Cross-Cultural Communication. The following scenario highlights the importance of adapting interaction to people with different culture.

To participate effectively in today’s world, we must recognize that communication is profoundly related to culture. To achieve effectiveness in social and professional life, we need to be sensitive to culture difference and adapt our interaction to people of varied culture background. The following scenario highlights the importance of adapting interaction to people with different culture.

Five years ago, when I just came to Singapore, I came across an incident which made me realize that different cultures may influence people behaves differently under the same circumstance. After we finished a school group project, all the team members Wu Gang (Chinese), Samuel (Singaporean) and I (Chinese) decided to have a dinner together at a Chinese restaurant for celebration. When the dinner came to the end, Wu Gang took out his wallet and would like to pay the bill. At that moment, Samuel asked Wu Gang how much he should pay for his share. “No need, no need! It’s my treat.” replied by Wu Gang. Seeing this, I tried to took the bill from Wu Gang and insist that I pay the bill this time. Wu Gang stopped me, saying to me “Leave it to next time”. Meanwhile, he stood up and approached to casher for payment.  Samuel still insisted on paying his own share and left the money to him after Wu Gang came back. At the end, Wu Gang accepted Samuel’s money unhappily. Samuel was confused and uncomfortable with Wu Gang’s reaction.