Lesson 3: Intercultural Communication

Overview

Communication with people who are from other cultures and other countries requires special sensitivity and enhanced skills. As you read the chapter, think about not only the language barriers that often exist but also the cultural barriers that affect communication. When you finish reading, look for opportunities to communicate with people from cultures other than your own and take note of the accommodations you must make to communicate well.

Objectives

After reading and studying Chapter 3 you will be able to:

1. discuss three trends that have made intercultural business communication so important.

2. list three main barriers to intercultural communication.

3. list nine ways people can differ culturally.

4. explain the principal difference between high-context and low-context cultures.

5. list things you can do to learn about a particular culture.

6. describe six ways you can overcome cultural barriers to written communication.

The relaxation of trade barriers, the resulting rise in international business, and the increased use of new technologies have increased opportunities to communicate with someone who speaks a different language or belongs to a different culture. Developing good intercultural business communication skills will become increasingly important if you are to succeed in the multicultural global marketplace.

The biggest barriers to effective intercultural communication are cultural differences, language barriers, and ethnocentric reactions.

Cultural differences can show up in social values, ideas of status, decision-making habits, attitudes toward time, use of space, cultural context, body language, manners, and legal and ethical behavior.

In a high-context culture, information is conveyed implicitly. People rely less on verbal communication and more on nonverbal actions and environmental settings to convey meanings. In a low-content culture, the written word is highly valued. People rely more on verbal communication and less on circumstances and cues to convey meaning.

You can learn about a culture by reading books and articles, talking to people who are part of that culture or who have done business with the culture’s members, visiting the country, learning the language, and studying the country’s history, religion, politics, values, and customs.

To overcome cultural barriers to written communication use short, precise words; rely on specific terms and concrete examples; avoid using slang, idioms, jargon, and buzzwords; use short simple sentences; use short paragraphs that stick to one topic; and use transitional phrases.

Assignment

Read and study Chapter 3 paying particular attention to Communicating Across Cultures on page 66 and 74. Complete the self-study quiz to determine if you understand the concepts presented. To reinforce the concepts learned answer the Critical Thinking Questions on page 84, email your responses to your instructor.