Are we creatures of our culture?

I believe that we are “creatures of our culture” only in part and that individual traits and personality are also very important in determining who we are and how we communicate. The definition in the reading by Donald Klopf is that culture is “that part of the environment made by humans.” Culture greatly impacts our assumptions about normal behavior and communication styles. However, I think it is a matter of degree. As quoted from Harry Hoijer in the reading “Intercultural communication, however wide the differences between cultures may be, is not impossible. It is simply more or less difficult.”
The importance of individual traits should not be overlooked. One of my relatives has three adopted children, who are now adults. They were all adopted at childbirth and were raised in the same environment in the same culture. However, they are all have very different personalities and communication styles. One of the children connects emotionally with others; one of them is very logical and reserved; and one of them is very spiritual. Sometimes basic personality differences are just as big a barrier to communication as cultural differences.
In order to overcome the limits of our cutures we need to realize that there are differences and not to assume that things are the same, keep an open mind and ask lots of questions. It is extremely helpful to develop a close friendship with someone in diffrent culture culture. Culture is less of a barrier in communication at a personal level when the other person already understands that you are coming from a different perspective. That person can be a guide and answer questions that may be difficult to ask others. Having a good relationships with a person from a diffrent culture allows to check your assumptions about things as you experience them and also ask questions later to confirm your understanding.