Language and Culture
What does language reflect besides words and grammar?
The history, values, and worldview of a nation.
Which language has the word «Schadenfreude»?
German.
Who developed the theory of high-context and low-context cultures?
Anthropologist Edward T. Hall.
What is non-verbal communication?
Communication without words.
What is cross-cultural communication?
The exchange of information between people from different cultures.
What does the Portuguese word «saudade» express?
Nostalgia or longing for something lost or absent.
Which countries are examples of low-context cultures?
The USA, Germany, and Switzerland.
Name two examples of non-verbal communication.
Gestures and facial expressions.
What is the main goal of cross-cultural communication?
Achieving mutual understanding.
Why can idioms be difficult for foreigners to understand?
Because they require cultural and background knowledge.
What is the main characteristic of low-context communication?
Direct, precise, and explicit communication.
What can distort the intended meaning of communication?
Idioms, slang, speaking pace, and subtext.
Why might a Japanese person avoid saying "No" directly?
Because direct refusal may be considered rude.
Why can eye contact cause misunderstandings between cultures?
Because different cultures interpret eye contact differently.