Culture and Communication Overview

The idea that basic politeness is a human universal, but different cultures have different ways of showing it.

A polite greeting in Japanese and Chinese cultures that involves bowing the head.

A friendly gesture in Chile and other Latin American countries where women touch each other's arms or shoulders.

A polite greeting in Czech Republic where a man kisses a woman's hand.

A type of greeting common in many cultures, but with varying styles and durations depending on the region.

A type of greeting where people embrace each other.

The differences in how men and women express politeness.

A communication style that values directness and honesty, potentially at the expense of politeness.

Individuals prioritize personal goals and independence over group needs and conformity. They value self-reliance, competition, and achievement.

People prioritize group harmony, loyalty, and social responsibility. They value interdependence, cooperation, and respect for authority.

Cultures rely heavily on implicit, unspoken cues and contextual understanding. Communication is indirect, with emphasis on nonverbal cues and shared history.

Cultures rely on explicit, direct communication. Clear verbal expression and logical reasoning are valued.

Cultures accept and tolerate power differences. Hierarchy and respect for authority are important.

Cultures value equality, challenge authority, and seek to minimize power gaps. Direct communication and participative decision-making are encouraged.

Cultural values prioritize achievement, competition, and assertiveness. Success is measured by material gains and recognition.

Cultural values emphasize cooperation, empathy, and quality of life. Success is measured by relationships, personal well-being, and harmony.

The domination of one culture's media over others, often by developed countries like the United States.

The spread of one culture's values and beliefs through its media, often influencing other cultures.

The tendency for media from developed countries to be more popular and influential than local media in developing countries.

The impact of media from a dominant culture on the development of local cultures, potentially hindering local talent and originality.

The lower cost of importing and translating foreign media compared to producing original content, giving foreign media an advantage.

Imitation of media styles and trends from dominant cultures, potentially hindering the development of unique local styles.

The potential benefits of media from dominant cultures, such as introducing new trends and perspectives, enriching local cultures.

The view that media from dominant cultures are of higher quality, serving as a benchmark for other cultures.

Cultures that emphasize fulfilling personal desires, enjoying life, and having fun.

Cultures that promote controlling desires and conforming to social norms.

The feeling that you have freedom and control over your own life, enabling you to make choices and pursue what you want.

The feeling that you have free time to engage in enjoyable activities that bring you pleasure.

High levels of indulgence generally lead to greater happiness, optimism, and positive attitudes.

High levels of restraint are often associated with lower happiness, less control over one's life, and limited leisure time.

Shared responsibilities in household tasks by both partners.

Cultures that place a high value on long-term goals, perseverance, and social harmony.

A cultural orientation that emphasizes the importance of future rewards and planning, leading to saving for the future and academic preparation.

A cultural orientation that prioritizes immediate gratification and present needs, often leading to spending resources for the present and seeking quick results.

In long-term cultures, marriage is viewed as a practical arrangement for societal benefits, rather than purely based on personal feelings or desires.

In long-term cultures, living with extended family, such as in-laws, is common and considered normal.

In short-term cultures, marriage is seen as a moral commitment based on ethical principles and tradition.

In short-term cultures, co-residence with in-laws is often perceived as causing problems and conflicts.

Long-term cultures value saving for the future and academic preparation.

Short-term cultures emphasize spending resources for the present and desire quick results from their efforts.

Describes the idea of a unified African identity, similar to terms like Asian American or European American. But this term overlooks the vast diversity within Africa and, unlike terms like German American or Japanese American, it doesn't account for the many distinct cultural groups within the continent.

Varied forms of a language, primarily in grammar and meaning, where speakers of different dialects can still understand each other.

The meaning of a message is shaped not only by the words used but also by the individuals communicating, including their cultural background and understanding.

Nonverbal communication, like using the left hand for eating, can have significantly different interpretations across cultures. What is considered polite or acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another.

Understanding the meaning of a message is crucial for effective communication. Recognizing cultural influences on word meaning is vital for preventing misunderstandings and ensuring clear communication.