How we feel and evaluate time ultimately translates into how we manage every aspect of life. Some cultures perceive time as linear, the straight passage of time from point A to point B. In other cultures time is perceived as a fluctuating uncontrollable sequence of events, flexible without constraints. This is why it can be said that time orientation is culturally inclined. This distinction is marked by the language used to express time. In the English language time "flies" while in Spanish it "walks on by".
How we feel and evaluate time ultimately translates into how we manage every aspect of life. Some cultures perceive time as linear, the straight passage of time from point A to point B. In other cultures time is perceived as a fluctuating uncontrollable sequence of events, flexible without constraints. This is why it can be said that time orientation is culturally inclined. This distinction is marked by the language used to express time. In the English language time “flies” while in Spanish it “walks on by”.
Born and raised in South America my behavioral patterns are deeply rooted in the Latin American culture. I was in for a rude awakening when my family decided to relocate to the US. Like it or not I was given a total immersion course into the American perception of time. I was forced to make a transition from one cultural environment to another. Learning to adapt to the American way of time perception felt as if I had crossed over into a different dimension. Conforming to the new monochromic way of time meant changing my “being fashionably late” mentality with punctuality, coercing my procrastination into “just do it” persuasion. It was not easy but I can say I was able to accomplish it.
Others have not been so fortunate.
Let’s take the recent experience of a relative of mine whom shall remain nameless. It was about 8:30 p.m. last night when my phone rang. At the other end of the line was my relative.
Reason for the call?
My relative is standing outside the post office vexed at the fact that it was closed. “It is tax season…I was told they would be opened late today” was her angry reply. I typed in as fast as I could usps.com to find the nearest postal office open after 8 p.m. While I continued to search for the nearest location, I could hear in the background my relative’s moan that, “after all it must be someone else’s fault. ” All I could think was, “this is what she gets for waiting until the last possible minute to do everything.”
The search turned out to be a disappointment. Due to our ailing economy the postal offices that used to be opened until midnight for tax season no longer offered this service. I could sense the frustration in my relative’s voice as I explained to her that the nearest post office closes in the next 30 minutes. She will not be able to make in time. It would take her at least 50 minutes to get there. After some more complaining my relative said “well what can I do…I will mail it tomorrow.” Twenty years of living in the US has done nothing to activate her sense of urgency.
In my case I can’t say that my assimilation has been 100% successful. But at least I try to run if I can’t fly…
Tags: assimiliation, bashyam spiro llp staff, cultural differences, time in latin america, time in south america, time in united states, Time Perception