Barriers to INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Summary

In this video, Teacher Giselle discusses the barriers to intercultural communication, which include language differences, body language, varying levels of context, differing views on time, negative stereotypes, and emotional expression. She explains how cultural variations in communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and discomfort, such as different interpretations of body language or punctuality. The video emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and respectful of cultural differences in order to foster better communication and relationships across diverse groups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intercultural communication is the study of how culture affects communication between different social groups.
• 😀 Language differences are a major barrier to communication, as words may not translate perfectly between languages, and dialects, accents, and slang can cause misunderstandings.
• 😀 Body language can vary greatly across cultures, and differences in personal space and eye contact may lead to discomfort or offense.
• 😀 Low-context cultures (e.g., English-speaking cultures) rely on explicit words to convey messages, while high-context cultures (e.g., Japan) expect listeners to infer meaning from the context.
• 😀 In high-context cultures, saying 'yes' or 'maybe' can mean 'no,' which differs from the straightforward nature of low-context communication.
• 😀 The value of time varies between cultures, with North Americans often prioritizing punctuality and deadlines, while other cultures may prioritize relationships over strict time management.
• 😀 Negative stereotypes and prejudices based on culture can lead to communication issues and unfair treatment, as seen in cases of ethnocentrism.
• 😀 Emotions are expressed differently across cultures, with some cultures (e.g., the UK and Japan) maintaining tight control over emotions, while others (e.g., Italy and France) are more expressive.
• 😀 Misunderstandings can occur when people from different cultures have different communication styles, leading to anxiety or avoidance in interactions.
• 😀 To overcome intercultural communication barriers, it's important to be open-minded and respectful of others' beliefs, cultures, ages, races, and genders.

Q & A

What is intercultural communication?

Intercultural communication is the discipline that studies communication across different cultures and social groups, and how culture affects communication. It focuses on the challenges and processes of communicating in a diverse environment, such as within organizations or social contexts made up of individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

What is one of the main challenges in intercultural communication?

One of the main challenges is language differences. If individuals speak different languages, they may struggle to communicate effectively, even if one has studied the other's language or an interpreter is available. Additionally, dialects, accents, and slang can complicate understanding.

How can body language cause communication problems in intercultural contexts?

Body language can vary significantly between cultures, leading to misunderstandings or offense. For instance, in Latin America, people might stand closer to each other compared to North Americans, which could make the latter feel uncomfortable or crowded.

What is the difference between low-context and high-context cultures?

Low-context cultures, such as many English-speaking cultures, rely on explicit verbal communication where the message is clear and direct. In contrast, high-context cultures, like Japan, expect individuals to infer meaning from the situation rather than just relying on spoken words.

Why is punctuality valued differently across cultures?

In cultures like the U.S., punctuality is highly valued and considered a sign of professionalism. However, in some Middle Eastern or South American cultures, relationships take precedence over strict adherence to time, so being late may not be viewed negatively if it allows for relationship-building.

How do cultural views of time affect communication and behavior?

Different cultures view time differently. In North American cultures, time is seen as linear, and meeting deadlines is crucial. In contrast, cultures in Asia or South America may prioritize results over deadlines, sometimes leading to a more flexible approach to time.

What role do negative stereotypes and prejudices play in intercultural communication?

Stereotypes and prejudices can create barriers to communication, as they often lead to misunderstandings and unfair treatment. For example, a teacher may assume a student from a particular culture has poor language skills, which could result in the teacher treating them unfairly.

How do emotional expressions differ across cultures?

Emotions are expressed differently across cultures. In the United Kingdom and Japan, people typically maintain control over their emotions, while in countries like Italy and France, individuals are more likely to openly display their feelings. This difference can lead to misunderstandings, as loud expressions may be viewed as inappropriate in certain cultures.

Why might someone from one culture feel anxious when interacting with someone from a different culture?

Anxiety can arise from differences in communication styles, values, and emotional expressions. This discomfort may lead people to withdraw from interaction, avoiding communication altogether out of fear of miscommunication or offending the other person.

What is the best approach to overcoming barriers in intercultural communication?

The best approach is to remain open-minded and respectful of other cultures, beliefs, and practices. Acknowledging and understanding cultural differences can help reduce misunderstandings and promote more effective communication.