Intercultural Non Verbal Communication

Presented By Talha Ghaffar

Todays Presentation1)Why Do Cultures Differ?

2)Importance of Intercultural Communication.

3)Things to consider in non-verbal communication

4)Do’s and Don'ts of Intercultural Communication.

5)Cultural differences .

6)Conclusion.

Why do cultures differ? :

History Educational BackgroundsSocial backgroundsEthnicReligion

Why Intercultural Communication is more important then ever

GlobalizationMulticultural Workforce

Cause of globalization Greater international travel and

tourism. Worldwide sporting events such

as FIFA World Cup , ICC world cup and the Olympic Games.

Multicultural workforce

Social backgroundsCulturesRacial backgroundsGenderAgeRegionsReligion

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Personal Space

Personal space is the distance two people keep between themselves in order to feel comfortable.

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Eye Contact

For example:-North Americans view direct eye contact as a sign of honesty-Asians view direct eye contact as a form of disrespect

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Touch

For example:-Japanese may be uncomfortable being touched in a casual relationship-Muslims may be extremely uncomfortable being touched by someone of the opposite sex.

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Smiling

For example:-For Americans, a smile is used with frequency to communicate friendliness and goodwill. -In Japan smiling without a reason is considered as childish or act of immatureness .-To Russians, a smile signals personal affection.

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Time

For example:-In American business culture, respect is communicated through punctuality.-In Pakistan 7:00 means 9:00.-Middle Eastern cultures, which place high value on interpersonal relationships, respect means continuing a meeting or conversation until it reaches a natural conclusion, even if it makes you late for the next one

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Agreement

For example:-“Yes” does not always mean “yes” among Asians. -In some cultures science means agreement.- Its Hard for Japanese to say no .

Things to consider in non-verbal communication :Silence

For example:-silence may signify respect -In Pakistan it sometimes considered as agreement!-Americans are generally uncomfortable with silence in conversations

DO’S OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Use symbols, diagrams and pictures. Investigate their culture's perception Take cultural and local differences into account. Find out what cultural factors

DONT’S OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Using the same approach world-wide. Considering traditional knowledge and

practices as ‘backward’. Letting cultural differences become a

source of conflict that hinder the process or work.

DON’T’S OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

The thumbs up sign in America and most of Europe means that something is good, or that you approve. This sign is considered rude in many Asian and Islamic countries.

Raising your hand up means stop in America or England. In some Asian countries this gesture is used when asking for permission to speak.

DON’T’S OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Diversity is a challenge as well as an opportunity which can have positive as well as negative influence.

Acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing and celebrating the differences that’s the key for successful intercultural communication.

CONCLUSION

That Completes my Presentation on non verbal intercultural communication. Any comments or Questions?