Research Paper On Brazil Culture

Brazil is the largest country in South America and interestingly it borders every country in South America except for Chile and Ecuador. It is also the fifth largest country in the world with a population of approximately 170 million people according to a 2000 census. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese and it is the only country in South America that speaks Portuguese. The nation of Portugal invaded Brazil in 1500, however independence was granted in 1822. Hence the Portuguese culture and heritage throughout the country of Brazil.

Unlike US citizens, Brazilians have little regard for personal space. They are not bothered to be packed close to each other in a public space that is over-crowded. One is expected to maintain eye contact while conversing with a Brazilian and they are very animated when emotional, using touch as a way to communicate. This gesture in other cultures could be offensive. In addition, Brazilians are very open-minded with regards to their body and nudity. Women of all sizes and shapes wear the tiny string bikini referred to as the “dental floss” per Brazilian slang culture (Argolis).

As a professional imaging technologist, knowing that the Brazilian culture does not have any issues with personal space, I should not be surprised if the patient enters my “personal bubble” and comminicates expressively using my hands.

However, I would have to be aware of certain hand gestures as the okay sign in their culture is considered offensive or obscene (Meyer). A “thumbs up” sign would be more appropriate in the Brazilian culture. A further way to gain trust in my Brazilian patient would be to learn a few phrases in Portuguese. For example, “Olá, meu nome é Bina” means hello, my name is Bina. If it were possible the best way to communicate with a patient of this background would be through an interpreter scheduled ahead of time, if

possible.
At the facility, I currently work at we offer patients a language line as means of communication for foreign languages. Currently I would use this option to obtain both medical and allergic history. An obstacle that I would encounter with a male patient would be when he would become expressive using his hands and touch me. This would be uncomfortable for me but according to his culture it is very normal. In the event of not having any translator, I would use hand gestures but be vary not to use the inappropriate ones. Another way could be to draw an illustration to explain the procedure. Or the other method I would use in explaining the procedure is by using dolls which is generally used for pediatric patients to explain the exam.
If I were to perform a CT chest scan on such a patient I would begin by showing him or her to lie supine of the table. I would then indicate with the show of my hands for them to raise their arms above their heads. Thereafter I would begin the exam and change the language setting to Portuguese since I have that option on the CT scanner.
I think the Brazilian culture is a little more relaxed than the United States culture. They seem to have more diversity in their nation and seem more willing to accept individuals for who they are compared to some of us living here in the United States. This culture also values family and elders are treated with much respect. It is not uncommon for three generations to be living in one household. I do believe that these are some outstanding qualities that we could learn from and adopt into the American culture.