Communication in Multicultural Settings

Joyce Anne Marasigan

27 Jan 202311:22

Summary

TLDRThis video discusses the dynamics of local and global communication within multicultural settings. It highlights the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in communication, recognizing the differences in language, attitudes, and cultural practices. The script emphasizes understanding high and low context cultures, gender sensitivity, and the impact of political correctness. It also explores time perception, contrasting sequential and synchronic views, and emotional expression in different cultures. Overall, the video stresses the need for awareness and adaptation in cross-cultural communication to foster respect and understanding.

Takeaways

🌍 Local communication is about engaging with members of your local area using a common or local language.
🌐 Global communication involves sharing, mobilizing, and relating across geographic, political, social, and cultural divides.
🤝 Cultural awareness is recognizing that different cultures have diverse attitudes and outlooks, which are influenced by religion, ethnicity, and nationality.
👥 It's important to be mindful of personal assumptions and stereotypes when engaging with people from different cultures.
🤔 Cross-cultural communication may cause uncertainty, so it's essential to take time to understand and process information before responding.
⚖️ Gender-sensitive language promotes equality by using inclusive words, such as 'chairperson' instead of 'chairman.'
🗣️ High-context cultures rely on non-verbal cues and context to convey messages, while low-context cultures prefer explicit, direct communication.
⏳ Sequential cultures view time as linear and fast-paced, while synchronic cultures see time as open-ended and flexible.
😊 Affective individuals readily show emotions, while neutral individuals control and hide their emotional expressions.
📚 Political correctness in language aims to avoid offense and promote fairness by using respectful terms for different groups in society.

Q & A

What is local communication?
-Local communication refers to the ability to communicate with people within a specific local area, using either a local language, mother tongue, or a common language shared by the community.
How does global communication differ from local communication?
-Global communication involves sharing, relating, and mobilizing across geographic, political, economic, social, and cultural divides. It redefines power and diplomacy, going beyond traditional theories of international relations.
What is cultural awareness, and why is it important?
-Cultural awareness is the understanding that there are multiple different cultures based on factors such as religion, ethnicity, and nationality. It is important because it helps individuals communicate effectively and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds.
What are some guidelines for developing cultural awareness and sensitivity?
-Some guidelines include viewing human differences positively, being aware of one's own ethnic and cultural identity, understanding personal discomfort with cultural differences, reducing stereotypes, and being mindful of how one’s own cultural perspective influences judgments.
What is gender-sensitive language, and why is it significant?
-Gender-sensitive language is the use of language that promotes gender equality by addressing men, women, and non-binary individuals as people of equal value and respect. It helps avoid gender bias and promotes inclusivity.
What are some examples of gender-neutral words?
-Examples include using 'ancestors' instead of 'forefathers', 'artificial' instead of 'man-made', and 'chairperson' instead of 'chairman'. These words avoid gender bias and promote equality.
What is the concept of political correctness in language?
-Political correctness in language refers to using words and expressions that avoid offending or disadvantaging particular social groups. It promotes respectful and inclusive communication.
What are high-context and low-context cultures?
-High-context cultures rely on non-verbal cues, tone of voice, and context to convey meaning, often leaving much of the message unstated. Low-context cultures, on the other hand, expect messages to be clear, explicit, and verbally expressed.
What is the difference between sequential and synchronic views of time?
-People with a sequential view see time as linear, with a clear beginning and end, and tend to move fast, prioritize productivity, and make decisions quickly. Those with a synchronic view see time as open-ended, considering the past, present, and future, and are more flexible and indecisive in decision-making.
What is the distinction between affective and neutral communication styles?
-Affective communication styles are more emotional and expressive, while neutral communication styles are controlled, with people being careful not to show their emotions overtly.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Understanding Local and Global Communication

This paragraph introduces the concept of local and global communication. Local communication refers to interactions within a local area, using either a local language or a shared common language. Global communication, on the other hand, involves communication across geographic, political, economic, social, and cultural divides. It highlights the importance of cultural awareness when engaging in global communication, acknowledging the diverse attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives that exist worldwide.

05:03

🤝 Embracing Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

The focus here is on cultural awareness and sensitivity, emphasizing the need to view cultural differences positively and as an opportunity for celebration. It encourages individuals to have a clear understanding of their own cultural identity, confront discomfort with differences, and address assumptions and stereotypes about other cultures. The paragraph outlines strategies for reducing the harm caused by biases and encourages taking time to learn from cross-cultural interactions.

10:04

⚖️ Gender Sensitivity and Neutrality in Language

This paragraph discusses the importance of gender-sensitive and gender-neutral language, promoting gender equality in written and spoken forms. It provides examples of replacing gendered terms like 'forefathers' with neutral alternatives like 'ancestors.' The paragraph also explores political correctness, offering terms like 'differently abled' instead of 'disabled' to avoid offending or marginalizing specific groups. It advocates for inclusivity in communication and sensitivity to both gender and cultural differences.

