UNDERSTANDINGTHE INFLUENCES OF GENDER,AGE,CULTURE ..THROUGH THE DIMENSIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS

Summary

This video script explores the influence of sociocultural dimensions on communication, highlighting the impact of age, gender, religion, culture, and social status. It emphasizes how miscommunication often arises from misunderstandings of cultural norms and values. The script discusses the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication, with a focus on cultural variations like respect, authority, and gender roles. It further explains the eight dimensions of communication, including formal vs. informal, intentional vs. unintentional, and oral vs. written communication. The message encourages cultural sensitivity for more effective, harmonious interactions in diverse contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Age influences communication and appearance, with some older individuals dressing like younger people to fit in with the youth culture.
• 😀 Gender plays a significant role in communication styles; men are expected to be assertive, while women are often expected to be passive or non-confrontational.
• 😀 Religion and cultural practices influence communication, as seen in the examples of Ireland's Holy Communion and cultural attire in the Philippines and Arab countries.
• 😀 Miscommunication often arises from not understanding cultural and social influences, leading to misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication.
• 😀 Verbal and non-verbal dimensions of communication should align, with words and actions working together to clearly convey messages and avoid confusion.
• 😀 Cultural differences, such as the Filipino practice of looking down when speaking to authority figures, can lead to misunderstandings with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• 😀 In some cultures, there is a hierarchy in communication, such as in Thailand, where no one sits higher than the king, and teachers hold higher status than students.
• 😀 Formal and informal communication dimensions differ across cultures, with some cultures requiring formal titles and others using more casual language even in professional settings.
• 😀 Women often prefer sharing personal problems with female teachers, as they perceive them as more sympathetic and understanding.
• 😀 Intentional and unintentional communication both carry meaning, and it's important to be aware of non-verbal messages and mannerisms that may not always align with spoken words.
• 😀 Understanding the eight dimensions of communication—verbal, non-verbal, oral, written, formal, informal, intentional, and unintentional—is key to effective and respectful communication across cultures.

Q & A

How do age and fashion influence communication?

Age influences communication through dress and appearance, as demonstrated by mature women who may dress like teenagers to appear younger and fit in with younger generations. This can impact how others perceive them and influence social interactions.

What is the significance of Holy Communion in Ireland, and how does it reflect religious influences on communication?

In Ireland, Holy Communion is a major event celebrated similarly to a wedding, reflecting the strong religious influence on cultural practices. This affects communication by emphasizing the importance of tradition and ceremonial events in Irish society.

How do religious practices affect communication, as seen in the Philippines and Arab countries?

In the Philippines, women often wear long skirts or dresses, reflecting the influence of religious and cultural norms. Similarly, in Arab countries, traditional attire, such as long dresses for women, is influenced by religious practices that shape daily interactions and communication.

What role do miscommunication and cultural awareness play in effective communication?

Miscommunication arises when individuals are unaware of the cultural dimensions of communication, leading to misunderstandings. Being aware of these cultural influences can prevent communication breakdowns and foster better understanding and relationships.

What are the eight dimensions of communication discussed in the video?

The eight dimensions of communication are verbal, non-verbal, oral, written, formal, informal, intentional, and unintentional. These dimensions describe different ways in which messages are conveyed, both through words and actions.

How do verbal and non-verbal communication interact?

Verbal communication involves the use of words and language, while non-verbal communication encompasses facial expressions, gestures, and body movements. For effective communication, both should align to avoid misunderstandings and clearly convey the message.

What differences exist between Filipino and Western communication styles?

Filipinos tend to be indirect in written communication, using more complex language, while Westerners prefer directness and simplicity in their communication. This difference can lead to misunderstandings if not understood and respected.

What is the difference between formal and informal communication?

Formal communication adheres to strict etiquette and is used in official settings, like business meetings, while informal communication is more casual and occurs among friends, often disregarding formalities such as language or attire.

How does gender influence communication, particularly in terms of assertiveness?

In many cultures, men are expected to be assertive in both language and action, while women are often expected to be more passive or non-confrontational. These expectations can lead to miscommunication if both genders don't understand these roles in their interactions.

How do intentional and unintentional dimensions of communication affect messages?

Intentional communication involves deliberate messages with a clear purpose, while unintentional communication includes messages that may be conveyed unintentionally through non-verbal cues or actions, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.