James Spradley – The Prepared Expat

No Context, No Clue: Why Expats Miss the Point (and What to Do About It)

A person tries to assemble a globe made out of puzzle pieces, symbolizing the need to piece together how things fit together in a new culture.

Ever feel like everyone’s in on a joke you don’t get? As an expat, missing cultural context is like hearing people talk about a movie you’ve never seen. This article uncovers why symbols, references, and shorthand matter—and how cracking the code of cultural fluency can turn confusion into connection.

Cows, Curry, and Contrasts: Learning Language and Culture Through Comparisons

An expat and a local person grouping random objects into groups

Unlock the meaning of words and cultural symbols! Discover how comparing and contrasting symbols can deepen your understanding of both language and culture.

Discovering the Past: How History Shapes Cultural Understanding

If you don’t understand a people’s history, you won’t understand their culture. Learn why this is so + tips for understanding your host’s history from The Prepared Expat.