How culture affects communication

Summary

In this discussion, Brooklyn explores how culture influences communication by examining the concepts of individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, and masculinity vs. femininity. These cultural aspects shape nonverbal cues like physical proximity and eye contact, as well as verbal communication styles. Examples from various countries illustrate these dynamics, highlighting the complexity of cross-cultural interactions.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Culture is a complex and evolving set of values, beliefs, and traditions passed down through generations.
• 🗣️ Communication is defined as the use of symbols, verbal or nonverbal, to convey messages between individuals.
• 👥 Individualism vs. Collectivism: Cultures that value individualism prioritize personal goals over group needs, while collectivist cultures emphasize group harmony and interdependence.
• 🔎 Power Distance: This concept describes the perceived space between those with high and low power status within a culture, affecting communication dynamics and social hierarchy.
• 💪 Masculinity vs. Femininity: Cultures with a high masculinity index tend to value assertiveness and competitiveness, whereas those with a high femininity index value cooperation and nurturing.
• 🌍 Global Diversity: The example of population distribution across continents highlights the vast diversity in cultural values and communication styles worldwide.
• 🤝 Nonverbal Communication: Physical proximity, eye contact, body posture, and facial expressions are influenced by cultural values of individualism and collectivism.
• 🌁 Power Distance in Practice: High power distance cultures, like China and Japan, maintain a rigid social hierarchy, whereas low power distance cultures, such as Norway and New Zealand, encourage social mobility.
• 🌱 Cultural Evolution: Cultures are not static; they evolve over time, influencing how communication norms and practices change within societies.
• 🔍 Study Insights: Research by Michigan State University professor Donald Conlon provides insights into global cultural diversity and its impact on communication.

Q & A

What is the definition of culture according to the transcript?

Culture is defined as a set of values, beliefs, and traditions that are used every day and are often passed on from generation to generation. They are complex and always evolving.

How is communication defined in the context of the transcript?

Communication is defined by Geddens as the use of symbols used by one human to convey a message to another human, which can be verbal or nonverbal.

What are some examples of verbal communication mentioned in the transcript?

Examples of verbal communication include the tone, volume, and pronunciation of the words used when speaking with someone.

What are some key characteristics of nonverbal communication discussed in the script?

Key characteristics of nonverbal communication include the level of eye contact, overall body posture, physical proximity, and facial expressions.

What are the three main concepts that affect communication between cultures according to the transcript?

The three main concepts that affect communication between cultures are individualism versus collectivism, power distance, and masculinity versus femininity.

How does individualism versus collectivism affect nonverbal communication?

In cultures that value individualism, people may not be as comfortable being physically close to others during communication, whereas in collectivist cultures, where people feel more connected, they might be more comfortable with closer physical proximity.

What is power distance and how does it affect communication?

Power distance is the level of space between those in a low power status versus those in a high power status, and it affects communication by influencing the respect and interaction between different power levels within a culture.

What are some examples of high power distance cultures mentioned in the transcript?

Examples of high power distance cultures mentioned are China and Japan, where people often inherit their power status and it's difficult to move between classes.

How does the level of masculinity or femininity in a culture affect communication?

In cultures that value masculinity, assertiveness, aggressiveness, competitiveness, and dominance are common traits, while in cultures that value femininity, calm, caring, cooperative, and patient characteristics are more prevalent.

What are the implications of a culture's preference for masculinity on communication styles?

In cultures that prefer masculinity, communication styles might be more assertive and competitive, with both men and women displaying these traits, although men might be more likely to do so.

What does the demographic distribution of the world's population according to the Michigan State University study indicate about cultural diversity?

The study indicates that North America is significantly less populous compared to other regions like Asia, highlighting the vast cultural diversity in the world.