INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Chapter 1 - Verbal Communication 5
1. Importance of language 5
2. Language and culture interaction 5
High context vs. Low context 5
High context 5
Low context 6
Misconceptions high vs. low context 6
Face saving and harmony 7
Monochronic vs. Polychronic 7
Monochronic cultures 7
Polychronic cultures 8
How to succeed in both monochronic and polychronic 8
Thought Patterns 8
Information Flow 9
Bernstein’s Hypothesis 9
3. Barriers to effective communication 9
Pronunciation 9
Word definitions 10
Proverbs and Idioms 10
Informal and alternative language 10
Translation Challenges 11
Idiomatic equivalence 11
Conceptual equivalence 11
Grammatical-syntactical equivalence 11
Vocabulary equivalence 11
Lack of equivalence 12
Bernstein and Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis 12
Grammar and syntax 12
Vocabulary 12
4. Guidelines 12
Chapter 2 - Nonverbal Communication 13
1. Functions of nonverbal communication 13
2. Oculesics 13
3. Olfactics 13
4. Haptics 14
5. Kinesics 14
Gestures 15
Facial expressions 16
Facial expressions and cultural dimensions 16
, Posture and stance 17
6. Personal spaces or Proxemics 17
7. Person appearance as it relates to communication 17
Artifacts 17
Dress 18
Prejudices 18
8. Vocalics or paralanguage 18
9. Silence and Taking-turns 19
10. Nonverbal leakage and importance of nc 19
Importance of nonverbal communication 19
Chapter 3 - How Cultural Values and Attitudes Manifest 20
1. Colors, symbols and numbers 20
Colors in cultures 20
Country colors and their meanings 20
Symbols in cultures 20
Religious symbols 20
Geometrical symbols 20
Animal symbols 21
Universal symbols 22
Number symbolism 22
2. Globalization vs. Localization 22
Product localization 23
3. Global Advertising 23
4. Packaging 24
Size, colors, etc. 25
Language 25
Visuals 25
5. Checklist 25
Chapter 4 - Business Etiquette in Multicultural Partnerships 26
1. Etiquette and its importance 26
2. Greetings & business cards 26
Greetings : kiss, bow or handshake 26
Handshaking 26
Business cards 27
3. Gift giving 27
4. Food & Socializing customs 28
Food customs 28
Socializing customs 29
Toasting 29
5. Dress customs 29
6. Taboos including small talk 30
, Conversation taboos 30
Customs taboos 31
Guest Lecture 32
,
,Chapter 1 - Verbal Communication
1. Importance of language
Effective verbal and written communication is of uppermost importance for successful multicultural
business encounters.
- many of the same concepts / guidelines apply to both verbal and written comm.
- relationship to verbal comm. and the beliefs / values of the culture is important.
BUT it is difficult to separate verbal and nonverbal communication
=> Understanding culture without language, and vice versa1 is also difficult. This is because language
can be either unifying or divisive.
2. Language and culture interaction
High context vs. Low context
All communication takes place in a certain context, but how much or how little meaning is being
communicated through the context itself differs from culture to culture.
High context
Information is found in people themselves and the context of the message. Things are often spelled
out implicitly and nonverbally. Explaining things precisely is unnecessary and even disrespectful.
- one word, gesture or hint at the context is enough to understand the message.
- context includes history, background, relationship status, etc.
- ppl in hc cultures have more access to networks that keep them informed of what’s going on.
As a consequence, there’s less need for specific background information when meeting each other.
There is a tendency to use few words because the context establishes the meaning.
=> starting with context and getting to the main point later is prefered in high-context countries. The
choice of words is vital and it may be quite formal and apologetic.
Characteristics
- Free flowing, not compartmentalized, can zig-zag
- Message also in what is not said (read between the lines)
- Face-saving
- Choice of words is vital
- Common interest
HC cultures can be found in Latin Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, latin america and Oceania
Low context
Information is communicated explicitly with words. Words, written or spoken, are important. People
state what they mean in a straightforward and direct manner.
- includes personal relations, work, and everything else you deal with
- information doesn’t flow fast because it remains within the compartments
As a consequence, people need detailed and specific information when meeting each other. There is
a tendency to use lots of words because it is the words that establish the context / meaning.
1
language without culture
, => compartmentalising or structuring information into segments is prefered in low context countries.
Characteristics
- Clearly structured, compartments
- Task centered and goal oriented
- Clarity is primary
- More literal
- Feedback in message
- Rational solutions, not personal ones
- Sense of urgency
LC countries include the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic linguistic areas like North America, Australia,
Northwestern Europe and New Zealand
This style supports the values of saving time and focusing on tasks, and things must be explained
clearly and unambiguously.
Misconceptions high vs. low context
LC senders may be seen as…
- impersonal, cold, or untrusting
- socially incompetent / insensitive
- destructive of relationship
HC senders may be seen as…
- confusing, unreliable or uncritical
- insincere / dishonest
- hospitable time-wasters
This is not true. These are stereotypes and should be avoided when talking to someone with differing
context levels.
LC does not always mean using fewer words.
People want to provide a lot of context and be very clear
about the meaning of the message, so using a lot of words
is actually more likely to happen in LC cultures.
