The first problem within communication based on cultural differences occurs in individualist cultures, like Anglo cultures, where individual uniqueness and self-determination is valued. An individual is considered as a ‘self-made man’. They seek independence on every field. Individualists preferences are always self-centred, for example: looking forward to individual achievements, personal growth and fulfilment. What is more, competing for them is of a great value only if they triumph over others. Aside from the individualist culture there is one more, identified as a collectivist culture, for instance Asians, that identify with and work well in groups. They cherish the loyalty, cooperation, compliance, and also reputation of the group. While collectivist cultures tend to accept that different groups have different priorities, the individualists tend to believe that there are universal values that should be shared by all.
Another problem in the sphere of communication, while reflecting on cultural differences, is the verbal usage and structure of languages. Language is a spoken way of communicating with each other by using verbal signals. Those oral signals are noting more than words that we use. What is more, the way we categorize those unwritten expressions is unique for human beings. Whole patterns of language structure and subject-matter are linked in the most complex way. A person has only to pick up a book to be aware of the impenetrability of the subject because of its complicated, precise and unique language. Piaget (1998), from the University of London, states that one can try to understand certain language patterns by exercising processes of organizing, recalling and developing thought. Achieving a full recognition of the existence of language varieties is a problematical phenomenon mainly because of communication difficulties that can follow it. For example, in a Scots-speaking part of Scotland, Scottish may be suitable in terms of dear social relationships, at home or among friends, whereas English would be used in formal, strict situations. As the proficient speaker progresses he will know exactly when and where to use either language, what Hymes (1974) describes more comprehensively in his socio-linguistic Theory of Communicative Competence.
It is crucial, considering problems within interpersonal communication, to state the importance of non-verbal interaction, the last mentioned in this essay, based on cultural differences. Eisner (1998) responds to communication skills with a thesis that the unspoken forms of identifying are as valid as the verbal ones, for instance: dancers can say more using only kina-esthetical motions than words only. All of body and facial movements are called Kinesics. Accordingly to McGee, author of the article on cultural differences
As little as 7 percent of a message may be expressed in words. The rest is through facial expression, voice tone, body gestures, and overall posture.
(McGee,http://www.schwablearning.org)
Many gestures made by persons from one culture provide individuals from another culture with altered or completely opposite meanings. Retaining that information, McGee concludes that when a person is sensitive to these non-verbal messages, he therefore should understand the whole conversation effortlessly. In addition, that individual is more likely to interact with others in a comfortable manner.
The implications of these three problems in communication in terms of cultural differences show that misunderstandings between people can be prevalent.
It is important for individuals to understand the importance of cultural variations in order to help them recognise their shared and different identities. In terms of individualists and collectivists, communication is important when it comes to effective work. For example, individualists prefer to work alone, where as collectivists tend to work as part of a team, to help society as a whole. This means that the understanding of how each group works is extremely important in completing tasks efficiently. The problem between verbal and non-verbal communication can be considered as the main difficulty in preventing misunderstandings between people. However this can be resolved by the appropriate usage of language structures, verbal communication and kinaesthetic movements. Having looked at the different problems that can arise within societies, we can see that it is not necessarily the knowledge of the different cultures that is needed to achieve intercultural communication.
References
Baron, L., M. (2003), Culture and Conflict
Eisner, E. (1998), International Journal of Art & Design Education
Hartley, P. (1993), Interpersonal Communication, London: Routledge
Hoecklin, L. (1996:28), Managing Cultural Differences
Hymes, D., H. (1974), Foundations in Sociolinguistics, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press
Lorac, C., Weiss, M. (1981), Communication and social skills
McGee, K. How Cultural Differences May Affect Student Performance [On-line]. Available: http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=290, [2007, October]
Minardi, H., A., Riley, M., J. (1997), Communication in Health Care.