Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Icc 5
Icc 5
All cultures do not have the same rules governing these areas of
communication.
Many Americans interpret silence in a conversation to mean
disapproval, disagreement, or unsuccessful communication. They
often try to fill silence by saying something even if they have
nothing to say! On the other hand, Americans don't appreciate a
person who dominates a conversation. Knowing when to take turns
in conversation in another language can sometimes cause
difficulty. Interrupting someone who is speaking is considered rude
in the United States.
Individuals in every culture have similar basic needs but express
them differently. In daily life we all initiate conversation, use
formal and informal speech, give praise, express disagreement,
seek information, and extend invitations. Some of the verbal
patterns we use are influenced by our culture. Whereas directness
in speech is common in the United States, indirectness is the rule in
parts of the Far East. Thus people from both of these parts of the
world would probably express criticism of others differently. In
parts of the Middle East a host is expected to offer food several
times but in the United States he may make an offer only once or
twice. The different modes of expression represent variations on
the same theme. Each language reflects and creates cultural
attitudes; each has a unique way of expressing human need.
Non Verbal Communication
In some types of
communication people
express more nonverbally
than verbally
One study done in the United States
showed that in the communication of
attitudes, 93 percent of the message
was transmitted by the tone of the
voice and by facial expressions,
whereas only 7 percent of the
speaker's attitude was transmitted by
words.
Nonverbal communication expresses
meaning or feeling without words.
Universal emotions, such as happiness,
fear, and sadness, are expressed in a
similar nonverbal way throughout the
world. There are, however, nonverbal
differences across cultures that may be
a source of confusion for foreigners. For
example, feelings of friendship exist
everywhere but their expression varies.
It may be acceptable in some countries
for men to embrace each other and for
women to hold hands; in other countries
these displays of affection may be
shocking.
What is acceptable in one culture
may be completely unacceptable
in another.
Gestures refer to specific body
movements that carry meaning.
It is important in relationships
because it serves to show
Intimacy
Attention
influence.
It is, however, common for two
strangers to walk toward each
other, make eye contact, smile
and perhaps even say "Hi." The
strangers may immediately look
away and forget that they even
had any contact. This type of
glance does not mean much; it is
simply a way of acknowledging
another person's presence.
In a conversation too little eye contact
may be seen negatively because it
conveys lack of interest, inattention, or
even mistrust. The relationship between
mistrust and lack of eye contact is
stated directly in the expression,