Intercultural CommunicationThe New “Norm”

Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication increases our understanding about other cultures and it is an effective way to make our

world a better place.

Culture`s Link with Communication

``Language carries culture, and culture carries, particularly through orature and literature, the entire body of values by which we come

to perceive ourselves and our place in the world`` (Ngugi 1986, Intercultural Communication: page 15-16)

Intercultural Communication Patterns

Collectivist Cultures: Asian, African and Natives of Canadian and Americans

• Less focus on verbal interactions • More focus on nonverbal

interactions • Often use indirect style • More reliant on hierarchies • Implicit: Context is more

important • Silence/long pauses are valued

Individualist Cultures: Mostly Anglo-European Americans

• More focus on verbal interactions • Less focus on nonverbal interactions

• Mainly use direct style • Value equal status • Explicit: words are more important

• Silence is viewed incompetent & uncomfortable

Intercultural Communication Patterns

Recommendations for individualists interacting with collectivists:• Recognize that collectivists pay attention to group memberships and predict

behavior thereby.• Recognize that collectivists change their behaviors when they change group

membership.• Don’t force equality of status—vertical hierarchies are ok.• Avoid overt competition—emphasize harmony and cooperation instead.• Avoid threatening another person’s “face”—help them save face when necessary.• Recognize that collectivists do not separate criticism of an idea or action from

criticism of the person.• Avoid overt confrontation—use a strategy of indirection—or just let go of the

conflict.• Behave more formally than usual in initial interactions. (World Bank, 2013)

Intercultural Communication Patterns

-- Federico FelliniFilmmaker and director, Italy

A different language is not just a dictionary of words, sounds, and syntax. It is a different way of interpreting reality, refined by the generations that developed the language.

Intercultural Communication

Cultural Logic and Shared Meanings

Is the process of using our own assumptions to interpret the messages and actions of other, thereby inferring their motives and intentions

Provides people with a system of assumptions about what is mutually known and understood – our common ground.

Challenges of non-native speakers

Fill out the form!

• Write from right to left.• Write very clearly. Sloppy writing will be discarded.• Fill in every blank.• For #3 use the Islamic calendar, which begins

November 4, A.D. 622• Do not answer #7 unless you have a green strip of

paper• Complete this task within three minutes• Ask no questions

Consider: Fourth floor

• The fourth floor in an American building is three flights of

stairs up.

• The fourth floor in a British building is four flights of stairs

up.

• The fourth floor in a Korean building often doesn’t exist.

Consider: If identifying the fourth floor is so difficult, what happens when we are talking about something

really important?

Korean Elevator U.S. Elevator

The 4th floor in Korea has the same status as the 13th floor does in the US. The pronunciation for “4″ is “sa” which is the same as the Chinese character for

“death”, hence they use “F” (for Fourth) instead of “4″ in elevators.

Translate this sentence!

British English:

“I was waiting in queue for the loo before getting some petrol for my lorry when I realized I left the hob on and the aubergines were probably burning!”

American English:

“I was waiting in line for the bathroom before getting some gas for my truck when I realized I left the stove on and the eggplant was probably burning!”

Challenges facing non-native English speakers

Native English speaker speaking English•Thinks in English•Speaks in English•Understands subtleties of

English language conversations

•Since messages are usually clearly understood, action implications are also clear.

Non-native English speaker speaking English•Thinks in other language;

often must interpret incoming and outgoing messages

•Often limited vocabulary•Often lacks sensitivity to

subtleties of English language conversations

•Since messages are not always clearly understood, action implications can also be unclear.

Factors in Intercultural Communication

•Monochrome

•Polychrome

Time

•Informal

•Formal

Sense of self and space

•Men vs Women

•Titles

Roles and Status

•Quick decisions, little details

•Very detailed – trust first

Decision Making Customs

•Material wealth

•Efficiency

•Politeness

Social Values•Bribes•CustomLegal and Ethical

Behaviors

•Achievement, wealth, assertiveness

•Relationship, quality of life

Masculine vs. Feminine

•Individual

•Group

Achievements

Continued…

Factors in Intercultural Communication

Enhancing message clarity

• Smile! It is validating.

• State message clearly; slow down.

• Repeat message using different words, if possible.

• Back up spoken message with written materials.

• Speak in the other’s language, if possible.

• Avoid using idioms, slang, jargon, or ambiguous words.

• Be careful about the use of humor. It is often difficult to understand jokes outside our own culture.

• Convey message in ways that are not offensive or threatening to others.

Enhancing message comprehension

• State your expectations and assumptions clearly.• Deal with questions and concerns as they arise.• Be patient; repeat message as often as needed.• Ask each side to state the other’s position as he/she

sees it. • Avoid being so polite or subtle that message context

gets lost.

Recognizing and responding to communication breakdowns

• Observe body language for signs of distress, anger, or confusion.

• Be patient and understanding. Take a break when appropriate.

• Mentally change places with others, asking yourself how they would respond to what you are saying.

• Notice your own reactions to the situation.

• Slow Down (Tone, Volume, Speed)

• Avoid Slangs

• Avoid Negative Questions

• Allow Time for a response

• Be Supportive

• Check Meanings

• Verbal and Visual Cues

• Naming Systems

Communication Tips