Positive psychology has become a pillar in a variety of domains in many societies, such as the workplace and the classroom. However, in multilingual and multicultural spaces individuals may interpret aspects of positive psychology through their own culture and worldview. For example, excessive smiling-or the lack of it- may trigger distinct responses in people from different cultures.
To avoid misunderstandings and to promote harmony, the term 'positive' should be negotiated and offered in a way that everybody can benefit.
I'd be very happy to listen to your opinions!
I believe you would have to check some studies concerned with intercultural communication and studies that focus on openness and acceptance of others.
Thanks for your answer. In fact, I have read hundreds of publications on this matter and some of my own researches deal with positive psychology and intercultural communication as well.
What I'd be really interested, is to hear personal opinions of fellow researchers.
Personally (and I know this does not sound positive) I "blame" the culture to increase my acceptance. Even if I can sometimes not know if anything a person does that bothers me or clashes with my ways has an origin in cultural difference, the mere fact of knowing that person is from a different culture allows me to just accept they are different because of it. Blaming anything that person might do "wrong" in my eyes on cultural difference only increases my tolerence and motivates me to patiently communicate better in order to see if there actually is common ground behind the misunderstandings because it is thus probably not their fault and they might not have bad intentions.
Well, if we can replace the word "positive" with "the behaviors which are likable to all". No matter which part of the world we live in, humans share some basic traits irrespective of age, gender, creed or color.
A positive value could be viewed and appreciated differently in different cultures. It is imperative for whoever practice positive psychology to be multiculturally equip with more awareness, knowledge and skills about one own unfriendly aspects regarding certain diverse cultures and able to differential how to manage it. Failure to see own weaknesses and bias towards other cultures is sure recipe to conflict
I have found (in South Africa we have 11 official languages) an open and frank discussion about cultural preferences and differences helps. Using the Appreciative Inquiry technique was useful for me in this regard.
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