Module 3: Communicating Culturally Flashcards
Culture
A learned set of assumptions that shape our perceptions of the world, and of appropriate values, norms, attitudes, and behaviours.
Three distinct groups of aboriginal people
First Nation or Indian, Métis and Inuit
High-context cultures
high context cultures
most of the information is suggested from the context of a message; little is “spelled out.”
Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, North American Aboriginal, and Latin American cultures might be considered high context.
Low-context cultures
low context cultures
context is less important; most information is explicitly spelled out. German, Scandinavian, and the dominant North American cultures might be considered low context.
Linear-active people
linear active people
do one thing at a time, concentrate hard on that thing and do it within a scheduled time period. These people think that in this way they are more efficient and get more done…their way.”
Multi-active cultures
multi active cultures
Multi-active people are not very interested in schedules or punctuality…They consider reality to be more important than man-made appointments.” (are very flexible)
Reactive / listening cultures
rarely initiate action or discussion, preferring to listen to and establish the other’s position first, then react to it and formulate their own…Reactive cultures [encourage people to] listen before they leap…concentrate on what the speaker is saying…do not let their minds wander…and rarely, if ever, interrupt a speaker…Reactives are introverted; they distrust [too many] words…are adept at non-verbal communication…[and] regard [silences]as a very meaningful, almost refined, part of discourse.
Non-verbal communication
non verbal communication
making meaning without words—permeates our lives. Facial expressions, gestures, our use of time and space—even our pauses and vocal intonations—all communicate pleasure or anger, friendliness or distance, power and status.
learning about non-verbal symbols gives you the information you need to
Be more conscious of the signals you are sending and interpreting
Project the image you want
Two types of body language styles
Open body position
Closed body position
Open body position
include leaning forward with uncrossed arms and legs with the arms away from the body
Closed body position (defensive)
include leaning back, arms and legs crossed or close together, or hands in pockets.
Personal space
the distance people want between themselves and other people in ordinary, non-intimate interchanges.
eight distinct emotions associated with touch
anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, sympathy, happiness, and sadness
monochronic cultures
where people do only one important activity at a time
North Americans and Northern Europeans
