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Overview on Cross-­Cultural Communication Overview Cross-­cultural communication is sharing thoughts and ideas through verbal and nonverbal ways, resulting in the ability to create and cultivate relationships with individuals from differing cultural backgrounds. By its very nature, communication is cultural and must be considered in context or through the lens of the participants’ culture(s). As we learn to speak and give nonverbal messages to convey our thoughts and needs to others, our communication style is influenced by our families and our childhood experiences. Once we begin interacting with the world outside our immediate community, however, we learn that there are other communication styles, both similar to and different from our own. If we believe that communication is interactive, then we must strive to match our styles to those of others and to challenge ourselves to create relationships of merit. Our preferred style may be adapted situationally and in response to variable factors, such as context, personalities, our responses, or even our frame of mind. Our goal is to be effective when sharing in the give-­‐and-­‐take of communication. Are we phrasing our language and syntax in a way that makes sense? Are we listening to what the other person is saying? Do their responses indicate that we have a shared understanding of the words and the meaning behind them? Are we building camaraderie and trust? Are there differences that relate to ineffective communication, contradictory goals or interests, or fundamentally diverse ways of interpreting the world around us? All of these questions and more need to be put forward if we truly want to be good communicators with new attitudes and skills. With the rise of instantaneous methods of communication and social networking, it is even more imperative to realize the importance of cross-­‐cultural communication in our everyday life and work. Operating from a base of respect and equality in the communication process makes dealing with different or difficult circumstances far more manageable for everyone. Coexistence starts with dialogue and this open exchange of ideas and positions is the basis of communication. We need to adopt a cross-­‐cultural and truly global perspective in order to work effectively across languages and cultures. At this point, we must recognize the distinction between cross-­‐cultural and intercultural communication. Many researchers posit that understanding cross-­‐
cultural communication is a necessary skill that precedes understanding intercultural communication. Cross-­‐cultural communication has been defined as the comparison of communication across cultures, and intercultural communication as the ability to communicate between people from differing cultural backgrounds. Skills to be developed include language, verbal and nonverbal communication Core Skills, Cross-­‐Cultural Communication  Association for Childhood Education International Page 1 across cultures; understanding cultural influences on the expression and perception of identity and group communication; communication in cross-­‐ or intercultural relationships; and adapting to unknown cultures. To develop these skills, be aware of the similarities and differences in perception of: •
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Formality of speech and language (e.g., choose proper tense and reference, refrain from using slang) Etiquette, rules, or manners (e.g., what is considered polite) Body language (e.g., how you sit or stand may have alternate or additional meaning) Verbal and nonverbal cues (e.g., direct speech, implied meaning, signs or symbols) Personal or physical space (e.g., “comfort zones”) Social values and customs (e.g., what are the norms or standards of conduct, be aware of how sex or religion can inform behaviors) Concept of time (e.g., what is considered “late” may differ) Humor (e.g., what you find funny may strike another as rude or offensive) Privacy (e.g., asking personal questions may be invasive or improper). Learning as much as possible about another language or culture will enhance your ability to communicate with others. When encountering someone who does not share your home language or culture, talk to people who have interacted with members of that culture or observe the similarities and differences with a respectful eye. Concentrate on learning something about the culture's history and social structures, values, and customs. Find out about a country's subcultures and any special rules of protocol. Here are some tips when cross-­‐ or interculturally communicating: •
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Take responsibility for effective communication Act and speak respectfully Show an appreciable consideration for differences Recognize your own biases and avoid judgments or stereotyping Empathize, be patient and constant Formulate clear messages with the other person or group in mind Tolerate and embrace ambiguity with a flexible nature Seek common ground and deeper meaning beyond the superficial impression Be aware of language and cultural barriers by increasing your cultural sensitivity. Even if we have made every attempt to communicate effectively, there will be times that miscommunications, misunderstandings, or even conflict will arise. If there are significant language barriers or cultural differences between the communicators, the likelihood of such occurrences increases. If there is no attempt made to increase cultural awareness or appreciation on either participants’ part, the likelihood of misunderstanding again increases. It is our responsibility to ensure that our role in Core Skills, Cross-­‐Cultural Communication  Association for Childhood Education International Page 2 the communication cycle is as positive and constructive as possible. Our intent must be to communicate with respect and clarity. We must strive to provide the meaning of our thoughts and ideas, and to share our understanding of the world and our place in it, so that we earn and give respect in our relationships with others. Resources – Cross-­Cultural Communication Books and Articles Communication Between Cultures, Larry A. Samovar, Reichard E. Porter, and Edwin R. McDaniel, Wadsworth Publishing, 2009 Cross-­Cultural and Intercultural Communication, by William B. Gudykunst, Sage Publications, 2003 Cross Cultural Communication Journal, Publisher: Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture (CAOOC) (http://cscanada.net/index.php/ccc/index) The Cross-­cultural Communication Trainer's Manual: Designing Cross-­cultural Training, John Cutler, Gower Pub Co, 2005 Eight Quick Tips for Improving Global Cross-­Cultural Communications, Suzanne Kaplan and Carol Cunningham, Diversity Factor, Vol. 18, Issue 2, pp. 33-­‐38, Summer 2010 "Explore Partisan Perceptions," Roger Fisher, Elizabeth Kopelman and Andrea Kupfer Schneider. In Beyond Machiavelli: Tools for Coping With Conflict, Cambridge, London: Harvard University Press, 1994, pp. 21-­‐23 Intercultural Communication: A Reader, Larry Samovar, Richard Porter, and Edwin McDaniel, Wadsworth Publishing, 13th Edition, 2012 "Managing Communications," Peace Watch, Vol. II, No. 5, August 1996, pp. 1-­‐2. Online Training Program on Intractable Conflict, Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado (http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace) “Cross-­Cultural Communication Strategies” “Conflict Management and Constructive Confrontation: A Guide to the Theory and Practice” Core Skills, Cross-­‐Cultural Communication  Association for Childhood Education International Page 3 Cross-­Cultural Communication Related Websites Beyond Intractability (http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/cross-­‐
cultural_communication/) Book Rags (http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Cross-­‐cultural_communication) Buzzle.com (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/intercultural-­‐communications/) Clearly Cultural (http://www.clearlycultural.com/) The Culture Network Intermundo – describes itself as “the leading “intercultural network on the Internet.” They publish articles on various aspects of intercultural communication and current affairs, reviews of books, information about relevant conferences, educational videos, and run online discussion forums. (http://intermundo.net/) International Communication Association (ICA). “ICA is an academic association for scholars interested in the study, teaching and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication.” (http://www.icahdq.org/) “The Intercultural Communication Institute (ICI) is a nonprofit charity with the mission of fostering an awareness and appreciation of cultural difference in both the international and domestic arenas. (http://www.intercultural.org/) Journal of Intercultural Communication “The goal of the journal is to promote research but also education and training in the area of intercultural communication. The journal is an outgrowth of the activities of NIC – the Nordic Network for Intercultural Communication.” (http://www.immi.se/intercultural/policy.htm) Mind Tools (http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/Cross-­‐Cultural-­‐
communication.htm) The University of British Columbia Centre for Intercultural Communication “The Centre for Intercultural Communication (CIC) at The University of British Columbia recognizes that understanding and respect between cultures is the key to success in the global arena.” (http://cic.cstudies.ubc.ca/) Core Skills, Cross-­‐Cultural Communication  Association for Childhood Education International Page 4