Foreign To Familiar
Sarah A. Lanier
(C) 2000
McDougal Publishing

Completed Feb, 2020

Summary:
Lanier has lived in many countries across the globe. During that time she has grown in an understanding that cultures are different. In this book she identifies some broad differences between what she calls Hot-Climate and Cold-Climate cultures. Hot-climate cultures are those that are centered around relationships. Cold-climate cultures are those that are task (or productivity) oriented. There are vast differences. But the greatest value that Sarah Lanier provides (for me) is that there are things we can keep in mind when interacting with people from each of those broad culture types.

Ok. Time for full transparency. I listened to the Audible version of this book although I have now ordered the print copy. It’s different listening than reading. A friend of mine, Dennis Toll recommended this book to me.

For years I have heard the term “Africa time” used to describe that people from Africa are never on time. After listening to this book, I’m sorry that I’ve been critical of them. When I visited a rural school in Ethiopia, I was to participate in a graduation that was to start at a specific time. I (and the other Westerners with me) showed up about 10 minutes early. Hardly anyone was around the church. People started appearing 20 minutes after the scheduled time, and them more came later. Finally the event started about 50 minutes late! Reading this book helps me to understand this better.

But, I’m from the Midwestern USA. We are a strange mix, but I’ve been steeped in ways to increase our productivity and get things done. The author of this book shows that this is very common in cultures that have a Northern European heritage. This includes the USA and Australia. I learned some things about why we think like we do!

Now, much of what is in this book is written in generalities and anyone reading it needs to understand this. But, understanding the generalities helps dispel potential frustrations.

I highly recommend this book! Get a copy. Read it. Begin to look at people of other cultures with an understanding of their relationship or task orientedness. Let me know if you read it. I would love to know your reactions. Leave a comment if you’d like…