1. Cultural Differences In Communication By Kjersti Naeringsrud Diplomatic Academy of London

2. Topics Definitions: Culture and Communication Key Aspects of Intercultural Communication Cultural Contexts: Hall Non-Verbal Communication Potential Communication Problems Tips for Effective Communication Conclusion

3. Definitions Communication : A process in which a person, through the use of signs/symbols, verbally and/or non verbally, but intentionally, conveys meaning to another in order to affect change. Culture: System of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another.

4. 5 Key Aspects That May Have an Impact on Intercultural Communication 1. Level of Formality 2. Level of Directness and Explicitness 3. Perception of Time  Monochronic-time cultures ( Western countries)  Polychronic-time cultures (Asia, Latin-America) 4. Individualism vs. Collectivism 5. Show of Emotions

5. Cultural Contexts: Hall High Context Cultures  Relationships are long lasting  Agreements tend to be spoken  Cultural Patterns are slow to change Low Context Cultures  Messages must be explicit  Agreements are written  Cultural patterns are faster to change

6. Non Verbal Communication By some estimates, 75 percent of all communication is non-verbal Stance Gesture Eye movement Voice quality Dress: a contextual clue

7. Potential Communication Problems Problems with translation Problems with pronunciation Problems with choice and meaning  Ambiguous words  Unfamiliar words Problems with slang and idiomatic expressions

8. Tips for Effective Communication Across Cultures Develop a sense of cultural awareness Do away with ethnocentrism Recognize differences Show respect for your counterparts Learn to adapt Be more tolerant

9. Conclusion Because people of different cultures differ in the way they do things,the way they view things and they way they communicate,it is important that we develop an awareness of what it means to come from our own culture and make the effort to achieve a better understanding of how things may operate differently in other cultures.

10. References Mead, Richard,(1998). International Management Seely, H.Ned, Seely –James, Alan,(1995). Culture Clash Weaver,Gary R,(1996). Culture,Communication and Conflict:Readings in Intercultural Realtions