Intercultural communication

1. Intercultural communication

2. Glossary • Communication: • A process involving one or more persons sending and receiving messages during some kind of social interaction. This process is not as simple as it first appears because the process has many layers.

3. How do people communicate? Verbal communication is language, spoken or written. However it only accounts for about 35% of actual communication. Non verbal cues make up about 50% of the message. The meaning of the message is also influenced by tone, volume, levels of formality, speed and pauses.

4. A Model of communication • Message • Verbal • Non-verbal • Cultural Context Sender Receiver Interference (Can be caused by intercultural misunderstanding) The response usually reveals whether the message has been understood

5. Verbal communication • There are two types of verbal communication: • The ‘verbal text’is the actual words that are spoken. • ‘Vocal paralanguage’ is the different ways in which the words can be said. E.g. “Come here,” could be spoken in a firm, loud voice by a teacher on playground duty or in a soft, friendly manner by a family member in your household.

6. Nonverbal communication • Research suggests that nonverbal communication is more important in understanding human behaviour than the words people say.

8. Messages are communicated through many un-voiced means, including: • Clothing & hairstyles • Body language • Gestures • Eye contact • Personal space • Patterns of touch • Observable cultural differences

9. Gestures and their meaning differ between cultures. • For example, giving directions to someone by pointing is considered rude in parts of Asia.

11. Questions.. • What are the norms/customs dictating body language in Australia? • How might a person’s cultural background affect this? • Is there room for individualism?

12. Glossary • Customs: • Established ways of thinking and acting. • Socialisation: • The process by which we learn to become members of society, by internalising the norms and values of society, and learning to perform social roles.

13. Styles of communication There are three main styles of communication that people use. These will effect the message being sent: • Passive They often take a secondary position to other people and communicate this by stating that the receiver’s needs are of primary importance and that whatever the receiver of the message feels or wants is correct.

14. Aggressive The aggressive sender believes strongly in his/her own rights and does not feel that other people’s rights are as important as their own. • Assertive The assertive person expresses his/her own needs while also effectively listening to the receiver’s responses.

15. Glossary • Values: • Those things, which a person feels are very important to them. Values often influence how we view the world

16. Contexts of Communication • Communication always takes place within a context. • Some cultures are regarded as high-context and others are low-context.

17. High-context cultures • These place a high emphasis on non-verbal communication and implicit factors of the communication. • E.G. Japan and India • Characteristics: • Indirect • Implicit/Nonverbal • Formal • Goal oriented • Emotionally controlled • Self-effacing/Modest

18. Low-Context cultures • These cultures put less emphasis on non-verbal communication and social hierarchies. • E.G. US, Canada, Great Britain • Characteristics: • Explicit/Verbal • Informal • Spontaneous • Emotionally expressive • Self-promoting/ Egocentric

19. What about Australia? • Self help is a valued attribute in Australia. • Inherited privilege is viewed negatively • Working in pairs think of 8 more characteristics of Australian culture. • Hint: Think about the values that our national songs, poems, myths and stereotypes perpetuate.