Week 5: May 22, 2020 Response to "Cultural Differences Concerning Time"

Monochronic time is focused on obeying the rules to the letter, at all cost. On the other hand, Polychronic time gives high regard to preserving harmonious relationships and connections with others, even if some rules are compromised. Monochronic believes that "time is Gold," but Polychronic says connections and family is always the priority. M-time (Monochronic time) can help keep and maintain the standards of the society, but P-time (Polychronic time) can sometimes put career and safety at stake.

In my opinion, a person can both be aware and cautious about their polychronic and monochronic time. I would like to share my personal experience with how P-time and Me-time improved my health condition. My husband works as a programmer in the biggest hospital in our country. He is well acquainted with the hospital’s department heads, directors, and their staff. When I suffered from spine disease, my husband contacted the people that would help expedite my MRI, admission, and lab requests. I did not have to wait in lines anymore, all were done smoothly because of my husband's connection. The M-time here is: My husband maintained a good reputation as the hospital’s senior programmer. He is a mentor and a fix-it kind of person. Hence, all these good networks were fruits of him having the M-time at work and even at home. Though there are different views and opinions about the P and M-time, people can still follow the rules and be compassionate or considerate, with limitations, at the same time.

M-time and P-time have pros and cons when it comes to compliance with the rules, sociology, network, and relationship. If this is the case how, when, and where should this cultural difference in time be applicable. Which TIME can help us get a better career or save lives? Can a person be excused or be given some consideration for having P-time?

Now how will these cultural differences in time affect our ESL students? From what I have experienced as a second language learner, teachers should know the different cultures of their students so they would understand the students' behavior and values when it comes to time. Only then teachers will know how to deal and resolve the differences.