Download Oral and nonverbal communication patterns

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Riol (p. 116, 5th paragraph): “Learning the
nuances in speech that ….”
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Talking about what’s wrong is difficult for
people in high-context cultures, such as
China and Japan.
High priority on keeping harmony.
Avoid losing face.
Often communicate about problems in a
subtle, indirect fashion; may not bring up
actual incidents.
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Talking about what’s wrong is relatively easy
and straightforward in low-context cultures,
such as U.S..
May just spit it out; with a buffer in formal
writing.
Often demand a clear apology, like “I am
sorry.”
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In low-context cultures, like U.S., if one wants
to say no, he/she may explain why first.
Then the answer of no is delivered.
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Asian people say a lot of “yes.”
In high-context cultures, people say “yes”
when they simply mean “yes, I’m listening (
but may not agree).”
It is more difficult for Asian people to say
“no.” Two possible reasons: (1) do not want
to lose face, (2) harmony.
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Riol (p. 117, 2nd paragraph): “Countries that
follow monochronic time perform only one
major activity at a time …”
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People of the U.S. need more space than
Greeks, Latin Americans, or Arabs.
Chinese and Japanese stand farther away than
do U.S. people.
When conversing, U.S. people prefer the faceto-face arrangement of chairs.
When conversing, Chinese prefer the sideby-side arrangement of chairs.
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Eye contact is favored in the U.S., Canada,
U.K., East Europe; a sign of respect and
attentiveness.
Eye contact is often avoided in China, Japan,
Indonesia, Latin America; a sign of respect.
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Table 6-2, P. 123.
Age, gender, and rank also play a role in
determining whether touch is appropriate.
When used appropriately, touch can create
feelings of warmth and trust.
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Chinese do not often express emotion on
their faces.
American smile a lot.
Asians often smile when they are
embarrassed (e.g., poor performance).
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Riol (p. 131, 3rd paragraph): “Punctuality is
important …”