Module 3 Task 13
Read the description of three situations (Situation 6,7,8) illustrating three types of strokes in the cultural context of East European countries. Match each description with an interpretation that explains the validity of gift-giving by taking the quiz below.
There are three types of strokes—a positive stroke, a negative stroke, and a conditional stroke—illustrated by specific situations in the cultural context of East European countries. These strokes reflect the social norms and expectations of Eastern Europeans, who value respect for authority, formal recognition of achievements, and social harmony, which are communicated verbally or nonverbally in daily interactions.
SITUATION 6: A formal gift-giving event in Lithuania
At a formal birthday celebration, a colleague from work presents a beautifully wrapped gift to a superior or elder family member. The gesture is accompanied by a verbal stroke like: "This is for you, as a token of my respect and appreciation." This is a positive stroke because it recognizes the recipient’s status and importance within the group. The gift itself is a non-verbal positive stroke, signalling that the giver acknowledges the recipient’s value and position.
A professor in a Polish university points out a student’s mistake in front of colleagues during a meeting: "You didn’t follow the procedure properly. This is unprofessional and could affect the team’s performance." The criticism is a verbal negative stroke because it acknowledges the mistake or misstep in a way that diminishes the recipient’s status or competence.
SITUATION 8: A graduation celebration in the Czech Republic
A grandmother gives her grandchild a gift after graduation, saying, "You worked so hard for this degree, and now I can see the results. This gift is to show how proud I am of your achievement." The gift is a non-verbal conditional stroke upon the student having successfully graduated, so it acknowledges the individual’s effort and success in a specific context. The stroke is contingent upon meeting the family’s or society’s expectations for academic success.
Possible interpretations to match:
INTERPRETATION A
In this culture, significant personal achievements, such as graduating from university, are often celebrated within the family and close circles. A stroke in this context might be conditional, recognizing the recipient only if they meet specific expectations or criteria. Conditional strokes are common in Eastern European cultures where personal achievements are highly valued. A stroke that recognizes someone’s efforts or success, like giving a gift after graduation, is often based on the condition that the recipient has met certain expectations (academic or otherwise). This can create a motivating force, as the recipient knows they must meet those criteria to receive positive recognition..
INTERPRETATION B
In this East European country, gift-giving can be an important social practice, especially during significant holidays like Christmas or major milestones such as birthdays or anniversaries. A gift in this cultural context is more than just a material offering—it is a form of recognition and respect. This is an example of a positive stroke where the giver uses both the gesture (gift-giving) and the accompanying words to provide recognition of the recipient's status or role.
INTERPRETATION C
In this country’s workplaces and schools, where hierarchy and formality are still often emphasized, public acknowledgement and critique are significant. Negative strokes can be delivered in a formal or indirect way but are often direct and to the point when criticism is needed. The negative stroke in this scenario is an act of correction or disapproval, which can be common in hierarchical societies where authority figures feel the need to maintain order and discipline. In this case, the stroke may feel harsh, especially if given in a public setting, as it also has social consequences for the recipient’s reputation.
Now, take the quiz to do the matching activity. Then, Ponder Point 7 will be considered as a follow-up.
Click Quiz
PONDER POINT 7:
You are invited to reflect upon gift-giving and reprimanding in your culture of origin.
In what ways or in what situations do people in your country offer gifts as signs of appreciation?
In what ways or in what situations do people in your country reprimand others for misbehaviour or mistakes?
To what extent are your customs similar or different from the tendencies practiced in East European countries?