🗣️ High vs. Low Context Cultures in Communication

This section contrasts high-context and low-context cultures. High-context cultures rely on indirect communication, expecting others to understand through non-verbal cues or context without being explicitly told. Filipino culture is used as an example, where subtle gestures or actions convey meaning. Low-context cultures, however, require messages to be explicit and direct, with clear verbal communication being crucial for understanding.

⏳ Perspectives on Time: Sequential vs. Synchronic Cultures

This paragraph addresses how different cultures perceive and handle time. Sequential cultures view time as a linear commodity, valuing punctuality and making decisions quickly. Synchronic cultures, in contrast, perceive time as an open-ended resource, considering past, present, and future simultaneously, which leads to more deliberative decision-making. The paragraph also touches on emotional expressiveness, with 'affective' cultures openly displaying emotions and 'neutral' cultures preferring to control and conceal their feelings.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Local Communication

Local communication refers to the ability to communicate effectively within one's local area, often in the local language or a common language understood by the community. It plays a key role in facilitating interactions within small, culturally homogenous groups. In the script, local communication is seen as foundational for everyday interactions within one's immediate surroundings.

💡Global Communication

Global communication describes the methods used to share information across geographical, political, social, and cultural divides. It emphasizes interconnectedness and the role of modern telecommunications in fostering economic, social, and political interdependence. The script highlights how global communication challenges traditional notions of power and diplomacy, shaping international relations in new ways.

💡Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness is the understanding that different cultures, based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, and other factors, have distinct attitudes and practices. The script emphasizes the importance of being aware of these differences, particularly when communicating across cultures, and encourages viewing these differences positively, as a cause for celebration.

💡Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity involves recognizing and respecting the differences in cultural norms, values, and communication styles. It includes guidelines such as being aware of stereotypes, acknowledging personal biases, and understanding how cultural perspectives shape judgments. The script suggests that cultural sensitivity is crucial for effective communication in multicultural settings.

💡High Context Culture

High context culture refers to communication styles where much of the message is implied or understood through context, non-verbal cues, and shared cultural knowledge, rather than being explicitly stated. The script uses examples from Filipino culture, where indirect communication is common, and people rely on understanding subtle hints and social norms.

💡Low Context Culture

Low context culture is characterized by direct and explicit communication, where messages are fully spelled out and clear. The script contrasts this with high context cultures, explaining that people in low context cultures tend to prioritize verbal expression and explicitness in their communication.

💡Sequential Time Perception

Sequential time perception is the view that time is linear, with events occurring in a specific order. People with this perception tend to value punctuality, productivity, and decisiveness. The script describes this as a fast-paced mindset, where individuals focus on maximizing time and adhering to schedules.

💡Synchronous Time Perception

Synchronous time perception views time as more flexible and open-ended, with less emphasis on strict schedules. People with this perception are more likely to consider the past, present, and future simultaneously, and may take more time to make decisions, valuing relationships and emotions over efficiency. The script contrasts this approach with the sequential perception of time.

💡Gender Sensitivity

Gender sensitivity involves using language and communication practices that promote gender equality by avoiding gendered biases. The script highlights the importance of using gender-neutral terms like 'chairperson' instead of 'chairman' and avoiding assumptions about roles based on gender. This aligns with broader efforts to foster inclusivity in multicultural communication.

💡Political Correctness

Political correctness refers to the use of language and policies designed to avoid offending or disadvantaging people from marginalized groups. The script provides examples of terms like 'differently abled' instead of 'disabled' to illustrate how political correctness aims to foster respect and equality in communication, particularly in diverse settings.

Highlights

Local communication refers to communicating within a local area, using a local language or a common language spoken in the town.

Global communication encompasses methods of sharing, protecting, and mobilizing across geographic, political, economic, and social divides.

Global communication redefines power and diplomacy, moving beyond traditional international relations theories.

The global community is interconnected economically, socially, and politically through modern telecommunications.

Cultural awareness is crucial in communication, as it involves understanding that different cultures have unique attitudes and practices based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, and other factors.

We must view human differences positively and celebrate them, while also having a clear understanding of our own ethnic, cultural, and racial identity.

It's essential to recognize personal discomfort when encountering differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, language, and ethnicity.

Be aware of stereotypes and develop strategies to minimize their harmful effects in communication.

In cross-cultural situations, uncertainty is natural, but it’s important to take the time to gather more information and not rush judgments.

Cultural sensitivity requires actively seeking opportunities to learn about cultural differences and building relationships with people from various backgrounds.

Gender-sensitive language emphasizes equality and respect by using gender-neutral terms, such as 'ancestors' instead of 'forefathers' and 'chairperson' instead of 'chairman.'

Political correctness is important in communication, ensuring that language doesn’t offend or disadvantage any group, such as using 'differently-abled' instead of 'disabled.'

High-context cultures rely on non-verbal cues, context, and implicit messages, while low-context cultures expect clear, explicit communication.

Sequential cultures view time as linear, focusing on efficiency and productivity, while synchronic cultures see time as open-ended and flexible.

Affective cultures express emotions openly, while neutral cultures tend to be more restrained and controlled in emotional expression.