Cultural Differences In Communication

By

Kjersti Naeringsrud

Diplomatic Academy of London

Topics

Definitions: Culture and Communication Key Aspects of Intercultural

Communication Cultural Contexts: Hall Non-Verbal Communication Potential Communication Problems Tips for Effective Communication Conclusion

Definitions

Communication: A process in which a person, through the use of signs/symbols, verbally and/or non verbally, but intentionally, conveys meaning to another in order to affect change.

Culture: System of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another.

5 Key Aspects That May Have an Impact on Intercultural Communication

1. Level of Formality

2. Level of Directness and Explicitness

3. Perception of Time Monochronic-time cultures ( Western countries) Polychronic-time cultures (Asia, Latin-America)

4. Individualism vs. Collectivism

5. Show of Emotions

Cultural Contexts: Hall High Context Cultures Relationships are long lasting Agreements tend to be spoken Cultural Patterns are slow to change Low Context Cultures Messages must be explicit Agreements are written Cultural patterns are faster to change

Non Verbal Communication

By some estimates, 75 percent of all

communication is non-verbal Stance Gesture Eye movement Voice quality Dress: a contextual clue

Potential Communication Problems

Problems with translation Problems with pronunciation Problems with choice and meaning

Ambiguous wordsUnfamiliar words

Problems with slang and idiomatic expressions

Tips for Effective Communication Across Cultures

Develop a sense of cultural awareness Do away with ethnocentrism Recognize differences Show respect for your counterparts Learn to adapt Be more tolerant

Conclusion

Because people of different cultures differ in the way they do things,the way they view things and they way they communicate,it is important that we develop an awareness of what it means to come from our own culture and make the effort to achieve a better understanding of how things may operate differently in other cultures.

References

Mead, Richard,(1998). International Management

Seely, H.Ned, Seely –James, Alan,(1995). Culture Clash

Weaver,Gary R,(1996). Culture,Communication and Conflict:Readings in Intercultural Realtions