Cross cultural communication refers to the communication between people who have differences in any one of the following: styles of working, age, nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Cross cultural communication can also refer to the attempts that are made to exchange, negotiate and mediate cultural differences by means of language, gestures and body language. It is how people belonging to different cultures communicate with each other.
2. CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Cross cultural communication refers to the communication between people who
have differences in any one of the following: styles of working, age, nationality,
ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Cross cultural communication can also
refer to the attempts that are made to exchange, negotiate and mediate cultural
differences by means of language, gestures and body language. It is how people
belonging to different cultures communicate with each other.
Cross cultural communication has been influenced by a variety of academic
disciplines. It is necessary in order to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to
conflicts between individuals or groups. Cross cultural communication creates a
feeling of trust and enables cooperation.
3. SKILLS FOR CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Demonstrate your willingness to meet others at least halfway by learning a few phrases
in their language.
This is easy if you know that you’re going on holiday somewhere, but it’s also important for expatriate
assignments and other business trips. A few phrases, even if it’s only ‘Good morning’, ‘good evening’, and
‘thank you’, will go a long way.
Talk to people who know the culture about common traps and problems.
Before you go, find people who know the region to which you’re travelling, and ask their advice. Ask your
co-workers what people commonly do that’s just ‘wrong’, or what problems they have encountered, and
learn from it. Listen carefully to their answers, including what they don’t say, as this can tell you a lot.
Adapt your behaviour, and don’t always expect others to adapt to you
This includes not being offended if someone unwittingly does something that you find difficult to accept.
You don’t have to accept it, but it’s best to explain politely why you find it hard, not just go off in a sulk.
4. Don’t be afraid to apologise
You can usually see quite quickly if you have caused offence. The fastest way to manage that
is to apologise, and ask what it was that you did. A confession of total ignorance will often go a long way
to mitigate offence. Ignoring it will just offend further.
Reflect on your experience
As with so many aspects of life, a little reflection about your experience can help you to put it in context,
especially if you are able to discuss it with someone else in a similar position.
Check your understanding and that of others
The best way to avoid misunderstandings is to listen carefully and check understanding regularly in the
course of a conversation. Ask questions to make sure that you have understood, and ask others to recap
what you have said to ensure that they have understood you.
5. CROSS CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Language
Among the most often cited barriers to conflict-free cross-cultural business
communication is the use of different languages.
Language failures between cultures typically fall into three categories: 1) gross
translation problems; 2) subtle distinctions from language to language; and 3)
culturally-based variations among speakers of the same language.
Conceptions of Authority
Different cultures often view the distribution of authority in their society differently.
Views of authority in a given society affect communication in the business environment
significantly, since they shape the view of how a message will be received based on the
relative status or rank of the message's sender to its receiver.
6. Nonverbal Communication
Among the most markedly varying dimensions of intercultural communication is nonverbal behavior.
Knowledge of a culture conveyed through what a person says represents only a portion of what that
person has communicated. Indeed, body language, clothing choices, eye contact, touching behavior,
conceptions of personal space all communicate information, no matter what the culture.
Forms of Nonverbal Communication:
Eye contact
Whether or not eye contact is made, who makes it and how long it lasts vary tremendously in meaning.
In many Asian cultures, avoiding eye contact is seen as a sign of respect. However, those in Latin and
North America consider eye contact important for conveying equality among individuals.
7. Gestures
can convey wildly different meanings. Individuals in the United States
use the “OK”, sign to convey that something is acceptable. In Japan, the same hand
symbol means “money”.
Posture
Posture can convey power structures, attitudes and levels of civility. Slouching in Taiwan is considered
disrespectful, while other parts of the world may not think much of it one way or another. In America,
standing with hands on the hips may suggest power or pride, but in Argentina, it may suggest anger or a
challenge.
Touch
A great number of cultural expressions are achieved through touch. In America, for example, using a firm
handshake is considered appropriate to greet a stranger or another business professional. In France,
however, it is common to kiss someone you greet on both cheeks.
8. Meeting Expectations
Following local customs builds better relationships at business meetings.
For example, Canadians are clock-watchers and expect everyone to arrive
on time. In Japanese meetings, often only the most senior person for
side talks, while others typically remain silent.
In China, business dinners often include many toasts, so pace your
accordingly. To maintain the respect of Asian contacts, avoid etiquette
mistakes that cause you to lose face.
