COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOLOGY

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION (GE 106)

JESERIE M. BARROA MAYFLOR ASURQUIN

BS CIVIL ENGINEERING 2C GE 106 INSTRUCTOR

QUESTION:
What are the common problems encountered when communicating with people from
different cultural backgrounds? Cite at least five specific situations.

ANSWERS:
1. Interrupting the speaker
We've all probably once or twice interrupted someone else while they were speaking. We can
forget our response if we don't just say it out loud because we are too enthused about what we
have to say or it might happen accidently. When people are arguing, others could interject to gain
advantage. Regardless of the motivation, interrupting might make someone feel as though their
point is not worth hearing. Respect the other person and wait until they have finished their
message completely before responding.
2. Religion
As it shapes our perceptions of those who practice other religions, religion obstructs dialogue
as well. Talking to people who practice other religions might be challenging for some. People's
perspectives on religion affect how they regard other people. Consequently, opinions diverge.
For instance, because Islam is the dominant religion in Pakistan and Christians face
discrimination, Christians must speak up for their rights. Additionally, these religious
organizations don't communicate with one another.
3. The ethnocentrism
Communication is hampered by ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is the process of categorizing
cultures as "us" or "them." People from one's own culture are classified as in-group, while people
from another culture are classified as out-group. In-groups are always preferred. There is a
perception of the out-group as evil and inferior. This assessment is primarily negative. If the
culture is similar to ours, it is good; otherwise, it is bad. Other people's cultures are evaluated and
assessed using their own culture as the standard. Ethnocentrism influences message
comprehension and fosters hostility. Books in schools, for example, use references from their
own culture to describe other cultures by highlighting similarities and differences.
4. Misinterpreting the message
We may misinterpret others more frequently than we realize. To avoid this, we should pay
close attention to the person and repeat the message back to the speaker to ensure we have
understood correctly. We are more susceptible to misinterpretation in today's society because we
rely so heavily on technological communication. It is easy to misunderstand each other when
there is no tone of voice or nonverbal cues. When communicating via text or email, use
appropriate punctuation and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the other person.
5. Assuming you know the message before the person finishes
It's something we've all done. We're listening to a friend speak, and we already know what
they're going to say before they've finished their sentence. When we assume we know what
someone will say, we miss what they actually say. To avoid this type of issue, respect the
speaker by remaining openly curious and listening intently for the message rather than predicting
what will be said.