Purposive

Communication
with Joshua Liann Escalante
Local and Global
Communication in
Multicultural Setting
Global Communication

Communication is often defined as the sharing of information,

ideas, and messages between two or more people. The primary
goal, of course, of communication, is to understand the
information being conveyed or shared and at the same time,
also to be understood. One of the ways successful
communication can be achieved is to have the involved parties
share a mutual knowledge of how the signs and symbols
used in communication come together to create meaning
Global Communication

One hindrance to global communication is the fact that there

are different cultures around the world, each having their own
ways of communication and meanings behind certain
messages. This is why we need to be able to communicate
globally in a culturally appropriate manner.
Global Communication

Communicating in a culturally appropriate way would require

finding ways to impart and receive messages with respect to
the cultural differences between individuals involved in the
communication process. Therefore, to be able to
communicate effectively in the local and global setting,
one must be able to understand that there are internal and
external differences one must take into consideration before
diving into the process of communication.
Culture
Culture is often defined as the learned patterns and attitudes shared
by a group of people.
(Martin & Nakayama, 2010).
Culture

According to Geert Hofstede (1984), a noted social psychologist,

culture is "the programming of the mind." He said:

Every person carries within him or herself patterns of thinking,

feeling, and potential acting which were learned throughout
[his or her] lifetime. Much of [these patterns are] acquired in
early childhood, because at that time a person is most
susceptible to learning and assimilating.
What is Intercultural
Communication?
Intercultural
Communication

People from different backgrounds often encounter difficulties in

processing meanings and understanding messages due to the
difficulties in understanding certain factors of communication such
as language, context, and meaning. Communication problems
often occur when there is a lack of understanding about how certain
cultures "work."
Intercultural
Communication

Intercultural communication refers to the communication between

people from two different cultures. Intercultural communication is a
symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual process in which
people from different cultures create shared meanings.
Potential Areas for
Misinterpretation in Intercultural
Communication
Potential Areas for
Misinterpretation in Intercultural
Communication

According to AJ Schuler (2003), miscommunication in a cross-

cultural setting can be minimized if one is aware of the different
areas wherein misinterpretation can occur.
Verbal / During Conversations
Verbal / During Conversations

Taking turns in Conversations

There are appropriate ways of interacting with other people in all

cultures. In some, turn-taking is often welcomed whereas, in other
cultures, listening and reserving comment after the conversation is
preferred. Other cultures believe that giving an immediate
response can be seen as a challenge or humiliation.
Verbal / During Conversations

Using silence
Verbal / During Conversations

Using silence

The use of silence and the amount of silence in communication

can be interpreted in many ways depending on the culture in
which one is interacting. In some cases, silence before a response to
a conversation would give the impression of thoughtfulness and
consideration to the first speaker. On the other hand, silence
can also come off as a sign of hostility or indifference to
others.
Verbal / During Conversations

Interrupting

In some culture, interruption during a conversation can be

acceptable especially when it is within the context of the
interaction. However, in other cultures interrupting in the middle of
a conversation, regardless of the point being made, can be viewed as
impolite.
Non-Verbal
 Verbal / During Conversations
Handshakes

USA, England, Germany, Used when meeting or parting and if you know
and New Zealand the other person well, you can skip this gesture

Shaking hands in a doorway is considered

Russia
impolite and allegedly brings bad luck

Japan Handshakes are considered impolite, people

bow instead and the lower they bow the more
respect they are showing
 Verbal / During Conversations

Thumbs up

USA “OK”, “see you later”, or “cool”

Brazil “Thank you”

Iran A rude gesture, similar to giving someone the

middle finger

Egypt and Israel “very good” or “perfect”

 Verbal / During Conversations

OK sign

USA and England “OK”

France and Belgium “zero”

Japan “money”

Turkey, Spain, and Brazil it’s very offensive if not obscene

Greece a sign for homosexuals

 Verbal / During Conversations

V Sign

England, Australia, it’s offensive, same as the raised middle finger

Ireland, New Zealand,
and South Africa

The rest of the world a sign for “victory” or “peace”

 Verbal / During Conversations
Rock n Roll Sign

Spain, Italy, and Greece it signals that their partner was unfaithful
The rest of the world rock and roll sign

Nodding your head

In most countries a sign of agreement meaning “yes”

Bulgaria a sign of disagreement meaning “no”
Purposive
Communication
with Joshua Liann Escalante