Interpersonal Communication in an Intercultural Setting

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Yana Martova                                                                        08/08/02

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Interpersonal Communication in an Intercultural Setting

Humans have been communicating for four million years. On the other hand, the birth of culture is estimated to have taken place about 35,000 years ago. Today, both culture and communication have evolved considerably and have become interdependent of one another. Thus, our own culture has a deep impact on our thoughts and actions. Since each culture is characterized by its’ own distinct features, intercultural communication can be the cause of conflict and misunderstanding. There are three main issues which are at the root of the problem of intercultural mis- communication : language as a barrier, cultural diversity and ethnocentrism.  I will analyze these three issues in situations in which intercultural communication is frequent such as  in the business world, social settings, as well as  the classroom.

       The way people communicate varies widely between, cultures. One type of communication is the use of language. Language has always been a link between people but it can also constitute a barrier. Across cultures, certain words and phrases are used in different ways. For example, even in countries that share the English language, the meaning of "yes" varies from "maybe, I'll consider it" to "definitely so." Furthermore, communication between cultures that do not share a similar language is considerably more difficult. Each culture, has its distinct syntax, expressions and structure which cause confusion in intercultural communication. For example, in Asian countries the word “no” is rarely used, so that “yea” can mean “no” or “perhaps”. Therefore, an American traveling to Japan might be considered impolite if he ignores this rule.  In the same way individuals who are not familiar with a certain language may be frowned upon. Such is the case in the classroom where a student who has a perfect knowledge of a subject may have difficulty expressing his idea due to his inability to write properly and therefore would not receive the grade he justly deserves. In addition when teachers and students communicate with one another in a classroom setting, they will naturally follow the assumptions and rules governing discourse within their respective cultures. Discourse rules govern such aspects of communication as: opening or closing conversations, taking turns during conversations, interrupting, using silence as a communicative device, as well as using nonverbal behavior. An American student studying in the Middle East, who would constantly interrupt the teacher in order to clarify the professor’s opinion, would be considered to be extremely rude since he would be defying his authority.  

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        Besides language, other factors such as cultural diversity may be the root of miscommunication. In comparison to verbal communication, non- verbal communication takes a different form in different cultures. Gestures and facial expressions play a key role in communication. However, each culture incorporates different types of gestures and disregards others. For example, in most western societies, it is customary to shake one’s hand upon introduction. However, in most oriental countries shaking one’s hand is frown upon because they believe bowing is the only acceptable type of introduction. Another example is in Hong Kong the culturally recognized ...

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