time, I do private piano teaching as well. Balancing full time studying with private piano teaching had helped me to develop my skills on time management, which I consider an important criterion in teaching. I have been attending courses on a regular basis so as to keep myself updated with the latest Piano syllabus.

My previous part time job as a facilitator for seminars had allowed me to interact and understand teenagers between the age of seven to seventeen. This experience had underlined my determination to work with this age group. In addition, I was part of the planning Committee for the Science Orientation Camp in 2009. Through the Committee, I learnt to work with young adults which I believe would be useful when it comes to late beginners. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.

Teaching piano and sharing the joy of music with everyone is definitely a fulfilling and worthwhile experience. I do hope that you will look favourable in my application. I look forward to hear from you.

Yours truly,

Miss Wong Shih Han

Application letter Draft 1

58 Woodlands Drive 16

1^st Feb 2010

Ms. Mary Tan
Human Resource Manager
Woodlands Road
#B1-16/18/19 Times Square
Singapore 123456

Dear Ms. Tan,

Application for the post of Part Time Piano Teacher

I am writing to apply for the post of a Part Time Piano Teacher which was advertised on the school’s website.

Currently, I am pursuing for a Bachelor of Science specialised in Food Science at the National University of Singapore. I have been doing diploma in teaching by the Associate Board for Royal School of Music for the past 3 years and also teach private piano students. Balancing full time studying with private piano teaching had honed my skills on time management, which I consider an important criterion in teaching. I have been attending courses on a regular basis so as to keep myself updated with the latest Piano syllabus.

My previous part time job as a facilitator for seminars had allowed me to interact and understand teenagers with age ranging from seven to seventeen. This experience had underlined my determination to work with this age group. In addition, I was part of the planning Committee for the Science Orientation Camp in 2009. Through the Committee, I learnt to work with young adults which I believe would be useful when there are late beginners learning piano. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.

Teaching piano and sharing the joy of music with everyone is definitely a fulfilling and worthwhile experience. I do hope that you will look favourable in my application. I look forward to hear from you.

Yours truly,

Miss Wong Shih Han