Communication in Multicultural Settings and Languages PDF

COMMUNICATION IN MULTICULTURAL SETTINGS AND LANGUAGE Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings R.Ventura Culture - the learned, shared symbols, language, values, and norms that distinguish one group of people from another. (Floyd, 2009). - learned syste...

COMMUNICATION IN MULTICULTURAL SETTINGS AND LANGUAGE Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings R.Ventura Culture - the learned, shared symbols, language, values, and norms that distinguish one group of people from another. (Floyd, 2009). - learned system of meanings that foster a particular sense of shared identity-hood and community- hood among its group members (Magan, 2018). Co-cultures - groups of people who share values, customs, and norms related to mutual interests or characteristics besides their national citizenship. - composed of smaller groups of people with whom you identify based on your activities, beliefs, mental and physical abilities, sexual orientation, interests, and more. Marginalized Group - a group whose members feel like outsiders. Strategies they use to interact with members of the dominant culture: 1. Assimilation. They try to fit in. 2. Accommodation. They maintain their cultural identity while they establish relationships with members of the dominant culture. 3. Separation. They resist interacting with members of the dominant culture  Communicating with Cultural Awareness Communicating effectively with people from other cultures and co-cultures requires us to be aware of how their behavior and ways of thinking are likely to differ from our own. We shouldn’t assume that most people think the same way we do, without asking ourselves whether that is true. Questioning our cultural assumptions can be a challenge because we’re often unaware that we have them However, it is one of the basic ways in which studying communication and learning about the influences of culture can make as a more competent communicator. Culture Affects Communication Ethnocentrism – the tendency to see our culture as superior to others. “They take our jobs.” “They’re everywhere.” “Go back to your country.” Culture Affects Communication Cultural Relativism – the acceptance of other cultural groups as equal to one’s own. Seven Cultural Differences 1. Individualism and Collectivism In an individualistic culture, people believe that their primary responsibility is themselves. “Be yourself”, “Love Yourself” In a collectivistic culture, people are taught their primary responsibility is their families, communities, or even their workplace. They emphasize the importance of taking care of the needs of the group. Seven Cultural Differences Individualism and Collectivism When people in an individualistic culture experience conflict, they are expected to express it and work toward resolving it. Meanwhile, people in a collectivistic culture, are taught to be more indirect in the way they handle disagreements to preserve social harmony. Your Turn Seven Cultural Differences High- and Low-Context Cultures In a low-context culture, people are expected to be direct, say what they mean, and not “beat around the bush”. They value self-expression and sharing one’s opinions In a high-context culture, people are taught to speak in a much less direct way because maintaining harmony and avoiding offending people are more important than expressing their true feelings. Seven Cultural Differences High- and Low-Context Cultures In a low-context culture, a supervisor might reprimand an irresponsible employee openly. In a high-context culture, the supervisor wouldn’t reprimand the employee publicly for fear that it would put the employee to shame. Seven Cultural Differences Low- and High-Power Distance People from high-power distance cultures view power as a fact of life since certain groups such as royalty or the ruling political party have great power and the average citizen has less. They are taught that certain people or groups deserve to have more power than others and respecting power is more important than respecting equality Seven Cultural Differences High- and Low-Power Cultures People from low-power distance cultures believe power should be used only when it is legitimate. They believe in equality and that no person or group should have excessive power. video Seven Cultural Differences Masculine and Feminine Cultures In a masculine culture, members value male aggressiveness, strength, ambition, achievement, and material symbols of success. They also value sex-specific roles for women and men. Preferring that men hold the wage-earning and decision- making positions while women occupy nurturing positions. Seven Cultural Differences Masculine and Feminine Cultures In a feminine culture, members value relationships, nurturance, tenderness in members of both sexes, service to other, and a high quality of life. They don’t believe that men and women’s roles should be differentiated. Seven Cultural Differences Monochronic and Polychronic Cultures Societies that have a monochronic concept of time, view it as a commodity. They save time, spend time, fill time, invest time, and waste time. Therefore, they expect meetings and classes to start on time. Seven Cultural Differences Monochronic and Polychronic Cultures Societies that have a polychronic orientation conceive tie as more holistic and fluid and less structured. Hence, they don’t usually prioritize efficiency and punctuality. Seven Cultural Differences Uncertainty Avoidance. The extent to which people try to void situations that are unstructured, unclear, or unpredictable. People from cultures that are highly uncertainty avoidant are drawn people and situations that are familiar, and are unlikely to take risks for fear of failure. Seven Cultural Differences Cultural Communication Codes. Verbal and nonverbal behaviors whose meanings are often understood only by people from the same cultures. 1. Idioms – phrases whose meanings are figurative (U.S.) Kicking the bucket – to die (Portugal) doesn’t give one for the box – one who can’t say or do anything right (Finland) become gingerbread – it goes completely wrong (Brazil) fish don’t pull wagons - eat red meat Seven Cultural Differences Cultural Communication Codes 2. Jargon – special words that are understood by a particular group or profession Ecchymosis on a distal phalange – bruise on a fingertip periapical radiograph – x-ray of the roots on one of your teeth Seven Cultural Differences Cultural Communication Codes 3. Gestures – movements that express ideas Put a thumb between index finger and middle finger: U.S. – it’s a game for babies Brazil – good luck Russia and Indonesia - obscene Seven Cultural Differences Facial expressions In some Asian cultures, facial expressions are suppressed because animated expressions are viewed as lacking in control. In some Latin and Arabic cultures, they exaggerate their grief and sadness American men hide their grief and sadness. Seven Cultural Differences Smiling In Latin and most Western cultures, smiling is a mark of appreciation, acceptance, and respect. In Japan, China, Switzerland, and Russia – it is shared among people who know each other. In Korea, they have a saying: He who smiles a lot is not a real man. In Russia, they say: To smile or to laugh without reason is a sign of idiocy. Seven Cultural Differences Eye Contact UK, USA, Australia, and Western Europe – a sign of interest and engagement. Strong eye contact is a sign of confidence. A lack of it is considered aloof and unresponsive. Some Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American cultures – it is thought to be disrespectful. Africa and Latin America – intense eye contact is interpreted as hostile and aggressive. Seven Cultural Differences Physical Contact England, Germany, Scandinavia, China, Japan – refrain from physical contact in public Latinos, Middle-Easterners, Jewish – expect physical contact as part of normal conversation Western countries-higher-status people tend to initiate physical contact Middle East, Latinos, Southern Europe – hugs, hand- holding, cheek-kissing are normal forms of greeting the same gender Seven Cultural Differences Physical Contact Some parts in Asia – the head is a sacred territory, so don’t touch other people’s head. India, Africa, Middle East – always use their right hand for greeting ,touching, and eating as the left hand is unclean and reserved only for personal hygiene. Seven Cultural Differences Gestures Crossing legs – in such a way to show the sole of your foot is considered rude in Middles east, some parts of Asia, and South Africa. - don’t cross your legs in front of someone older than you in Japan. Thumbs Up – is a sign of satisfaction in Western countries, but offensive in Middle Easter countries Seven Cultural Differences Vocal Patterns Giggling – in Korea and Japan, it indicates embarrassment Belching – in India, it indicates satisfaction Loud voice – indicates strength in Arab cultures; sign of confidence and authority in Germany; Thais consider it to be impolite; Japanese consider it as a loss of control Seven Cultural Differences Space UK, USA, most of Europe – people are comfortable keeping one to two meters’ space between family and friends and up to 3 meters between strangers and business associates. Middle East, China, and some parts of Asia – people are comfortable getting up close and personal