Communication

Communication

Communication is only possible when we all know the code. Each culture has its own code and the key to good cross-cultural communication is being able to recognise the code of the other culture and also of our own.

Culture and Communication

The message sent and the message received are rarely the same thing despite the clarity of the words. Verbal and non verbal language, vocabulary, perception, relationships - all affect how we send and receive the message. How does our Western culture do this? By examining our own communication process we open up the possibility for understanding how others might do it differently.

"Belittling another point of view is easier than understanding it."

Rabbi Lionel Blue

Cross-cultural Communication

The most obvious difference between cultures is the language. But even communicating across cultures in the same langage is a challenge if all the other encoders are different. We all want to be polite and respectful, but what if maintaining eye contact is polite in one culture and impolite in another. The use of silence, the form and content of greeting, the tone of voice, the use of humour - all affect how we communicate. Learning some skills in cross-cultural communication will help you minimise the risk of misunderstanding and being misunderstood.

Feedback

This session has made me more aware of the potential shortfalls in communication when dealing with cross-cultural situations.

Customer Service Concierge

culture identity communication