1. Chapter 2 Communicating Across Cultures
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2. Cross-Cultural Communication: Its Importance
Globalization
International Business
Workplace Requirements
Communication with international coworkers & customers
Less misinterpretation
Improves workplace productivity
Enrichment of business and personal life
The better you understand other cultures the more efficiently you can adapt your words, sentences and overall messages.
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3. What Is Culture?
How would you define culture? The collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one category of people from another.
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4. Factors Impacting Culture
What is the topography of the country? (tropical vs. colder countries)
What is the country’s history? (Wars, International movements)
What role does religion play in the culture? (Middle Eastern countries vs. Western countries)
Sensitivity to these factors enables you to conduct and strive in the business environment & helps avoid ethnocentrism.
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5. Factors Impacting Culture
Ethnocentrism- The tendency to see only your cultural programming as normal and judging another culture solely by the values and standards of your own.
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6. Body Positions and Movement
Differs from culture to culture
Short steps vs. Long steps
Asian cultures use shorter steps whiles in the US people will use longer strides while walking.
Eye Contact
Indonesian culture: rude to look directly at the eyes of those holding higher position in the company.
It is rude to stare in Western cultures.
Squatting vs. Sitting
Squatting is a very common business practice in some countries, we however view it as primitive!!
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7. Body Positions and Movement
Head movement
Shaking the head “yes” or “no” means little in some cultures.
Hand gestures
The “OK” sign (thumbs up) is insulting in many countries like Russia and Germany. However it is perfectly fine to use it in US.
Touching can be viewed unfavorable in many cultures. Chinese do not like touching.
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8. Factors of Human Relationships
Time [Monochronic Vs Polychronic]
Monochronic :Time must be planned for efficient use especially in Western countries
Polychronic: Time is viewed as more relaxed especially in the Middle Eastern and some Asian countries
Space [Talking face-to-face, Queues]
Western cultures are more accustomed to have distance with each other when talking
South East Asian people are not so particular about personal space
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9. Factors of Human Relationships
Odors
Some cultures are not too particular about body odor but in most it is treated as unhygienic.
Frankness
North Americans are more direct, upfront and blunt while the British are more conservative and implicit.
Intimacy of Relationships
The existence of social classes, how women are treated, what questions can be asked to each other.
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10. Factors of Human Relationships
Workplace values
The Indian culture encourages spiritual and human well-being and productivity is considered second in priority
Expressions of emotion
Asian cultures strongly frown upon public display of affection
Westerners will accept moderate forms of it
Laughter is a spontaneous display of joy while, in some cultures laughing too loud is thought to be rude
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11. Problems of Language 1. Lack of Language Equivalency
You will not find equivalent words with the same meaning in all languages. Ex- Pasta in Italian
There are grammatical differences in languages
Equivalent translations difficult
Back translating: involves using two translators, one with first-language skills in one of the languages involved and one with first-language skills in the other language
If translations are good, then second translation matches the first.
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12. Problems of Language 2. Difficulties with English
It is the common language used in International Business
Multiple meanings of words
Two-word verbs
Slang and colloquialisms
Culturally derived words/phrases
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13. Multiple Meanings of Words
Possible meanings of run:
To move fast
To compete for office
A score in cricket/baseball
A type of stitching
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14. Two Word Verbs Two-Word Verb Give Up Surrender Go On Continue Take Off
Put Off
Figure Out
Track Down
Substitute
Surrender
Continue
Depart
Delay
Solve
Find

15. Slang & Colloquialism We talked about this in previous chapters
When using cross-cultural communication, misunderstanding with these words increases.
Couch potato
Nut job
Pumped
Douche Bag
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16. Tips: Communicating Cross-Culturally
Do your research
Know yourself and your company
Adapt your English to your audience
Be open to change
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