A foreign world The view through cultural glasses

"Foreign World" is an ideal exercise for simulating different cultures and their perspectives. It is particularly suitable for dealing with intercultural topics, such as integration and migration, as it uses two different 'mini-cultures' to illustrate different points of view and at the same time thematise how they interact with each other. It becomes clear that the values, norms and inner attitudes of the respective culture, but also of each individual, have something to do with cultural imprinting, whereby prejudices and stereotypes towards others often arise.

The aim of the exercise is therefore to address the emergence of prejudices and stereotypes, including how to deal with them. It is ideal for discussing the integration of 'otherness' and raising awareness of other points of view, with the aim of encouraging cultural dialogue.

Number of participants

Minimum: 6
Optimum: 16
Maximum: 20

Duration

45-75 minutes, without reflection

Space

Two separate (seminar) rooms of at least 40 m² - the groups must neither see nor hear each other. Both rooms should be close to each other so that the observers' visit can run smoothly.

Structure and procedure

The exercise is based on the symbol tiles, which are used to develop two different cultures based on a myth. These serve as a means of stimulating creativity.
This means that the whole group is divided into two small groups at the beginning and sent to two different rooms. They are then given the task of developing their own cultural identity according to certain guidelines/myths with their own rituals, values and behaviour. As soon as this has been successfully developed, an observer from their own culture is sent to the other culture to observe the lifestyle and behaviour of the others. They experience a so-called 'culture shock', whereby they, as observers, are not allowed to talk to the 'locals'. After an individually determined period of observation, they return to their culture and report back to the others about the foreign world. Once each member has immersed themselves in the foreign world, the respective cultures are asked to create a "travel guide" about the other group, which is then presented in plenary.

The presentations of the "travel guides" are not only accompanied by many 'ohhhs' and 'woows', but it also quickly becomes clear that many prejudices and stereotypes have been formed up to this point, which need to be uncovered or made transparent. With the help of the simulation of 'foreign worlds', the emergence of "cultural glasses" is metacognitively demonstrated. What previously seemed strange and foreign takes on a meaningful significance through the mutual exchange between different cultures, making it clear that many of the stereotypes and behaviours are 'only' based on misunderstandings.

Fremde Welt is part of our theme box Discrimination Sensitivity, but can also be borrowed separately.