Cross-Cultural Communication

 

Cross-cultural communication, is that which occurs between

people who may have different cultural perspectives. This can include

the entire range of differences from nationality to age to different

departments within the same organization.

The activities in this project are intended to facilitate effective

communication across a wide range of differences. Many of the

are written with instructions that address needs for a specific

audience (e.g., gender or generation). We encourage you, the

user, to adapt the activities to fit the needs of the particular audience

with whom you are working.

LaRay Barna (1997) has identified six primary sources of crosscultural

miscommunication:

1. Assumption of similarities. The “invisible” aspects of our culture

lead us to assume our communication style and way of

behaving is how “everyone” communicates and behaves. When

they act “like us” we think they are right or we don’t give it

much thought. When someone acts differently, we may judge

them negatively.

2. Language differences. Speaking a non-native language can easily

lead to miscommunication. Even people speaking the same

language can experience miscommunication because the same

word can mean something very different. For example, “pop”

on the west coast of the United States usually means a soda

drink, while on the east coast it often refers to drug use or

shooting someone; being “stuffed” in the United States generally

means you have had too much to eat, while in Australia it

often means you are pregnant. These are differences that can

have serious miscommunication impacts.

3. Nonverbal m  isinterpretations. We send and receive wordless

messages through body language, facial expression, and eye

contact. Even clothing and furniture style can communicate

an intended or unintended message.

4. Preconceptions and stereotypes. Culture influences the way we

see the world. Preconceived notions and stereotyping occur

when “oversimplified” characteristics are used to judge a

group of people or an individual associated with a group.

5. Tendency to evaluate. When we hear communication or observe

behavior, we tend to interpret the message or the action

through our cultural lens. We may evaluate the message or

behavior as “good” or “bad” without really understanding the

intent.

6. High anxiety. Not understanding what is appropriate or expected

can raise our anxiety level. Miscommunication can be a

direct result of being in an anxious state.

Francisco Bagulho-TUA