Cross-Cultural Communication Flashcards
is a field of study that looks at how people from
differing cultural backgrounds communicate, in
similar and different ways among themselves, and
how they endeavour to communicate across
cultures.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Cultures that rely heavily on non-verbal & subtle situational cues in
communication. Ex: North America, Western
Europe
High-Context Cultures
Cultures that rely heavily on words to convey meaning in communication.
Ex: Middle East.
Low-Context Cultures
refers to societies or groups where people
have close connections over a long period of time.
High Context
Refers to societies where people tend to have many
connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason.
Low Context Culture
Some cultures, looking people in the eyes is
honesty and straight forwardness and in others
it is seen as challenging and rude
Eye-Contact
if you have good eye contact with a person, it generally signifies that you are interested in the person.
Eye contact in the USA
eye contact is much less common and considered
less appropriate.
Eye contact in the Middle East
extended eye contact can be taken as an affront or a challenge of authority
eye contact in Asian, African, and Latin, American cultures
it is considered proper and polite to maintain
almost constant eye contact with another person.
Eye contact in western europe
A movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning.
Gestures
In Islam and Hinduism touching with left hand is insulting
Touch
A single color can have many different meanings in
different cultures.
Colors
orange is a positive, spiritually enlightened, and
life-affirming color.
colour orange In Asia
Orange it is a color of road hazards, traffic delays, and fast-food restaurants.
Color orange in the USA
*is considered the traditional colour of Islam.
- It is
also the national colour of Egypt.
Green
is a symbol of Ireland
*A strong trend in the Irish Holiday St. Patrick’s Day.
Green
This color is the traditional colour of bridal dresses in Western cultures.
White
in china this color of gifts are associated with death
Blue-coloured gifts
is the customary greeting in Japan
Bow
is the customary greeting in the west
Handshake
are more accustomed to physical contact.
Even people who know each other only slightly may
embrace when greeting.
Latinos
these countries greet friends by kissing on both cheeks.
France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal
customary greeting in India
collide their hands for greeting
Inability to accept another cultures world
view. Ex: “ my way is the best way”
Ethnocentrism
Treatment to an individual due to
minority status, actual and perceived. Ex: “we just aren’t equipped to serve people like that.”
Discrimination
Generalizing about a person. Ex: “she’s like
that …because she is Asian
Stereotyping
Differences are ignored and one
proceeds though differences did not exist. Ex: ‘there is no need to worry about a persons culture”
Cultural Blindness
Belief that everyone should conform
to majority. Ex: “we know what’s best for you, if you
don’t like it you can go elsewhere”
Cultural Imposition
Formal tone change becomes
embarrassing and off-putting in some culture
Tone Differences
WAYS IN IMPROVING CROSS- CULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
Overcome Ethnocentrism
❖Recognize Cultural
Variation
❖Learn about Cultures
❖Remove Language Barrier
❖Help others adapt to our
culture
Write and speak clearly
❖ Improve Communication
Skill
❖ Listen Carefully
❖Respect Style Preference
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE CROSS-
CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Slow Down
❖Avoid Negative Questions
❖Separate Questions
❖Take Turns
❖ Write it Down
❖Check Meanings
❖Be Supportive
❖Avoid Slang
❖Maintain Etiquette
❖Watch the Humor
7 PIECES OF PRACTICAL
ADVICE
Don’t assume sameness.
❖“ Normal” behavior is not universal
❖“ yes” can mean many things
❖Don’t assume you were understood
❖Don’t assume that you understand
❖You don’t have to like “different” behavior, but try to understand
where it comes from.
❖Most people do behave rationally; you just have to discover the rationale
