Jalyssa Jean-reflections on presentations

By Jalyssa jean 

     Working on this project with my group was not just easy it was genuinely enjoyable. From the very beginning, communication was consistent, respectful, and clear. We didn’t have to chase anyone down or deal with the usual group project frustrations. Everyone contributed equally, shared their ideas openly, and we were able to flow through the entire process with no struggle. That’s rare, and I’m proud of the way we worked together. I truly believe our presentation reflected the strength of that teamwork.

    One of the most interesting and impactful parts of our presentation focused on how hand gestures vary across cultures and how something so simple can completely change meaning depending on where you are. For example, we talked about the thumbs up gesture, which in Western culture usually means “good” or “all is well.” Most of us use it without thinking. But in West African and Middle Eastern cultures, that same gesture is considered deeply offensive on the level of giving someone the middle finger. That shocked me. It made me realize how much we take nonverbal communication for granted, assuming it’s universal when it’s absolutely not.

     We also explored the “A-OK” sign a circle made with the thumb and index finger. In the U.S., it just means “great” or “perfect.” But in Japanese culture, it refers to money, while in Brazil, it’s actually used as a rude, obscene insult. Then there was the “V” sign, which many Americans (myself included) associate with peace or use playfully in photos. But when that same gesture is flipped palm-inward, it becomes a serious insult in parts of Europe. That blew my mind.

    Another cool moment came when one of my teammates shared how, in Chinese culture, the “V” gesture represents the number 8, which is considered lucky. One single hand gesture, used in five or six different ways across the world each with totally different meanings. It was a perfect illustration of why intercultural communication matters and how cultural background, language, and even generational differences can lead to unintentional miscommunication.

“These hand gestures seem small, but they carry big cultural weight.”

That was probably the main point we all walked away with. Something as harmless as a photo pose, a goodbye sign, or even an emoji can either communicate friendliness or deep offense based solely on the cultural lens of the person receiving it.

chapter 9 - Culture and conflict 

     What also stood out to me during Group 3’s presentation was the example of how conflict usually starts small but escalates quickly when it turns personal. Jill called Jack self-centered, and Jack responded by calling her a downer. As a result, the group completely fell apart and accomplished nothing. I’ve seen that happen in real life people feel disrespected, and suddenly the issue becomes the person, not the task. What impacted me most was the reminder to focus on the issue, not the individual, and to use “I” statements to express concerns without assigning blame. That small change in language can diffuse tension and open the door to real understanding.

    I also appreciated the cultural insight that not everyone handles conflict the same way. In individualistic cultures like the U.S., people are taught to speak up and be assertive. In collectivist cultures, like many Asian or Latin American communities, the focus is often on group harmony. What might look like avoidance to me could actually be a sign of respect or restraint to someone else. That challenged my perspective and helped me reframe what respectful communication looks like across different backgrounds.

   Another point that stuck with me was how co-cultural background plays a role even within the same country. Just because someone is American doesn’t mean they communicate the same way. Upbringing, values, and family norms all shape how we express ourselves and interpret others. One powerful example was how the same word in Spanish can be completely innocent in one country and offensive in another. That really highlighted how easily misunderstandings can happen even when you mean no harm if you’re not aware of these differences.

   They also discussed how conflict shows up in virtual spaces, especially since so much of our communication happens through text, email, and Zoom now. Without tone, facial expressions, or body language, even a message like “fine” can sound sarcastic. I’ve experienced that exact issue. To avoid these miscommunications, we learned the importance of setting clear expectations, checking in individually, and being thoughtful about how we communicate in digital formats. That lesson wasn’t just useful it was necessary.

     Another big takeaway for me was realizing that culture is more than ethnicity or nationality. It includes beliefs, values, behaviors even age, gender, or socioeconomic background. The slide that broke it down into dominant culture vs. co-cultures was eye-opening. I’d never really thought about where I fit. Am I part of the dominant group in most spaces? Do I unconsciously expect others to adapt to me? That reflection helped me become more mindful of the spaces I occupy and how I interact with others who might come from different contexts.

    We also touched on group dynamics and accountability. At first, I didn’t think this topic had much to do with culture but I quickly realized how wrong I was. Different people have different expectations for how groups should function. Some expect strong leadership and clear roles. Others value equality and consensus. Some think showing up five minutes early is on time. Others consider five minutes late to be totally fine. Learning to navigate these expectations with cultural awareness makes a huge difference in how successful a group can be.

   This project didn’t just teach me about conflict  taught me about people. It helped me see how culture, upbringing, and personal experiences shape how we engage in disagreement, express respect, and collaborate with others. Most of all, it taught me that conflict isn’t the problem misunderstanding is. And with the right tools, we can handle both with more care and empathy.

   I’ll definitely carry these lessons with me into future classes, jobs, and relationships. Because at the end of the day, good communication is about respect. And respect doesn’t always look like agreement it looks like curiosity, humility, and effort. And if this project taught me anything, it’s that all three are worth practicing every single day.