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
Polychronic culture
where people do several things at once.
Conversational style
to denote our conversational patterns and the meanings we give to them, the way we show interest, courtesy, social decorum
Successful international communicators are
Aware that their preferred values and behaviours are influenced by culture and are not necessarily “right”
Flexible and open to change
Sensitive to verbal and non-verbal behaviour
Aware of the values, beliefs, and practices in other cultures
Sensitive to differences among individuals within a culture
Bias-free language
bias free language
avoids discriminating against people based on gender, physical condition, race, age, or any other category. Bias-free language is fair and friendly; it complies with the law.
Non-sexist language
Non sexist language
treats gender neutrally. Check to be sure that your writing is free from sexism in four areas: words and phrases, job titles, pronouns, and courtesy titles (Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. etc.).
Subculture
Group of people within a larger culture who have something in common (might share more specific religious beliefs or political beliefs, or have shared interests)
Intercultural Communication
Communication between people from multiple cultures and subcultures (seeks to understand how people from different countries and futures act, communicate, and perceive the world. Focuses on social attributes, thought patterns, customs, and cultures of different groups of people across a social group, across a nation, and across the world
Why is Intercultural Communication important?
People come from diverse backgrounds and have diverse ideas, yet it is important for everyone to understand each other and work together
Emotional intelligence (EI) (EQ)
Consists of knowing and managing your emotions, motivating yourself, recognizing the emotions of other people, and managing relationships productively
-can be increased by reading
Canadian culture
Canada is “[t]he only western country” in “the top 20 most diverse” countries in the world
-home to more than 200 different ethnic groups
According to the 2011 census,
“13.7% of [Canadian] newcomers were born in Europe, while another 3.9% were born in the United States. The remaining 82.4% came from Asia (including the Middle East), the Caribbean and Central and South America, Africa and Oceania and other regions
Age stats and trends found in this chapter
Module 3
How Does Culture Affect Business Communication?
Cultural assumptions and expectations determine both the form and the content of every business transaction.
Eye contact
Canadians of European background see eye contact as a sign of honesty. But in many cultures, dropped eyes are a sign of appropriate deference to a superior.
How do I communicate globally?
Focus on being aware and flexible
How Do I Create Culturally Sensitive Messages?
Start by using non-sexist, non-racist, and non-ageist language.
Disability
a physical, mental, sensory, or emotional impairment that interferes with the major tasks of daily living. In 2012, approximately “3.8 million Canadians (13.7%) reported having a disability
Polishing your prose, Subject–Verb Agreement
The subjects and verbs in your sentences must agree in number: singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs. Remember that singular subjects (laser, chair, etc.) and the pronouns he, she, and it require a singular verb that, in the present tense, ends in s
Emotional intelligence, audience awareness, and cultural sensitivity are independant - all are vital to effective communication
Lecture
