Teaching Differences: Presenting U.S. Literature in Vilnius, Lithuania

Year 2006, Issue: 24, 93 - 105, 01.10.2006

Irena Praitis

Abstract

The initial moments of cross-cultural interaction are often crucial. Misunderstandings, offenses, hurt feelings, and other possible breaches of communication and interaction sometimes emerge when people of different cultural backgrounds meet. The word “shock” might be said to euphemize the experience. I reminded myself, while in this state of “shock,” that understanding takes time and that openness between individuals, and cultures, is key. I repeated to myself, on many occasions while teaching overseas, that graciousness, generosity, and forgiveness, would be my best practices, and that patience not exactly a specialty of mine , would be more than a virtue, it would be a necessity. As I chronicle my experiences of teaching in Lithuania, I would say I was at my best when I held the above in the forefront of my mind. Trust me, when I say I erred in my interactions. I also know I learned from them and grew from them. I don’t believe that anything I learned I learned “too late.” I sensed that I learned when I became sensitive enough to perceive differences, motivations, and explanations. I believe that the specifics of what I learned are what will shape my general understanding in future meetings across cultures. That I have much more to learn gives testament to the great cultural richness we carry within ourselves, in each of our cultures, sometimes unbeknownst to us.

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