Komunikasi Bisnis Lintas Budaya | Irfan, S. Psi., M.M.

Summary

The video highlights the importance of understanding communication in cross-cultural contexts, emphasizing the limitations of machine translations and automated tools. It points out that while technology can assist with language translation, it fails to capture nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, which are crucial in effective communication. The presenter stresses the significance of cultural awareness in conversations and cautions against relying solely on digital translators for meaningful exchanges. The message encourages deeper reflection on the role of body language and cultural context in human interaction.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication in interactions may not be fully effective if the recipient does not understand the cultural context behind the words being used.
• 😀 The translation process can fail to capture the true meaning of the message, especially when cultural nuances are not considered.
• 😀 Using automated translators in applications may not effectively convey non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, which are important in communication.
• 😀 Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in understanding the full message, and it gets lost when only text translation is used.
• 😀 Face-to-face interactions are more effective in conveying the emotional and contextual elements of a message compared to machine translation.
• 😀 Understanding the cultural background of the speaker is essential for correctly interpreting the meaning behind their words.
• 😀 Automated translation tools, like those in smartphones, often miss the emotional and cultural depth that human communication carries.
• 😀 The translation process should consider both verbal and non-verbal elements to ensure a comprehensive understanding between parties.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on digital translators without considering the human aspects of communication.
• 😀 The speaker encourages participants to remember the importance of learning and practicing communication skills, as evidenced by the quiz mentioned at the end of the script.

Q & A

What is the focus of the 12th lecture in this course?

The 12th lecture focuses on business communication across cultures, discussing the unique challenges and components that affect communication processes in cross-cultural business settings.

Why is listening important in cross-cultural communication?

Listening is crucial because it involves more than just understanding the words spoken; it requires understanding the reasons behind the question or statement, considering cultural context, and responding effectively.

What role does cultural reference play in communication?

Cultural reference plays a significant role in communication as both the sender and receiver of a message unconsciously use their cultural frame of reference, such as knowledge, experience, norms, values, and assumptions.

Can you give an example of how assumptions and prejudices influence communication?

An example provided in the lecture is when a housemaid, coming from a different culture, assumes certain foods are off-limits, based on her past experiences, even though these assumptions might not be accurate.

What is the significance of the 'Harmonious Communication' theory in cross-cultural communication?

The 'Harmonious Communication' theory emphasizes the importance of achieving harmony in communication. In Chinese culture, the more harmonious the communication, the higher the competence in communication. However, when harmony is disrupted, emotions may surface, leading to more direct and possibly aggressive behavior.

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

High-context communication relies on implicit messages and the relationship between communicators, whereas low-context communication is more explicit, with information being directly conveyed in the words used.

How does proxemics affect communication in different cultures?

Proxemics, the study of personal space, varies across cultures. For example, Arab cultures tend to have smaller personal spaces, while Northern European cultures maintain larger personal spaces. Violating someone's personal space can lead to discomfort or anxiety.

What are the implications of using computer-mediated communication in cross-cultural business?

Using computer-mediated communication like emails can be efficient but also poses challenges. These include the risk of miscommunication due to inaccurate language or poorly structured messages, especially in cross-cultural contexts.

Why is the use of interpreters in international business meetings a potential challenge?

Interpreters can introduce challenges because non-verbal communication may be lost, and the nuances of the language might not be fully conveyed. Additionally, relying on an interpreter may slow down the communication process and potentially hinder relationship-building.

How does language influence business interactions across cultures?

Language plays a significant role in business interactions. When parties do not share a common native language, the use of a neutral language like English may be employed. However, there may be issues related to the accuracy and nuance of translations, especially when relying on interpreters or language apps.